8VC

Overview

8VC is a technology and life sciences investment firm based in Austin, Texas. Founded by Joe Lonsdale, the firm manages over $6 billion in committed capital. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, 8VC takes a hands-on approach by not only funding startups but also actively building them through its internal venture studio. The firm focuses on transforming massive, complex industries including logistics, healthcare, bio-IT, government defense, and IT infrastructure.

Investment Philosophy & Focus

8VC operates on the belief that technology can solve the world's most critical challenges. The firm invests across a vast constellation of industries, primarily targeting early and growth-stage companies. A key differentiator for 8VC is its Build program, an internal venture studio that co-creates startups from scratch. This approach allows 8VC to identify systemic inefficiencies in traditional sectors and engineer solutions directly alongside visionary founders.

Notable Portfolio Companies

While 8VC's portfolio is extensive, some of its notable investments and co-creations span across its core focus areas:

- Palantir: Enterprise software and data analytics.

- Addepar: Wealth management technology.

- Saronic: Autonomous surface vessels for defense.

- Deliverr (Acquired by Shopify): E-commerce fulfillment.

- Cityblock Health: Value-based healthcare provider.

- Oculus (Acquired by Meta): Virtual reality technology.

- Anduril: Defense technology and autonomous systems.

- Flexport: Digital freight forwarding.

- Epirus: Directed energy systems.

- Asana: Work management software.

What It Means for Job Seekers

For job seekers, 8VC represents a unique intersection of venture capital and company building. Working at 8VC or within its portfolio companies means engaging with deep-tech and highly regulated industries. The firm frequently hires for its internal Build team, seeking engineers, designers, and growth marketers who want the stability of a well-funded firm combined with the zero-to-one excitement of a startup. Portfolio companies often look for mission-driven talent eager to tackle complex, real-world problems in logistics, healthcare, and defense. Compensation at the firm and its top-tier portfolio companies is generally competitive, reflecting the high stakes and ambitious nature of the work.

Key Partners

- Joe Lonsdale: Founder and Managing Partner. A seasoned entrepreneur who previously co-founded Palantir and Addepar, Lonsdale drives 8VC's thesis on fixing broken industries through technological innovation.

- Alex Moore: Partner. Focuses on enterprise software and defense technology, leveraging his early experience at Palantir.

- Drew Oetting: Partner. Specializes in logistics, healthcare, and enterprise investments, working closely with founders to scale operations.

- Kimmy Scotti: Partner. Concentrates on healthcare and consumer health tech, bringing her experience as an entrepreneur and operator to the firm.