Union Labs Ventures is a DeepTech seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2018. Its mission is to invest in and support visionary founders developing highly technical solutions to solve complex global challenges, particularly in sectors such as robotics, AI/ML, IoT, smart infrastructure, healthcare, sustainability, and cybersecurity. The firm focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage startups, providing not only capital but also hands-on operational support and access to an extensive network to help de-risk the path to product-market fit. Union Labs has made over 20 investments, including companies like Pico MES (factory operations software) and Urban Machine (forestry processing), contributing to the advancement of deep-tech innovation and a smarter, more connected world[1][3][4].
Union Labs was co-founded in 2018 by Nate Williams and Chris Kim, both experienced entrepreneurs and technologists with backgrounds in deep technology and product development. The firm originated within Kleiner Perkins with backing from Google Ventures, which helped shape its focus on smart, disruptive investments with scalable potential. Nate Williams brings extensive operational experience from roles at August Home, Greenwave Systems, and Motorola Mobility, while Chris Kim has a strong technical background as a former CTO and head of product at August Home. Their combined expertise drives Union Labs’ hands-on approach to supporting startups[1][4][5].
Union Labs rides the wave of increasing demand for deep technology solutions that address fundamental and complex problems across industries. The timing is critical as advancements in AI, robotics, IoT, and smart infrastructure converge with growing global challenges in sustainability, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Market forces such as digital transformation, automation, and the need for smarter infrastructure favor Union Labs’ investment thesis. By nurturing early-stage deep-tech startups, Union Labs influences the broader ecosystem by accelerating innovation cycles, fostering collaboration, and enabling technologies that underpin the future of connected, intelligent systems[1][3][4].
Looking ahead, Union Labs is poised to deepen its impact by continuing to back visionary founders at the forefront of deep technology innovation. Trends such as AI democratization, autonomous systems, and sustainable tech will likely shape its investment focus. The firm’s hands-on, network-driven model positions it well to help startups scale and influence emerging tech landscapes. As deep-tech solutions become increasingly critical to solving global challenges, Union Labs’ role as an early-stage catalyst is expected to grow, reinforcing its commitment to building a smarter, more connected world[1][3][4].
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 3, 2026 | Derapi | $7.0M Seed | Earthshot Ventures | Aurora Venture Investments, Breakthrough Venture Capital, E8 Angels, GreenSky Ventures, M1C, Radicle Impact, Raisewell Ventures, Susquehanna Sustainable Investments, Tuesday Capital, Ubiquity Ventures, WovenEarth Ventures, Wyoming Business Council |
