500 Global

500 Global, formerly 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. It has invested in over 2500 companies, through five global funds and fifteen thematic funds dedicated to either specific geographic markets or verticals. Of its portfolio, 500 Global has forty-one companies valued at $1 billion or more and 125 companies valued at more than $100 million. The 500 team is composed of more than one hundred members in twenty countries. Investments span more than seventy-five countries. 500 Global invests in fast-growing technology companies with a focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can offer long-term value and economic growth.

In September 2021, 500 Startups rebranded to 500 Global. This was intended to signal an expansion of the firm's investment strategy to investing in later stage companies, as well as maintaining their early stage funding and accelerator programs. This is intended to allow the firm to invest in successful portfolio companies as they mature and to offer co-investment opportunities to limited partners.

500 provides seed capital and supports startups through their Seed Accelerator Programs that emphasize digital marketing, customer acquisition, lean startup practices, and fundraising for pre-Seed companies. 500 is also involved in development of innovation ecosystems through educational programs, events, conferences, and partnerships that support startups and investors.

500 Global has a four-month seed program in which the firm offers seed fund investments of $150,000 for participating companies, in exchange for 6% equity. This program includes a curriculum focused on marketing, culture, startup accounting, product design, sales, and finance, among other necessaries for building a startup. Further, it provides a demo day to help participating companies present to and secure interest from 500 Global's network of investors.

500 Global operates out of a family of funds that works to invest in technology companies that offer economic growth in fast-growing markets around the world. This is to provide investors in the funds with diversification and scale to provide better returns. These funds work to invest globally, or in specific countries and regions around the world.

Through their Ecosystems team, 500 Global works to partner with corporates, governments, startups, investors, economic development organizations, and NGOs to build an ecosystem that can create economic value and drive sustainable growth and development.

For governments, the Ecosystem for governments offers advocacy for startups as key drivers of economic growth and innovation. The aim is to bring impact into a region and help governments foster an ecosystem for startups. This is done in part through 500 Global's Eco⁶ Framework, which is identified in six steps to help built an entrepreneurial ecosystem in a region. These steps include building a pipeline of technology companies; developing talent pools; developing investment ecosystems; providing a platform for mentorship, support, and professional services; giving access to large markets; and working with businesses on government policy, regulation, and tax incentives and exemptions.

For corporates, the ecosystems team focuses on working with corporates, startups, investors, economic development organizations, and NGOs to build ecosystems for startups and driving growth and development. This is based on 500 Global's Open4 Framework, which is a corporate innovation strategy framework combining innovation theories as practice. This includes strategic priorities, partnering with the right startups, understanding the value proposition of startups, and ensuring a corporate has the right culture to work with startups.

The Venture Education program offered by 500 Global offers a chance for aspiring venture capitalists and angels to learn from 500 Global and the lessons the firm has learned from their deals. The program offers real-world experience to help participants be ready to make better investments. Through the program, 500 Global partners with academic institutions to offer investor education programs, including live startup pitches, deal debates with peers, and negotiations in hands-on workshops with 500 Global's portfolio companies.