Henson Venture Partners: Check Size, Criteria, Terms and Timeline

What is Henson Venture Partners?
Henson Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in founders at the seed and pre-seed stages. We specialize in helping startups with strategy, valuation, fundraising, and growth, drawing on decades of experience building and scaling businesses.
 

Where is Henson Venture Partners based?
We are based in New York City. We invest across the United States and internationally, though the revenue bar is higher for companies outside the US.
 

What industries does Henson Venture Partners invest in?
The industry is open. The revenue engine is not. Every company we back has a revenue-generating SaaS or AI component at the core of the business. We do not invest in physical products, CPG, or services businesses.
 

What stage of startups do you invest in?
We invest at pre-seed and seed in companies that already have revenue. US-based companies need at least $1,000 in MRR or 100 paying customers. Companies outside the US need at least $10,000 in MRR. Every company needs a revenue-generating SaaS or AI component at the core. If you are pre-revenue or at concept stage, the Incubation Program is the right door.
 

How much does Henson Venture Partners invest?
Henson Venture Partners writes a first check of $10,000 to $500,000 on a founder-friendly SAFE. We size the check to the milestone you are trying to hit, not to the top of the range. It is usually the first institutional money in the company.
 

What do you look for in a founder?
We value founders who demonstrate exceptional clarity of thought, resilience, deep understanding of their market, and the ability to execute.
 

What’s your investment decision timeline?
After initial meetings, we provide a decision within five business days. We tell you either way.

​

How does Henson Venture Partners support portfolio companies beyond capital?
We help with:
 

• Early-stage valuation guidance

• Fundraising strategy and investor introductions

• Customer and partner introductions

• Business development strategy

• Ongoing mentorship and coaching

 

Do you take board seats?

We evaluate this on a case-by-case basis, but we typically seek observer rights rather than formal board seats for seed-stage investments.

 

Do you lead investment rounds?

Yes. We lead and co-lead pre-seed and seed rounds, which is unusual for a fund writing first checks. If you have revenue and cannot find a lead, that is the situation we are built for.

How can I pitch my startup to Henson Venture Partners?

Submit your deck at https://www.henson.vc/submit-your-pitchdeck. That is the way in.

Do you accept cold pitches?

Yes! We believe great founders can come from anywhere and welcome direct outreach.

What should I include in my pitch deck?

Key sections should include:

 

• Problem & solution

• Market opportunity

• Business model

• Traction (if any)

• Go-to-market strategy

• Financials

• Team bios

​

What’s unique about Henson Venture Partners’ approach?

We combine hands-on early-stage expertise with a founder-first mindset. Our team has firsthand experience building, scaling, and exiting startups, giving us a practical perspective on what founders need to succeed.

Does Henson Venture Partners only invest in US-based startups?

No. We invest in the US and internationally. US-based companies need at least $1,000 in MRR or 100 paying customers. Companies outside the US need at least $10,000 in MRR, because the bar is higher.