Upfront Ventures
Upfront Ventures is a California-based early-stage venture capital firm focused on seed and Series A rounds for technology-led startups. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Santa Monica with an additional office in Los Angeles, the firm backs companies across software, SaaS, fintech, health tech, AI, consumer internet, gaming, hardware, and related sectors. It pursues opportunities primarily in North America with a concentration in Southern California and also considers investments in Europe and other regions. Typical checks range from 0.5 million to 15 million in seed rounds and 2 million to 5 million in Series A rounds, reserving capital for follow-ons and often taking a board seat in portfolio companies. Upfront has supported notable founders and startups across technology sectors, including Ring, TrueCar, Bird, Maker Studios, GOAT, Apeel Sciences, thredUP, Invoca, and Kyriba, reflecting a long-term partner approach to building scalable businesses.
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Past deals in Credits and Lending
Jiko
Series C in 2024
Jiko is a fintech company that offers debit cards and a digital money platform designed to combine everyday payments with treasury-based investing. Its debit product includes cash back on purchases, single-use virtual cards, and no minimum balance, delivered through a mobile app. Jiko positions itself as a bank-like service built on safe assets, notably U.S. Treasury bills, enabling users to hold cash and earn yield while maintaining liquidity. The platform supports direct investing in treasury bills and provides an embedded finance API that facilitates sending, receiving, and spending money digitally, effectively serving as a financial portal for users to manage and grow their money. The company focuses on safety and speed, integrating banking and brokerage functions to custody cash in Treasuries and offer scalable, accessible financial services.
Clair
Series A in 2023
Founded in 2019, Clair offers real-time wage access for hourly workers through its instant pay service. It provides digital banking services including debit cards and savings accounts, with no fees for users. Clair partners with employers and workforce management platforms to improve employee retention and financial wellness.
Jiko
Series B in 2022
Jiko is a fintech company that offers debit cards and a digital money platform designed to combine everyday payments with treasury-based investing. Its debit product includes cash back on purchases, single-use virtual cards, and no minimum balance, delivered through a mobile app. Jiko positions itself as a bank-like service built on safe assets, notably U.S. Treasury bills, enabling users to hold cash and earn yield while maintaining liquidity. The platform supports direct investing in treasury bills and provides an embedded finance API that facilitates sending, receiving, and spending money digitally, effectively serving as a financial portal for users to manage and grow their money. The company focuses on safety and speed, integrating banking and brokerage functions to custody cash in Treasuries and offer scalable, accessible financial services.
Jiko
Series A in 2020
Jiko is a fintech company that offers debit cards and a digital money platform designed to combine everyday payments with treasury-based investing. Its debit product includes cash back on purchases, single-use virtual cards, and no minimum balance, delivered through a mobile app. Jiko positions itself as a bank-like service built on safe assets, notably U.S. Treasury bills, enabling users to hold cash and earn yield while maintaining liquidity. The platform supports direct investing in treasury bills and provides an embedded finance API that facilitates sending, receiving, and spending money digitally, effectively serving as a financial portal for users to manage and grow their money. The company focuses on safety and speed, integrating banking and brokerage functions to custody cash in Treasuries and offer scalable, accessible financial services.
Clair
Seed Round in 2020
Founded in 2019, Clair offers real-time wage access for hourly workers through its instant pay service. It provides digital banking services including debit cards and savings accounts, with no fees for users. Clair partners with employers and workforce management platforms to improve employee retention and financial wellness.
Jiko
Seed Round in 2017
Jiko is a fintech company that offers debit cards and a digital money platform designed to combine everyday payments with treasury-based investing. Its debit product includes cash back on purchases, single-use virtual cards, and no minimum balance, delivered through a mobile app. Jiko positions itself as a bank-like service built on safe assets, notably U.S. Treasury bills, enabling users to hold cash and earn yield while maintaining liquidity. The platform supports direct investing in treasury bills and provides an embedded finance API that facilitates sending, receiving, and spending money digitally, effectively serving as a financial portal for users to manage and grow their money. The company focuses on safety and speed, integrating banking and brokerage functions to custody cash in Treasuries and offer scalable, accessible financial services.
Skyline Financial
Venture Round in 2010
Skyline Financial Corporation, operating as Skyline Home Loans, is a prominent mortgage services provider based in Calabasas, California. Founded in 1985, the company offers a range of mortgage and refinancing services to homeowners and investors across the United States. With additional locations in states such as Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, Skyline has established itself as a leading full-service mortgage banking and brokerage firm, particularly recognized in Southern California. The company has built a strong reputation for attracting and retaining top professionals in the real estate loan industry, contributing to its success and growth over the years.
Clair
Founded in 2019, Clair offers real-time wage access for hourly workers through its instant pay service. It provides digital banking services including debit cards and savings accounts, with no fees for users. Clair partners with employers and workforce management platforms to improve employee retention and financial wellness.
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