Precursor Ventures
Precursor Ventures is a classic pre-seed and seed stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Founded in 2015, the firm has invested in over 400 companies with a simple philosophy: invest in people over product. They are known for being willing to back first-time entrepreneurs and companies at the earliest stages, sometimes even before product-market fit. 1
What makes Precursor unique is their "institutional friends and family" approach. They systematically back 30-40 unproven, first-time entrepreneurs per year at the earliest stages, treating each investment like they are backing a friend or family member they believe in. 4
Investment Philosophy
Precursor Ventures focuses on the founder, not the pitch deck. Their philosophy centers on three principles:
People Over Product: They look at the founder first, the idea second. Even with no product or revenue, if they believe in the founder, they will invest. 2
Long-term Relationships: They invest in relationships, not just transactions. This means staying with founders through multiple raises and being supportive partners for the long haul.
Backing the Unproven: Unlike many VCs who only back founders with prior exits, Precursor actively seeks first-time entrepreneurs. They have backed founders from all backgrounds and industries. 2
What They Look For
Precursor invests across sectors but has specific criteria:
Stage: Pre-seed to seed, meaning they invest at the earliest stages. They are comfortable with idea-stage companies and will write checks as small as $250K or as large as $2M.
Who They Back:
- First-time founders (they explicitly love this)
- Founders who are entering new markets or verticals
- People with unique insights or experience
- Teams with potential even without product
What Matters More Than Traction:
- The founder's conviction and clarity
- Their ability to articulate the problem
- Coachability and willingness to learn
- Long-term thinking over short-term wins 2
How They Support Founders
Precursor is known for being a supportive partner throughout the journey:
Follow-on Support: They continue supporting portfolio companies through multiple rounds, not just the initial investment. Your relationship with them does not end after the check clears.
Network: They have built relationships across the VC ecosystem and can make helpful introductions when the time is right.
No Pressure Tactics: Unlike some investors who push for quick exits, Precursor is patient and lets founders build at their own pace.
Charles Hudson: The firm is led by Charles Hudson, a well-known VC who has been very public about pre-seed best practices. His podcast and writing have helped many founders understand pre-seed investing. He literally wrote the book on pre-seed investing. 1
Notable Portfolio
Precursor has backed over 400 companies across sectors. Many portfolio companies have gone on to raise from top-tier VCs. The firm has been an early backer of founders who later became well-known in the industry. 3
How to Connect
Application Process: Reach out through their contact page or apply through their website. They are known for meeting founders at events and through warm introductions. 1
What Gets Their Attention:
- Clear articulation of who you are and why this matters to you
- Evidence of conviction (even without a product)
- Willingness to learn and be coachable
- Unique perspective on a problem
Pro Tip: Charles Hudson (the founder) is very public with his investing philosophy. Read his writings and listen to his podcast to understand what he looks for. He explicitly states they back people, not pitches - so be yourself and focus on your story, not just metrics.
Events: They are active in the ecosystem and attend various founder events. Meeting them at a conference or meetup can be a good way to get introduced.
Key Value: If you are a first-time founder who has been rejected by other VCs because you lack an exit or pedigree, Precursor might be your best bet. They explicitly look for what other VCs overlook. Use their contact form and be authentically yourself. 2
Charles Hudson:
- Twitter: @chaserhodes
- Podcast: Has a popular podcast on pre-seed and seed investing
- Writes extensively about early-stage investing best practices
The best approach with Precursor is authenticity. They want to see the person behind the idea. Do not try to sound like what you think a VC wants to hear. 1