Bling Capital, a prominent seed VC firm, has successfully raised $270 million for its fourth fund, with half of the funds dedicated to its opportunity fund for follow-on investments in successful startups. Founded in 2018 by Ben Ling, a former general partner at Khosla Ventures, Bling has quickly established itself as a key player in the venture capital scene.
Ben Ling’s impressive background, including executive roles at Google, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as successful angel investments in companies like Airtable, Lyft, and Square, has positioned him as a seasoned investor with a keen eye for startups. Bling’s unique approach to investing includes a Product Council, comprised of tech industry leaders who provide valuable insights and guidance to the firm’s portfolio companies.
With the latest fund, Bling is expanding its network of advisors to include experts from top startups like Notion, OpenAI, Scale AI, and Stripe. Ben Ling’s track record speaks for itself, with 19 unicorns in his portfolio, while general partner Kyle Lui has also seen success with investments in seven unicorns, such as DocSend and Hims.
Over the past six years, Bling has invested in 170 companies, including notable names like Rippling and Vise. While the new fund size is not significantly larger than its previous fund, which was $212 million, the consistent support for both seed-stage startups and follow-on investments demonstrates Bling’s commitment to nurturing and growing its portfolio companies.
Bling’s ability to attract top talent and provide strategic guidance sets it apart in the competitive VC landscape. As the firm continues to expand its reach and support for early-stage startups, its reputation as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs is likely to grow. With a strong network of advisors and a proven track record of success, Bling Capital is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the startup ecosystem.
