Interlagos, a new venture capital firm founded by former senior leaders at SpaceX, is in the process of raising $550 million for its debut fund. The firm’s investment thesis focuses on startups in various “deep tech” sectors, with plans to provide funding from inception through Series B for 26-32 companies. Despite the ambitious target for a first-time fund, the team aims to establish themselves as strong and consistent partners for promising companies.
While the exact amount of money raised by Interlagos has not been disclosed, sources suggest that the firm has already secured a significant portion of the $550 million goal. The founding team’s impressive backgrounds, including experience at SpaceX and other notable firms, have likely contributed to investor interest. Additionally, the general partners have committed to investing 2% of their own money into the fund, aligning their interests with those of their investors.
Tom Ochinero, a former high-ranking executive at SpaceX, and Achal Upadhyaya, with a successful track record in deep tech investments, are key figures behind Interlagos. Upadhyaya’s previous investments in companies like Neros Technologies and SoloPulse demonstrate his expertise in identifying and supporting innovative startups. The firm’s focus on deep tech sectors such as space, robotics, biotech, and AI aligns with the growing interest in these areas among venture capital investors.
The rise of deep tech companies has attracted increased attention from VC firms due to the significant capital requirements and longer timelines for exits. Specialist funds like Interlagos, with a team of technical experts, are well-positioned to navigate the challenges of investing in these complex sectors. If Interlagos successfully reaches its fundraising target, it could establish itself as a strong competitor to larger VC funds like Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz in the deep tech space.
Overall, Interlagos’ approach to investing in deep tech startups reflects a growing trend in the venture capital industry. By combining industry expertise, strategic partnerships, and a focus on emerging technologies, the firm aims to support the next generation of innovative companies. As the fundraising process continues and more details about Interlagos’ investments emerge, the firm’s impact on the deep tech ecosystem will become clearer.
