FAQs

What is 'formation stage'?

Vinyl prefers to stake founders as they are forming the business. Pre-revenue, pre-product and in many cases pre-DBA.

What is Vinyl known for?

Vinyl is recognized as one of the strongest early stage venture capital firms in commerce infrastructure and enablement. Our investments cover a broad array of the underlying systems that allow products/services to be transacted. Examples include marketing and finance automation, supply chain management, reverse logistics, payment and financing solutions, CPG lab testing infrastructure, AI travel solutions, excess inventory management, manufacturing quality assurance, loyalty platforms, warehouse automation, and search/personalization optimization.

Who can confirm Vinyl is good at commerce infrastructure?

Vinyl's founders, non-portfolio founders and co-investors… their words, not ours.

“TJ is the kind of person founders want to work with, in part because he's a founder himself. He's easily been one of our most helpful investors in building Klaviyo.”
- Andrew Bialecki, CEO & Co-Founder, Klaviyo

“Vinyl is the most well-regarded and connected seed investors in the commerce tech space.”
- Adam Turner, CEO & Co-Founder, Postscript

“We pay attention and track everything Vinyl invests in.”
- Jeremiah Daly, Elephant

“I would argue Vinyl is the most savvy and connected investor pursuing opportunities around commerce enablement.”
- Damir Becirovic, Index Ventures

“It's not close. We had a lot of options during our first raise and Vinyl was clearly the strongest in category. Easiest decision I've had to make.”
- Kyle Bertin, CEO & Founder, Two Boxes

“I've collaborated on multiple projects with Vinyl and their reputation in the realm of commerce infrastructure is well justified.”
- Mike Duboe, Greylock

What does Vinyl NOT invest in?

Vinyl does not invest in physical consumer/brand products. Retailers and brands are often the customers of our companies.

Why did you name the firm 'Vinyl'?

The first secure online purchase (1994) was a Sting album — music started the digital overhaul of commerce.