Spero is a boutique venture capital firm for the purposeful

We back founders who are using tech to tackle humanity’s biggest challenges, pursuing venture-scale change through disciplined, daily execution.

Areas of Investment

We invest in companies innovating at the edge of new industries and technologies to create a healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling future for everyone.

Healthy future

People deserve to be in control of their health and access life enhancing technologies. We invest in companies that empower people with information and cutting-edge care to live healthier, longer lives.

Sustainable future

Many of the systems we rely on daily — water, food, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and waste management — are inefficient and damaging to our planet. We invest in teams upgrading and reimagining these systems to benefit people and the planet.

Fulfilling future

New technologies are transforming the way we create, learn, imagine, and build. We invest in founders who are ushering in a smarter, self-directed future where everyone has the opportunity to create the life they want at home and at work.

How We Invest

The companies creating a better future will also be its most valuable

We lead and co-lead seed and Series A rounds of $3-$10M, with a typical initial check size of $2-$4M and more in reserve for future raises. Our concentrated portfolio approach allows us to engage deeply with our founders, building meaningful, long-lasting relationships rooted in trust and shared goals.

We believe your mission is an accelerant and a strategic advantage that gives talent, customers, and investors a compelling reason to choose your product. When we reach conviction in your business, we champion, and support you and your team with our dollars and our time.

How We Work with Founders

transformations not transactions

Change at the scale we’re working toward doesn’t happen overnight and transformative outcomes aren’t born from ideals alone; purpose is a daily practice. Purpose-led companies succeed because they embed their values into every business decision, product iteration, and customer interaction. And they know that sustained, high-quality execution is the only way to achieve their mission.

We’re here to help you with operational and strategic guidance from people who believe in your purpose and potential, and bring first hand experience building and scaling companies including Tesla, Stripe, and eBay. Our goal is to help you become your best because when you’re successful, the whole world wins.

WE INVEST IN TEAMS BUILDING A 01 HEALTHY, 02 SUSTAINABLE, AND 03 FULFILLING FUTURE

Our Experience

As entrepreneurs and operators, we’ve built and scaled companies like Tesla, Stripe, and eBay. As investors, we’ve gone all in early on Carta, Tumblr, and Turo. We come from diverse backgrounds, but we all share a deep belief that mission matters.

Meet our Team

Marc Tarpenning

Cofounder

Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy

Shripriya Mahesh

Current Board Member, Former VP Global Product

eBay’s mission is to empower people and create economic opportunity

Andrew Parker

Former Board Member

Carta’s mission is to create owners and replace stock markets