What Does Base10 Invest In?
Updated
Base10 invests in automation for the real economy — companies applying automation to industries and problems that serve the broader population rather than a narrow tech elite. The firm describes its focus as "serving companies solving problems for the 99%," which signals an interest in businesses whose products reach mainstream consumers and traditional industries, not just software buyers in Silicon Valley.
The Core Investment Theme
Base10's stated thesis is built on two linked ideas:
- Automation — the mechanism of value creation it looks for in portfolio companies.
- The real economy — the target market: sectors and populations outside the narrow slice of early-adopter tech users.
Put together, the firm positions itself as backing companies that use automation to deliver products or services to a mass market. That framing distinguishes it from funds that concentrate purely on enterprise SaaS, deep tech, or consumer social.
What "the 99%" means here
The phrase "solving problems for the 99%" is Base10's shorthand for market size and relevance. It points to companies whose customers are ordinary businesses and consumers — the majority — rather than a small technical or affluent segment. For a founder evaluating fit, the practical question is whether the product's value reaches a broad, non-specialist audience.
How to Read This as a Founder or Observer
If you are trying to judge whether Base10's thesis matches your company or your interests, focus on these signals from the firm's own description:
| Signal | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| "Automation" | Companies replacing or augmenting manual processes with technology |
| "Real economy" | Industries beyond pure software — the sectors that keep everyday life and business running |
| "The 99%" | Large, mainstream addressable markets rather than niche technical buyers |
Beyond the Thesis: Other Public Details
Base10 also states that it donates 50% to the next generation of technology founders, which is part of how the firm presents its purpose alongside its investing. Its site lists a San Francisco address (101 Mission Street, Suite 1115) and a copyright line of 2026.
The site's navigation points to Companies, Team, Content, Careers, and an LP Portal — the last of which indicates a login-gated area for limited partners. No pricing or public investment-application details are stated on the page.
Key Takeaway
Base10's investment focus is automation applied to the real economy, aimed at companies solving problems for the mainstream "99%." To assess fit, look at whether a company automates meaningful processes and serves a broad, non-niche market — those are the two conditions the firm's own description emphasizes.