Khosla Ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm manages over $5 billion and focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, education, healthcare, financial services, agriculture, sustainable energy, and robotics. Khosla Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, particularly in early-stage ventures, where it often supports innovative and unconventional projects. The firm seeks to back companies that are driven by breakthrough technologies, with investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to over $20 million. Khosla Ventures maintains a collaborative approach, frequently co-investing with other firms, including Kleiner Perkins, with which it has historical ties.

Alex Bentley

Partner and Investor

Ryno Blignaut

Operating Partner

Alice Brooks

Principal

Peter Buckland

COO, Partner, and Managing Director

Brian Byun

Operating Partner

Catherine Casuga

Operating Partner

Jonathan Chu

Partner and Investor

Jon Chu

Partner

Ece Erdagoz

Principal

Kanu Gulati

Partner

Judy Huang

Operating Partner

Jun Jeon

Principal

Kelly Kinnard

Operating Partner

Alexander Morgan

Partner

Nicholas Moryl

Associate

Arash Rebek

Partner, Capital Formation

Jessy Rivest

Partner and Investor

Jai Sajnani

Partner

Robbie Schwietzer

Operating Partner

Nikita Shamgunov

Partner and Investor

Sven Strohband

Managing Director

Rajesh Swaminathan

Partner and Investor

Adina Tecklu

Partner and Investor

Sandhya Venkatachalam

Partner

David Weiden

Founding Partner and Managing Director

Reze Wong

Partner

Ece Wyrick

Principal and Investor

Adam Coates Ph.D

Operating Partner

Kanupriya Gulati Ph.D

Partner and Investor

Past deals in Personal Finance

Finnt

Seed Round in 2022
Finnt is a developer of banking apps designed to make financial management seamless and carefree. They provide preferred rates for funds insured and help enable multi-accounts, debit cards, and expense reports, enabling families to achieve their wealth creation targets.

Ellevest

Series B in 2022
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

True Link

Series B in 2020
True Link Financial, Inc. is a financial services firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2012. The company focuses on providing solutions for vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals in recovery. True Link offers Visa prepaid cards designed to protect users from financial exploitation and fraud, allowing families and professionals to monitor and manage their loved ones' finances effectively. Additionally, the firm provides investment management services, including personalized retirement plans aimed at ensuring stable income throughout retirement. Its software platform supports various functions such as budgeting, disbursements, record keeping, and reporting, catering to conservators, guardians, attorneys, and trust companies. True Link's mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for its clients while safeguarding their financial well-being.

Plastiq

Series D in 2020
Plastiq Inc. is an online payment service that allows users to make payments using credit and debit cards, even when the recipient does not typically accept card payments. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company facilitates payments for various expenses, including tuition, taxes, rent, utilities, and insurance, primarily in the United States and Canada. By processing card payments and converting them into formats that recipients can accept, such as electronic bank transfers or checks, Plastiq enables individuals and businesses to manage their finances more flexibly. This service empowers users to earn credit card rewards, take advantage of early-payment discounts, and utilize their cash flow more effectively, making it easier to manage expenses that traditionally required checks. With a growing presence, Plastiq is committed to advancing innovative payment solutions.

True Link

Venture Round in 2019
True Link Financial, Inc. is a financial services firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2012. The company focuses on providing solutions for vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals in recovery. True Link offers Visa prepaid cards designed to protect users from financial exploitation and fraud, allowing families and professionals to monitor and manage their loved ones' finances effectively. Additionally, the firm provides investment management services, including personalized retirement plans aimed at ensuring stable income throughout retirement. Its software platform supports various functions such as budgeting, disbursements, record keeping, and reporting, catering to conservators, guardians, attorneys, and trust companies. True Link's mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for its clients while safeguarding their financial well-being.

