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Version One Ventures
Version One backs mission-driven founders who are early in new areas. They support founders building and defining new markets and categories, committing from...
Version One Ventures
Version One backs mission-driven founders who are early in new areas. They support founders building and defining new markets and categories, committing from Day 1 often before the solution is obvious or the category is clear. They invest globally at the pre-seed and seed stages and typically lead or co-lead rounds.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital
Year founded
2012
Location
Region
North America
Country
Canada
City
Vancouver
Corporate office
Vancouver, Canada
Principals
Boris Wertz
Founding Partner
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does Version One Ventures source proprietary deal flow?
Wertz sources primarily through founder referrals, his extensive angel network, and his long-running public blog on venture and marketplace dynamics. The firm's Vancouver base creates a geographic advantage in filtering Canadian and Pacific Northwest founders before they compete for Bay Area capital. Portfolio founders and his operating experience at AbeBooks provide additional warm introduction channels.
Is Version One Ventures structured as a fund or an angel vehicle?
Version One is a structured venture capital firm, not a managed account or angel syndicate. It raises committed capital from external limited partners, though specific fund sizes are undisclosed. The firm writes initial checks ranging from a few hundred thousand to approximately $2 million, with disciplined reserves for follow-on rounds through Series A and B.
What investment stages does Version One Ventures typically target?
The firm concentrates on pre-seed and seed stages, occasionally participating in Series A rounds for existing portfolio companies. Wertz has stated publicly that he wants to be the first institutional check, often backing founders with a product and some early traction but before they raise a priced round. Later-stage growth equity is not part of the mandate.
Does Version One Ventures participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Version One is a direct-only investor. Wertz has not publicly indicated any fund-of-funds activity or LP commitments to other venture managers. The firm's entire operation is built around direct seed-stage equity positions in operating companies.
Which sectors does Version One Ventures explicitly focus on?
Persistent focus areas include enterprise SaaS, fintech infrastructure, and marketplace businesses. The firm's portfolio confirms these priorities: Dapper Labs (blockchain-based consumer platforms), Ada Support (AI customer service software), and Joonko (enterprise hiring tools) are representative. Wertz's operating background at AbeBooks, an online marketplace, informs the marketplace thesis.
Does Boris Wertz manage any other capital vehicles outside of Version One?
Wertz co-owns the Vancouver Whitecaps FC professional soccer club alongside other investors. He also maintains personal angel investments, but those sit outside the Version One Ventures fund structure and are managed independently. No affiliated philanthropic foundation or real-asset arm is publicly associated with him or the firm.
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