Base10

Base10 is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2017 by co-founders Adeyemi Ajao and TJ Nahigian. The firm distinguishes itself by focusing investments on companies that are automating the 'Real Economy' to solve problems for the 99% of the population, rather than solely concentrating on cutting-edge or consumer-facing technology. This investment philosophy targets large, often overlooked traditional sectors such as food, logistics, retail, operations, finance, healthcare, and construction, where automation can drive significant efficiency and innovation.

Base10 serves mission-aligned founders who are developing technology solutions to address substantive operational challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses and enterprises. The firm's approach is rooted in supporting entrepreneurs with firsthand experience in the industries they aim to transform. A key differentiator for Base10 is its commitment to social impact through the Advancement Initiative, where it pledges to donate 50% of the carried interest from select funds to create scholarships at underfunded colleges for underrepresented students in technology.

Base10 has achieved significant milestones, notably becoming the first Black-led venture capital firm to exceed $1 billion in assets under management. As of November 2023, the firm manages $1.8 billion in assets across six active funds, demonstrating rapid growth and deployment velocity. Their investment strategy is further bolstered by a data-driven approach, utilising proprietary software to track and evaluate over 15,000 companies in real-time, helping them identify high-potential opportunities in the automation sector.

The leadership team comprises experienced founders and investors, including Managing Partners Adeyemi Ajao and TJ Nahigian, both serial entrepreneurs with successful exits and extensive investment backgrounds. Other key partners include Caroline Broder, Rexhi Dollaku, Jason Kong, Robby Greer, Andrew Lebovitz, and Anna Torraca as Chief Operating Officer. This collective expertise, combined with a focus on deep research and a partnership-driven decision-making process, enables Base10 to identify and support transformative companies that align with their dual mission of financial returns and positive societal impact.