Ellevest

Series A in 2019
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

Even.com

Series B in 2018
Even.com is focused on enhancing financial resilience for employees, addressing the challenges faced by over half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. The company develops a mobile budgeting application that automatically budgets upcoming bills, allowing users to manage their spending habits effectively. By partnering with employers, Even provides its services as a benefit, which not only supports employees in making ends meet, paying down debt, and saving money but also helps employers improve employee retention. The business operates transparently, ensuring that it profits only when its customers do. Even.com is based in Oakland, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Plastiq

Series B in 2018
Plastiq Inc. is an online payment service that allows users to make payments using credit and debit cards, even when the recipient does not typically accept card payments. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company facilitates payments for various expenses, including tuition, taxes, rent, utilities, and insurance, primarily in the United States and Canada. By processing card payments and converting them into formats that recipients can accept, such as electronic bank transfers or checks, Plastiq enables individuals and businesses to manage their finances more flexibly. This service empowers users to earn credit card rewards, take advantage of early-payment discounts, and utilize their cash flow more effectively, making it easier to manage expenses that traditionally required checks. With a growing presence, Plastiq is committed to advancing innovative payment solutions.

Affirm

Series E in 2017
Affirm is a financial technology company that offers installment loans to consumers at the point of sale, allowing them to make purchases from online merchants and pay for them in fixed monthly installments. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Chicago, Affirm aims to provide transparent financial products that empower consumers and enhance their buying experience. Customers can select Affirm as a payment method at checkout, complete a real-time application, and choose a payment plan that aligns with their budget. The service stands out by offering upfront pricing with no hidden fees or compounding interest, unlike traditional credit options. Affirm partners with over 2,000 merchants across various sectors, including retail, travel, and electronics, to provide consumers with a flexible alternative to credit cards. Loans are facilitated through a partnership with Cross River Bank, ensuring a reliable financing option for users.

Upstart

Series C in 2017
Upstart is an online lending platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline the borrowing process and enhance credit assessment. Founded in 2012 and based in San Mateo, California, Upstart connects consumers with a network of AI-enabled bank partners, allowing for a more efficient lending experience. The platform evaluates potential borrowers using a proprietary underwriting model that considers factors such as education, area of study, and employment history, rather than relying solely on traditional credit scores. This innovative approach enables banks to achieve higher approval rates and lower loss rates while providing a digital-first experience for customers. Upstart offers a variety of loan products, including personal loans, automotive loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans, catering to diverse consumer needs.

Ellevest

Series B in 2016
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

Affirm

Series D in 2016
Affirm is a financial technology company that offers installment loans to consumers at the point of sale, allowing them to make purchases from online merchants and pay for them in fixed monthly installments. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Chicago, Affirm aims to provide transparent financial products that empower consumers and enhance their buying experience. Customers can select Affirm as a payment method at checkout, complete a real-time application, and choose a payment plan that aligns with their budget. The service stands out by offering upfront pricing with no hidden fees or compounding interest, unlike traditional credit options. Affirm partners with over 2,000 merchants across various sectors, including retail, travel, and electronics, to provide consumers with a flexible alternative to credit cards. Loans are facilitated through a partnership with Cross River Bank, ensuring a reliable financing option for users.

Even.com

Series A in 2016
Even.com is focused on enhancing financial resilience for employees, addressing the challenges faced by over half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. The company develops a mobile budgeting application that automatically budgets upcoming bills, allowing users to manage their spending habits effectively. By partnering with employers, Even provides its services as a benefit, which not only supports employees in making ends meet, paying down debt, and saving money but also helps employers improve employee retention. The business operates transparently, ensuring that it profits only when its customers do. Even.com is based in Oakland, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Fundera

Series B in 2015
Fundera, Inc. is an online marketplace that assists small business owners in comparing a wide range of loan options. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, Fundera offers a variety of financial products, including SBA loans, term loans, equipment financing, business lines of credit, invoice financing, short-term loans, merchant cash advances, small business startup loans, and personal loans for business. The platform provides expert insights and customized choices, enabling business owners to evaluate the best financial solutions based on their specific needs and eligibility. By leveraging proprietary technology and financial expertise, Fundera aims to empower small business owners to make informed financial decisions. As of October 2020, Fundera operates as a subsidiary of NerdWallet, Inc.

