Executive Overview
Early-stage venture capital firm focusing on market-driven investments with strong consumer value propositions. Average check size: $200K-$500K.
- Digital Health & Healthcare
- AI/Robotics & Automation
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- FinTech & Financial Services
- Enterprise B2B Solutions
- Consumer Technology
Notable portfolio successes and market recognition:
- ApplyBoard: $3.2B valuation
- Serve Robotics: NASDAQ debut
- PayJoy: 10M+ customer milestone
- IYO: TED Talk feature
- Tubi: Acquired by Fox Media
Positioned as a research-driven, thesis-based early-stage VC with unique market analysis capabilities.
Safa Rashtchy - Founder & Managing Partner
Education:
- MBA, Boston University (summa cum laude)
- BE Engineering, Purdue University
Wall Street Experience:
- Managing Director, Piper Jaffray (1997-2007)
- Top-ranked Internet & Technology Analyst
- Led firm's expansion to China and Internet industry
- 2007: Investment Analyst of the Year
- 2007: New Economy Award (iResearch China)
- 2002: Wall Street Journal "Best on the Street"
- 2001: Institutional Investor "Home Run Hitters"
Pioneered "Teen Focus Groups" for internet trends and the concept of "Consumer Value Proposition" in venture investing.
Personal Investments: 31+ companies
Portfolio Companies: 26 active
Notable Exits:
- Tubi (acquired by Fox Media)
- Nimble VR (acquired by Facebook)
- CleverSense (acquired by Google)
- YouEye, Spry Health, Snapwire
Wall Street Career
Managing Director at Piper Jaffray, covering Internet and technology sectors. Pioneered teen focus groups and led expansion to China.
Angel Investing
Transitioned to angel investing, developing the Consumer Value Proposition thesis and Four-Stage Investment Research Model.
Think+ Ventures Founded
Established Think+ Ventures as a research-driven, thesis-based early-stage venture capital firm in Palo Alto.
Portfolio Growth
Expanded portfolio to 56 companies with notable successes including ApplyBoard ($3.2B), Serve Robotics (NASDAQ), and PayJoy (10M+ users).
Portfolio Analysis
Notable Portfolio Companies
Valuation: $3.2B
Sector: EdTech
AI-powered platform connecting international students with educational institutions. Reached unicorn status with significant global expansion.
Status: NASDAQ Listed
Sector: AI/Robotics
Autonomous delivery robots for last-mile logistics. Successfully went public on NASDAQ, demonstrating strong market validation.
Milestone: 10M+ Customers
Sector: FinTech
Smartphone-based credit platform for emerging markets. Crossed major customer milestone, expanding financial inclusion globally.
Recognition: TED Talk Feature
Sector: AI/Audio
Audio computer technology featured in TED Talk, showcasing innovative approach to human-computer interaction through sound.
Sector Distribution
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Direct Competitors (Similar Size & Stage)
San Francisco-based early-stage VC with focus on enterprise and climate tech. Notable investments in Dapper Labs, BioAge, and Spindle.
Data-driven approach to early-stage investing with quantitative methods. Focus on cloud technology and internet startups.
Prominent early-stage investor with portfolio including DoorDash, Coinbase, and Airbnb. Strong Silicon Valley network.
Global accelerator and VC with investments in Carbon Health, FabFitFun, and Guideline. Strong international presence.
Boston-based early-stage investor focusing on biotech and technology. Investments in NRG Therapeutics and SoniVie.
Competitive Advantages & Disadvantages
- Market Research Expertise: Wall Street analytical background provides unique insights
- Consumer Value Focus: Proprietary investment thesis and framework
- Sector Diversification: Balanced portfolio across growth sectors
- Founder-Friendly: Hands-on support and strategic guidance
- Network Access: Strong Silicon Valley and industry connections
- Fund Size Limitations: Smaller checks vs. larger VCs limit participation
- Brand Recognition: Less prominent than tier-1 firms
- Follow-on Capacity: Limited reserves for later funding rounds
- Geographic Focus: Primarily US-focused, limited international presence
- Team Size: Smaller team vs. larger competitors
Market Positioning
Think+ Positioning
Market Research Driven
Consumer Value Focus
Early-Stage Specialist
Competitive Differentiation
Wall Street analytical rigor combined with Silicon Valley innovation focus provides unique market insight capabilities.
Strategic Recommendations
Foundation Strengthening
Focus: Operational Excellence & Market Positioning
- Thought Leadership Expansion
- Portfolio Support Enhancement
- Data Analytics Integration
- Network Expansion
Market Leadership
Focus: Sector Specialization & Scale
- Vertical Expertise Development
- Fund Size Expansion (Fund III: $50-75M)
- International Expansion
- Corporate Partnership Program
- Talent Acquisition
Platform Transformation
Focus: Ecosystem Building & Innovation
- Platform Company Development
- Think+ Accelerator Launch
- LP Base Diversification
- AI-Powered Investment Platform
- Strategic Acquisitions
Key Strategic Initiatives
Implement machine learning algorithms for startup identification and evaluation, leveraging Think+'s analytical expertise.
Investment: $150K-$250K
ROI: 25-30% improvement in deal quality
Establish presence in key markets (Europe, Asia) to access global deal flow and diversify portfolio geographically.
Investment: $500K-$1M
ROI: 40-50% increase in deal pipeline
Develop strategic relationships with Fortune 500 companies for deal flow, co-investment, and portfolio company support.
Investment: $200K-$400K
ROI: Enhanced portfolio value and exit opportunities
Investment Opportunities
Based on Think+ Ventures' investment focus and current market trends, here are recommended startups for consideration:
Digital Health Sector
AI-powered clinical documentation platform streamlining healthcare workflows. Strong alignment with Think+'s digital health focus and efficiency thesis.
Specialized large language model for healthcare applications, focusing on safety and accuracy in medical contexts.
Mental health platform connecting patients with therapists, addressing growing demand for accessible mental healthcare.
AI/Robotics & Automation
Brand-agnostic operating system for industrial robots, simplifying automation adoption for manufacturers.
Software platform for lab automation, enabling biologists to control and analyze lab hardware performance.
Open-source framework for developing applications powered by language models, enabling AI application development.
Supply Chain/Logistics
Global addressing system using three-word combinations, solving location identification challenges worldwide.
Delivery aggregator platform making it easier for Africans to send and receive products globally.
Emerging Technologies
CRISPR-based biosensing technologies for diagnostics in healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.
AI-powered genetic medicine platform developing therapies using machine learning and synthetic biology.
Satellite-based forest carbon monitoring and verification platform for carbon credit markets.