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Canaan

While we love speedy success, we're acutely aware that greatness comes in many forms and at different times. That's why we're not afraid to break the mold to bring something spectacular to life.

San Francisco, CA, USA

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Description

Canaan (Canaan Partners) is a premier global venture capital firm with over $6 billion under management. As of 2026, the firm is actively deploying its 13th flagship fund (Canaan XIII), a $850 million vehicle focused on early-stage technology and healthcare. 
  • Seed & Series A: Canaan is primarily an early-stage lead investor. They often write the first institutional check for founders.
  • Growth: They provide follow-on capital and lead Series B or C rounds for high-performing companies within and outside their initial portfolio

As a traditional institutional VC, Canaan does not have a "batch" application process or a public accelerator form.
  • Engagement: Founders typically secure meetings through warm introductions from their professional network or by reaching out to specific partners covering their sector.
  • Focus Areas: For 2026, Canaan is heavily focused on Generative AI infrastructure, Cloud security, Fintech infrastructure, and Biopharmaceuticals (specifically oncology and immunology).

Eligibility

  • Sectors: Technology (Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech, Frontier Tech) and Healthcare (Biopharma, MedTech, Diagnostics).
  • Geography: Primarily United States (offices in NYC, Menlo Park, and San Francisco), with selective investments in Israel and Europe.
  • Founder Profile: They prioritize "repeat founders" or technical experts with a unique, defensible insight into a massive market. 

Process

  1. Sourcing: Partners identify opportunities through deep industry "theses" and extensive networks.
  2. Due Diligence: A rigorous, weeks-long process involving technical vetting, customer calls, and financial modeling.
  3. Investment Committee: Finalists pitch to the full partnership in New York or Menlo Park.
  4. Board Participation: As lead investors, Canaan almost always takes a Board Seat to provide long-term strategic oversight.

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Substantial Capital: Access to large-scale funding to move from prototype to global scale.
  2. Executive Recruitment: A dedicated "Talent Team" that helps founders hire their C-suite and engineering leaders.
  3. Global Network: Introductions to Fortune 500 customers and strategic acquirers.
  4. Operational Maturity: Guidance on legal, financial, and regulatory frameworks required for an IPO or large acquisition.