Seven Stars Venture Fund Launches with $40 Million to Back AI Visionaries

Seven Stars, a venture capital firm, has launched its inaugural $40 million pre-seed and seed-stage fund. Founded by Steven Lee, former Partner at SV Angel, the fund will focus on partnering with early-stage AI startups across consumer and enterprise technology. Seven Stars aims to deliver unique value to visionary AI founders, offering hands-on fundraising coaching and access to a diverse talent pipeline. The firm's model is focused on co-investing and working collaboratively alongside other VCs and angel investors.

Seven Stars, a venture capital firm focused on AI startups, has announced the launch of its inaugural $40 million pre-seed and seed-stage fund. Founded by Steven Lee, a former Partner at SV Angel, the fund aims to support early-stage AI companies across consumer and enterprise technology. The firm will deliver unique value to visionary AI founders through hands-on fundraising coaching and access to a diverse talent pipeline [1].

Seven Stars' model emphasizes co-investing and collaboration with other VCs and angel investors. The firm's well-established LP base includes long-term institutional investors such as university endowments, pension funds, and firms managing capital for endowments, foundations, and insurance companies [1].

Steven Lee, the founder and General Partner at Seven Stars, has extensive experience investing in seed-stage AI companies. He has helped founders raise over $1.25 billion in capital and has a proven track record in building enduring AI application companies. Lee's investment thesis is deeply rooted in his background as a first-generation Korean-American, with his parents' clothing small business, "Seven Star Fashion," serving as the inspiration for the firm's name [1].

The fund's launch comes at a critical time as AI continues to transform various industries. While AI currently benefits one billion knowledge workers, Lee is most excited about its potential impact on the remaining eight billion people. He believes that motivated founders can build enduring companies that empower individuals and companies to thrive in a rapidly-changing world [1].

Seven Stars' model aligns with core venture capital growth strategies, including a power law focus, follow-on discipline, and stage-specific approaches [3]. By targeting high-potential startups and reserving capital for follow-on investing, the firm aims to maximize returns and offset failures.

In addition to its investment strategy, Seven Stars is committed to diversity and inclusion. As one of the few Korean-descent partners in the VC industry, Lee is an active member of Gold House, a non-profit organization that empowers and unites Asian Pacific creators and businesses. In 2024, Gold House named Lee as one of the most impactful Asian Pacific leaders in culture and society [1].

For more information about Seven Stars, visit www.sevenstars.vc.

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250611134321/en/Seven-Stars-Announces-First-Fund-to-Back-the-Visionaries-Shaping-AIs-Future
[2] https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202506111450BIZWIRE_USPRX____20250611_BW134321-1
[3] https://goelastic.com/venture-capital-growth-strategies/