Three Things to Know About Pre-Seed Investing Post SVB

Three Things to Know About Pre-Seed Investing Post SVB

Author

Peter Walker

|

Read time: 

1 minute

Published date: 

March 15, 2023

Pre-seed was already losing steam before SVB—and the bank failure may accelerate a trend of higher friction for the earliest founders seeking their first...

LinkedIn: Three Things to Know About Pre-Seed Investing Post SVB

3 things to know about pre-seed investing post-SVB

I happen to think Carta has some of the best data on pre-seed investing in the world. We have thousands of companies raising on SAFEs or convertible notes every quarter on the platform.

So what's happening at this earliest stage - and what's likely to happen over the coming months?

1. Pre-seed investing was already losing steam before this weekend.

Angels and others invested $126 million into pre-seed Carta companies in February. That's a far cry from the highs of 2021.

2. Smaller checks have faded more quickly than bigger ones

As money gets tighter, smaller checks (defined as under $10k) have seen relatively more decline than major ones (over $100k). Seems like professional angels are still in the game to a large degree.

3. The SVB tangle is coming

The worst impact was thankfully avoided, but SVB's collapse is still likely to lengthen timelines for fundraising as VCs unwind their current banking structures and implement new ones.

If you wish you knew all this a couple weeks ago, sign up for our Data Minute newsletter (link in comments). The best of our data, straight to your inbox every Thursday.

#cartadata #angels #pre-seed #startups #investing #VC

Peter Walker
Author: Peter Walker
Peter Walker runs the Insights team at Carta, focused on discovering key data and narratives across the private capital ecosystem. In a former life, he was a marketing executive for a media analytics startup and led the data visualization team at the Covid Tracking Project.

DISCLOSURE: This communication is on behalf of eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. ("Carta"). This communication is for informational purposes only, and contains general information only. Carta is not, by means of this communication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or interests, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. This communication is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Carta does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein. © 2026 Carta. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.