Upstart

Series C in 2015
Upstart is an online lending platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline the borrowing process and enhance credit assessment. Founded in 2012 and based in San Mateo, California, Upstart connects consumers with a network of AI-enabled bank partners, allowing for a more efficient lending experience. The platform evaluates potential borrowers using a proprietary underwriting model that considers factors such as education, area of study, and employment history, rather than relying solely on traditional credit scores. This innovative approach enables banks to achieve higher approval rates and lower loss rates while providing a digital-first experience for customers. Upstart offers a variety of loan products, including personal loans, automotive loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans, catering to diverse consumer needs.

Even.com

Seed Round in 2015
Even.com is focused on enhancing financial resilience for employees, addressing the challenges faced by over half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. The company develops a mobile budgeting application that automatically budgets upcoming bills, allowing users to manage their spending habits effectively. By partnering with employers, Even provides its services as a benefit, which not only supports employees in making ends meet, paying down debt, and saving money but also helps employers improve employee retention. The business operates transparently, ensuring that it profits only when its customers do. Even.com is based in Oakland, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Affirm

Series B in 2015
Affirm is a financial technology company that offers installment loans to consumers at the point of sale, allowing them to make purchases from online merchants and pay for them in fixed monthly installments. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Chicago, Affirm aims to provide transparent financial products that empower consumers and enhance their buying experience. Customers can select Affirm as a payment method at checkout, complete a real-time application, and choose a payment plan that aligns with their budget. The service stands out by offering upfront pricing with no hidden fees or compounding interest, unlike traditional credit options. Affirm partners with over 2,000 merchants across various sectors, including retail, travel, and electronics, to provide consumers with a flexible alternative to credit cards. Loans are facilitated through a partnership with Cross River Bank, ensuring a reliable financing option for users.

Even.com

Seed Round in 2014
Even.com is focused on enhancing financial resilience for employees, addressing the challenges faced by over half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. The company develops a mobile budgeting application that automatically budgets upcoming bills, allowing users to manage their spending habits effectively. By partnering with employers, Even provides its services as a benefit, which not only supports employees in making ends meet, paying down debt, and saving money but also helps employers improve employee retention. The business operates transparently, ensuring that it profits only when its customers do. Even.com is based in Oakland, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

StratiFi

Seed Round in 2014
StratiFi Technologies, Inc. specializes in developing software for client profiling, risk analysis, and compliance, specifically designed for financial advisors to manage portfolio risk effectively. Its flagship product, PRISM, facilitates the monitoring, measurement, and communication of risk, thereby enabling advisors to streamline compliance reviews, consolidate client accounts, and enhance investment proposals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, StratiFi also operates a subsidiary that provides investment advisory services, focusing on improving client outcomes through option overlays. The company aims to establish a standard in the industry for evaluating and quantifying hidden portfolio risks, making investment processes safer and more reliable for wealth managers and their clients.

Upstart

Series B in 2014
Upstart is an online lending platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline the borrowing process and enhance credit assessment. Founded in 2012 and based in San Mateo, California, Upstart connects consumers with a network of AI-enabled bank partners, allowing for a more efficient lending experience. The platform evaluates potential borrowers using a proprietary underwriting model that considers factors such as education, area of study, and employment history, rather than relying solely on traditional credit scores. This innovative approach enables banks to achieve higher approval rates and lower loss rates while providing a digital-first experience for customers. Upstart offers a variety of loan products, including personal loans, automotive loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans, catering to diverse consumer needs.

Plastiq

Series B in 2014
Plastiq Inc. is an online payment service that allows users to make payments using credit and debit cards, even when the recipient does not typically accept card payments. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company facilitates payments for various expenses, including tuition, taxes, rent, utilities, and insurance, primarily in the United States and Canada. By processing card payments and converting them into formats that recipients can accept, such as electronic bank transfers or checks, Plastiq enables individuals and businesses to manage their finances more flexibly. This service empowers users to earn credit card rewards, take advantage of early-payment discounts, and utilize their cash flow more effectively, making it easier to manage expenses that traditionally required checks. With a growing presence, Plastiq is committed to advancing innovative payment solutions.

