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Draper Startup House

we build startup societies globally through community, investment, and education

Austin, TX, USA

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Description

Draper Startup House Ventures (DSHV) is the global venture capital arm associated with the Draper Startup House ecosystem and the broader Draper Venture Network. Based in Austin, Texas, it operates with a "borderless" investment philosophy, leveraging a global network of hostels and co-working spaces to discover and fund entrepreneurs in every corner of the world. 
  • Pre-Seed & Seed: This is the firm’s primary focus. They specialize in being the first or second institutional check.
  • Bridge to Draper Venture Network: DSHV acts as a feeder into Tim Draper’s larger ecosystem (Draper Associates, Draper Fisher Jurvetson) for later-stage growth. 
  • Method: Founders can apply through the Draper Startup House website or via the Dealum platform.
  • Global Intake: Because they operate physical hostels in over 20 countries, many founders "apply" by residency—staying at a DSH location and engaging with the local community.
  • Selection: They seek "high-velocity" startups with the potential to scale globally.

Eligibility

  • Geography: Truly Global. They prioritize "under-ventured" markets outside of Silicon Valley.
  • Sectors: Industry-agnostic, with a strong interest in Fintech, Web3, EdTech, and Travel/Logistics.
  • Alignment: Founders who value a "digital nomad" or borderless approach to business are highly favored. 

Process

  1. Digital Submission: Founders submit their pitch deck and business details via the online portal.
  2. Community Vetting: Startups are often vetted by local DSH community managers before advancing to the global investment team.
  3. The "Draper" Review: A rigorous evaluation of the founder’s "scrappiness" and the startup's potential to disrupt traditional industries.
  4. Closing: Investments are typically finalized through a syndicated model or directly through their specialized funds.

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Direct Capital: Early-stage funding to validate and scale the business model.
  2. Global Ecosystem: Immediate access to over 20 physical locations worldwide for work and community.
  3. Prestige & Signaling: Associating with the Draper name provides significant credibility for future Series A fundraising.
  4. Mentorship: Access to Tim Draper’s "Draper University" resources and a global mentor pool.