500 Startups Rebrands as 500 Global & Closes Largest Ever Fund

Global venture capital firm, 500 Startups, has closed its largest fund to date with the securement of a $140 million global flagship fund, bringing the total assets under management to $1.8 billion. The firm has now rebranded as 500 Global, and is working to expand its investment scope beyond the seed and accelerator stage.

Since its founding eleven years ago, 500 Global has supported more than 6,000 entrepreneurs in 77 countries, yielding 33 companies valued at more than $1 billion and 120 companies valued at over $100 million.

“From the very beginning, our mission and investment thesis was anchored in the conviction that exceptional founders exist in all corners of the world,” Christine Tsai, CEO and Founding Partner of 500 Global, said. “That led us to start investing in companies not just in Silicon Valley, but also in Latin America and East Asia in 2011, the Middle East in 2012, Africa in 2013, and Southeast Asia in 2014. That early conviction has resulted in an expansive, diversified global portfolio across many countries, sectors, and stages, with 46 per cent of the companies based outside of the US.”

500 Global’s expansion strategy will see the firm write larger investments, lead fundraising rounds and offer later stage co-investment opportunities to limited partners.