Affirm

Series A in 2014
Affirm is a financial technology company that offers installment loans to consumers at the point of sale, allowing them to make purchases from online merchants and pay for them in fixed monthly installments. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Chicago, Affirm aims to provide transparent financial products that empower consumers and enhance their buying experience. Customers can select Affirm as a payment method at checkout, complete a real-time application, and choose a payment plan that aligns with their budget. The service stands out by offering upfront pricing with no hidden fees or compounding interest, unlike traditional credit options. Affirm partners with over 2,000 merchants across various sectors, including retail, travel, and electronics, to provide consumers with a flexible alternative to credit cards. Loans are facilitated through a partnership with Cross River Bank, ensuring a reliable financing option for users.

PayNearMe

Venture Round in 2014
PayNearMe is a technology company that offers a web and mobile-based cash payments platform aimed at simplifying online purchases and bill payments. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company enables users to pay with cash for various goods and services across sectors such as e-commerce, property management, consumer finance, and transportation. By digitizing the cash collection process, PayNearMe helps businesses, government agencies, and retail stores streamline payment acceptance, alleviating the challenges associated with traditional cash and money order transactions. The platform enhances payment collection for lenders through a user-friendly interface, which includes features like payment reminders and mobile wallet integration to encourage timely payments.

Handle Financial

Series E in 2014
Handle Financial, Inc. is a technology company based in Sunnyvale, California, that specializes in mobile applications for financial transactions aimed at businesses and consumers. Founded in 2009 and originally known as PayNearMe, Inc., the company rebranded in March 2017. Its flagship product, the Prism Money application, enables consumers to track balances in real time, make same-day payments, and access all financial accounts in one place. Additionally, Handle Financial offers PayNearMe, a service that facilitates cash payments for businesses and government agencies at physical locations. The Handle Platform enhances financial services by providing real-time bill presentment and same-day payment capabilities, thereby streamlining the transaction process for various sectors. The company is led by a team of experts from the payments, mobile, and retail IT industries, focused on delivering affordable and innovative solutions for financial transactions.

Fundera

Series A in 2014
Fundera, Inc. is an online marketplace that assists small business owners in comparing a wide range of loan options. Founded in 2013 and based in New York, Fundera offers a variety of financial products, including SBA loans, term loans, equipment financing, business lines of credit, invoice financing, short-term loans, merchant cash advances, small business startup loans, and personal loans for business. The platform provides expert insights and customized choices, enabling business owners to evaluate the best financial solutions based on their specific needs and eligibility. By leveraging proprietary technology and financial expertise, Fundera aims to empower small business owners to make informed financial decisions. As of October 2020, Fundera operates as a subsidiary of NerdWallet, Inc.

Pact Fitness

Seed Round in 2013
Pact Fitness is a mobile application platform founded in 2010 by Yifan Zhang and Geoffrey Oberhofer, headquartered in San Francisco, California. The application is designed to motivate users to maintain their workout routines by offering cash incentives. It allows individuals to set personal fitness goals, such as the number of gym visits per week, and commit to a financial penalty if they fail to meet those objectives. By monitoring users' workout schedules and dietary habits, Pact Fitness encourages accountability and consistency in pursuing fitness goals, ultimately aiming to inspire healthier lifestyles through financial motivation.

Upstart

Series A in 2013
Upstart is an online lending platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline the borrowing process and enhance credit assessment. Founded in 2012 and based in San Mateo, California, Upstart connects consumers with a network of AI-enabled bank partners, allowing for a more efficient lending experience. The platform evaluates potential borrowers using a proprietary underwriting model that considers factors such as education, area of study, and employment history, rather than relying solely on traditional credit scores. This innovative approach enables banks to achieve higher approval rates and lower loss rates while providing a digital-first experience for customers. Upstart offers a variety of loan products, including personal loans, automotive loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans, catering to diverse consumer needs.

Upstart

Series A in 2013
Upstart is an online lending platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline the borrowing process and enhance credit assessment. Founded in 2012 and based in San Mateo, California, Upstart connects consumers with a network of AI-enabled bank partners, allowing for a more efficient lending experience. The platform evaluates potential borrowers using a proprietary underwriting model that considers factors such as education, area of study, and employment history, rather than relying solely on traditional credit scores. This innovative approach enables banks to achieve higher approval rates and lower loss rates while providing a digital-first experience for customers. Upstart offers a variety of loan products, including personal loans, automotive loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans, catering to diverse consumer needs.

