FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We welcome submissions from founders and startups that align with our consumer-centric thesis. Please submit the form on this website, including a brief note with your company name, history, and key details. Alternatively, you can email these details along with a pitch deck to info@gardendistrictventures.com. Our deal team will review the opportunity and respond as soon as possible. Due to our globally distributed team and high volume of submissions received, responses may take 7-10 business days.

At Garden District Ventures, we believe every exceptional founder deserves a chance. We actively seek out promising companies and motivated individuals across Emerging Asia and globally, without relying on closed networks or “warm introductions.” We’re committed to breaking down barriers and finding the best opportunities based on merit alone.

Our focus at Garden District Ventures is on the future of digital consumers and Asia’s growing middle class, specifically those startups that are addressing everyday challenges and pain points. For the record, we do not invest in cryptocurrencies, biotech, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, mining, or space exploration because, frankly, those industries are not within our areas of expertise and we would not be able to add day-to-day value.

Yes! Garden District Ventures often reviews and considers startups that are pre-product and pre-revenue, though typically not both. “First money in” scenarios are often based on our company acquiring a meaningful equity stake in your startup (>10%) and helping you accelerate product development, build a team, and address capital efficiency while grabbing market share. You don’t need to be incorporated to approach us with a pitch, but we do require incorporation before we can begin substantive negotiations, prepare a term sheet, and write a check.

Garden District Ventures seeks founders and teams who embody grit, determination, honesty, and passion—qualities essential for success in the rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. We are committed to supporting startups with the potential to establish category leadership and penetrate substantial global markets. We believe that truly great founders are driven by a deep product obsession, and that their companies serve as platforms for addressing market inefficiencies. Adaptability is key, particularly in the rapidly changing Asian landscape. Above all, we expect total honesty from our companies, without exception.

At Garden District Ventures, we go beyond capital. We’re dedicated to founder success, providing access to an extensive global network of advisors, product developers, social scientists, customer support personnel, and others. Our support extends to mentorship, go-to-market strategies, HR and recruiting, navigating the media/ PR landscape, and more. We also foster community through founder and investor meetups at key conferences, numerous speaking engagements, and wellness events throughout the year. We’re honored to have the opportunity to work with you and our team is always just a phone call away.

Garden District Ventures is a Seed and Series A investor with our resources and network squarely focused on the needs of young companies. Our team is happy to speak to more established companies that are scaling quickly, but we rarely participate in later-stage funding rounds if we have not previously invested in an earlier round. However, we are happy to make introductions to larger VC firms that look at later-stage deals.

We maintain a consistent review process for new deal flow, striving to provide final investment decisions within 2-3 weeks, with frequent communication throughout the process. While the timeline can vary, our core principle is aligning values and interests with founders, as we believe this is crucial for the enduring success of our partnerships.

Garden District Ventures maintains strict confidentiality in all discussions with prospective portfolio companies, adhering to our internal code of ethics. Due to the high volume of deal flow, we do not provide or sign NDAs, a common practice in venture investing. This allows us to engage with a broad range of startups, ensuring we select the best opportunities aligned with our investment thesis and stakeholder goals.

At Garden District Ventures, we believe supporting diversity and inclusion is imperative, both within our organization and across our portfolio companies. We are committed to fostering an environment where individuals of all identities—encompassing gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and country of origin—can thrive. Beyond being a just and ethical policy, this commitment provides us with a competitive advantage. We firmly believe that diversity fuels creativity, open-mindedness, and unique perspectives within our team.