Betaworks

Betaworks is a startup studio and venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2008. The company focuses on building and investing in next-generation internet companies, operating as a network that connects ideas, people, capital, and data. Betaworks emphasizes an innovative approach to seed-stage investments, typically ranging from $150,000 to $200,000, targeting early-stage, technology-driven companies with working prototypes. The firm collaborates closely with its portfolio companies, which include notable names such as Giphy and Instapaper, fostering a community that encourages entrepreneurship and mentorship. Betaworks Ventures, established in 2016, further extends the firm’s commitment to investing in various sectors including B2B, B2C, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Through its unique model, Betaworks aims to create a more sustainable approach to innovation, allowing builders to engage in multiple projects rather than being tied to a single venture.

Neel Baronia

Principal

John Borthwick

Investor

Matthew Hartman

Partner

Sam Mandel

Partner of Business and Corporate Development

Peter Rojas

General Partner

Julie Zhang

Senior Associate

Past deals in Subscription

Unlock

Seed Round in 2021
Unlock is an access control protocol that enables creators to monetize their content or software without relying on a middleman. It lets consumers manage all of their subscriptions in a consistent way, as well as earn discounts when they share the best content and applications they use.

Next Big Idea Club

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Next Big Idea Club is a subscription book club. Their goal is to make sure that everyone has access to these transformative ideas, and to nurture a community to discuss and build upon those ideas—both with each other and directly with the authors themselves.

Unlock

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Unlock is an access control protocol that enables creators to monetize their content or software without relying on a middleman. It lets consumers manage all of their subscriptions in a consistent way, as well as earn discounts when they share the best content and applications they use.