Handle Financial

Series D in 2013
Handle Financial, Inc. is a technology company based in Sunnyvale, California, that specializes in mobile applications for financial transactions aimed at businesses and consumers. Founded in 2009 and originally known as PayNearMe, Inc., the company rebranded in March 2017. Its flagship product, the Prism Money application, enables consumers to track balances in real time, make same-day payments, and access all financial accounts in one place. Additionally, Handle Financial offers PayNearMe, a service that facilitates cash payments for businesses and government agencies at physical locations. The Handle Platform enhances financial services by providing real-time bill presentment and same-day payment capabilities, thereby streamlining the transaction process for various sectors. The company is led by a team of experts from the payments, mobile, and retail IT industries, focused on delivering affordable and innovative solutions for financial transactions.

PayNearMe

Venture Round in 2013
PayNearMe is a technology company that offers a web and mobile-based cash payments platform aimed at simplifying online purchases and bill payments. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company enables users to pay with cash for various goods and services across sectors such as e-commerce, property management, consumer finance, and transportation. By digitizing the cash collection process, PayNearMe helps businesses, government agencies, and retail stores streamline payment acceptance, alleviating the challenges associated with traditional cash and money order transactions. The platform enhances payment collection for lenders through a user-friendly interface, which includes features like payment reminders and mobile wallet integration to encourage timely payments.

Pact Fitness

Seed Round in 2012
Pact Fitness is a mobile application platform founded in 2010 by Yifan Zhang and Geoffrey Oberhofer, headquartered in San Francisco, California. The application is designed to motivate users to maintain their workout routines by offering cash incentives. It allows individuals to set personal fitness goals, such as the number of gym visits per week, and commit to a financial penalty if they fail to meet those objectives. By monitoring users' workout schedules and dietary habits, Pact Fitness encourages accountability and consistency in pursuing fitness goals, ultimately aiming to inspire healthier lifestyles through financial motivation.

BillGuard

Series B in 2011
BillGuard, Inc. is a personal finance company that specializes in developing a mobile application designed to enhance users' financial security and management. The app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, allows users to track their spending, monitor their credit for fraudulent activities, and receive alerts regarding potential identity theft. Key features include detailed spend analytics, credit score access, transaction maps, and alerts for data breaches. BillGuard utilizes a combination of crowdsourced feedback, data from regulatory bodies, and proprietary algorithms to highlight suspicious charges and transactions, ensuring users remain informed about their financial health. Founded in 2009 and initially known as CrowdSpot, the company was rebranded in 2010. It was later acquired by Prosper Marketplace in October 2015, solidifying its position in the personal finance sector.

PayNearMe

Series A in 2010
PayNearMe is a technology company that offers a web and mobile-based cash payments platform aimed at simplifying online purchases and bill payments. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company enables users to pay with cash for various goods and services across sectors such as e-commerce, property management, consumer finance, and transportation. By digitizing the cash collection process, PayNearMe helps businesses, government agencies, and retail stores streamline payment acceptance, alleviating the challenges associated with traditional cash and money order transactions. The platform enhances payment collection for lenders through a user-friendly interface, which includes features like payment reminders and mobile wallet integration to encourage timely payments.

Handle Financial

Series C in 2010
Handle Financial, Inc. is a technology company based in Sunnyvale, California, that specializes in mobile applications for financial transactions aimed at businesses and consumers. Founded in 2009 and originally known as PayNearMe, Inc., the company rebranded in March 2017. Its flagship product, the Prism Money application, enables consumers to track balances in real time, make same-day payments, and access all financial accounts in one place. Additionally, Handle Financial offers PayNearMe, a service that facilitates cash payments for businesses and government agencies at physical locations. The Handle Platform enhances financial services by providing real-time bill presentment and same-day payment capabilities, thereby streamlining the transaction process for various sectors. The company is led by a team of experts from the payments, mobile, and retail IT industries, focused on delivering affordable and innovative solutions for financial transactions.
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