The Los Angeles technology landscape is witnessing a significant evolution as Science, the prolific startup incubator behind massive successes like Dollar Shave Club, officially transitions into the world of traditional venture capital. The firm recently finalized a $75 million raise for its inaugural venture fund, marking a strategic shift from merely nurturing early stage ideas to providing the long term capital necessary for market dominance.
Since its inception, Science has operated with a unique hands-on model that distinguishes it from the typical Silicon Valley venture firm. By acting as a co-founder and operational partner, the incubator has historically taken a deep dive into the logistics, branding, and scaling of its portfolio companies. This new fund allows the leadership team to maintain that intimate involvement while backing companies with the financial firepower required to compete in increasingly crowded global markets.
Managing partners Mike Jones and Peter Pham have built a reputation for identifying consumer trends before they reach a tipping point. Their success with Dollar Shave Club, which was eventually acquired by Unilever for $1 billion, proved that the Science model could produce massive exits. However, relying solely on an incubator structure often meant that Science would lose influence or equity stake as companies moved into later funding rounds. This new $75 million vehicle is designed to solve that problem by allowing the firm to participate more aggressively in Series A and Series B rounds.
Investors in the new fund include a mix of institutional players and high net worth individuals who are betting on the firm’s ability to replicate its past successes. The capital is expected to be deployed across several key sectors, including mobile commerce, marketplaces, and data driven platforms. While the firm remains rooted in Southern California, the new fund signals an ambition to look beyond the local ecosystem to find the next generation of disruptive brands.
Industry analysts suggest that the move by Science reflects a broader trend in the startup world where the lines between incubators and venture capital firms are becoming increasingly blurred. Founders are no longer just looking for a check; they are seeking partners who can offer operational expertise and a proven track record of scaling businesses from zero to acquisition. By securing this capital, Science is positioning itself as a full lifecycle partner for entrepreneurs.
As the venture capital environment becomes more cautious amid shifting economic indicators, the successful closing of this fund is a testament to the strength of the Science brand. The firm’s ability to raise $75 million for a debut fund suggests that there is still significant appetite for investment vehicles that prioritize operational support over passive capital. For the Los Angeles tech scene, this development provides a welcome boost of liquidity and institutional support for the region’s burgeoning startup community.
