About JengaLabs - Team, Mission, Investment Philosophy | Leading Deep Tech Venture Capital FirmSkip to main content

Investing in Breakthrough Technologies

Since 2015, we've partnered with visionary founders building the future across AI, robotics, space, cybersecurity, bio-engineering, and energy

2015
Founded
25+
Team Members
$500M+
AUM
45+
Portfolio Cos.
3.8x
Avg MOIC

Our Mission

At JengaLabs, we believe that deep technology innovation is the key to solving humanity's greatest challenges and unlocking unprecedented economic opportunity.

We partner with exceptional founders who are building the foundational technologies of tomorrowβ€”from artificial intelligence that augments human capabilities, to robotics that automate the physical world, to space infrastructure that makes us a multi-planetary species.

Our mission is simple: identify, fund, and support the most ambitious deep tech startups that have the potential to create category-defining companies and generate outsized returns for our limited partners.

Deep Tech Focus

We invest exclusively in companies with proprietary technology, defensible IP, and breakthrough innovations that redefine what's possible.

Founder-First Approach

We're partners, not just investors. We provide hands-on support, strategic guidance, and access to our network of 500+ advisors.

Long-Term Value Creation

We take a patient approach to building enduring companies. 85% of our portfolio companies receive follow-on funding from us.

Leadership Team

Experienced investors, technologists, and operators with deep expertise across our focus sectors

SC

Dr. Sarah Chen

Managing Partner

Former VP at Sequoia Capital where she led investments in AI and robotics companies. PhD in Computer Science from Stanford. 15+ years in venture capital.

β€’ Led 20+ deep tech investments
β€’ 8 successful exits (avg 6.2x MOIC)
β€’ Stanford AI Lab alumna
MR

Michael Rodriguez

General Partner

Former Product Lead at Google X (now X Development) working on moonshot projects. Led investments in 15+ deep tech companies across robotics and AI.

β€’ Ex-Google X, Tesla, SpaceX
β€’ MS in Robotics from CMU
β€’ 10+ years operating experience
AP

Dr. Aisha Patel

General Partner

Former Principal Engineer at SpaceX, led development of Starlink satellite systems. PhD in Aerospace Engineering from MIT. Deep expertise in space and energy sectors.

β€’ Ex-SpaceX, NASA JPL, Blue Origin
β€’ PhD Aerospace Engineering (MIT)
β€’ 12+ space/energy investments
JK

James Kim

Principal

Cybersecurity & AI

EL

Emily Liu

Principal

Bio-Engineering

DM

David Martinez

Associate

Robotics & Space

SN

Sofia Nguyen

Associate

Energy & Climate

Our Journey

Nine years of backing breakthrough companies

Founded JengaLabs

2015

Launched with $50M Fund I, focused on seed-stage AI and robotics startups. First close with 12 LP commitments from institutional investors and family offices.

First Major Exit

2017

CloudShield Security acquired by Cisco for $180M (5.2x MOIC). Validated our deep tech investment thesis and demonstrated strong returns potential.

Fund II Launch

2018

Raised $120M Fund II with expanded mandate across 6 deep tech sectors. Increased team to 15 members. Opened NYC office.

Portfolio Milestone

2019

Portfolio companies collectively raised $500M+ in follow-on funding. First unicorn: ZeroTrust Labs valued at $1.2B in Series C.

Fund III Launch

2021

Closed $200M Fund III with participation from leading university endowments and sovereign wealth funds. Expanded team to 25 members.

Record Exit Year

2022

DataFlow AI IPO at $2.1B market cap (15.2x MOIC). Three additional M&A exits totaling $1.4B in transaction value.

Major Acquisitions

2023

RoboSurgix β†’ Medtronic ($680M) and CloudDefend β†’ Palo Alto ($420M). Both deals ranked in top 10 M&A transactions of the year.

Fund IV Raise

2024

Currently raising $150M Fund IV. $85M committed to date (57%). First close expected Q2 2024. Continuing our mission to back breakthrough deep tech companies.

Awards & Recognition

Recognized as a top-performing deep tech venture firm

πŸ†

Top 10% VC Returns

Cambridge Associates

2015-2023 Vintage Years

πŸ“°

Forbes Midas List

Dr. Sarah Chen

Ranked #42 (2023)

🌟

Best Deep Tech VC

TechCrunch Awards

2022, 2023

🎯

Most Active Investor

PitchBook

AI & Robotics (2023)

Join Our Team

We're always looking for exceptional talent to join our team of investors, operators, and technologists

Open Positions

Principal Investor

AI & Cybersecurity β€’ San Francisco, CA

Apply

Investment Associate

Generalist β€’ San Francisco or NYC

Apply

Platform Lead

Portfolio Support β€’ Remote

Apply

Don't see a fit? Send us your resume anyway. We're always building relationships with talented individuals.

πŸ“§ careers@jengalabs.com

Let's Build the Future Together

Whether you're a founder building breakthrough technology or an investor seeking top-tier returns, we'd love to hear from you.