Description
Tylt Lab (often interchangeably referenced with TYLT Ventures) is a venture capital and venture advisory group based in Santa Monica, California, USA that focuses on seed and early-stage investments across a range of technology and consumer-oriented sectors. It is run by entrepreneur-investors with a hands-on, operational supporting style rather than a traditional accelerator cohort model.
Specific Funding Stage
Seed / Early Stage (Core Focus)
- Tylt Lab and TYLT Ventures are generally active at the seed and early venture stages — typically participating in initial institutional rounds for companies ready to scale after early proof of concept.
- Although Tylt Lab sometimes appears in local startup funding lists as an early-stage resource, it is primarily a venture investor rather than a structured accelerator.
Investment Amount and Equity (Company-Level)
Capital Provided
- The firm historically planned to invest across a range that could include seed checks from ~$50K up to several million in follow-on capital, depending on company opportunity and fit, though it does not publish fixed check sizes publicly.
- Public investor databases suggest the broader TYLT Ventures brand deploys capital in rounds with average round sizes around ~$4M (for deals in which it participates) — these reflect company valuations and total round size, not necessarily Tylt’s solo contribution.
Equity Taken
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No standard equity percentage is publicly declared. Like most venture capital firms, Tylt negotiates equity on a case-by-case basis as part of term-sheet negotiation with founders and co-investors.
Equity Structure
- Investments are structured through standard VC instruments such as priced equity or convertible securities (SAFE/notes) as negotiated between Tylt and the company.
- Terms vary significantly by startup sector, traction, valuation, and co-investment dynamics — typical of early-stage venture capital.
Application / Submission Method
How to Engage
- Tylt Lab / TYLT Ventures does not run a publicly accessible accelerator portal with formal application cycles like YC or Techstars.
- Founders wishing to engage should typically contact the firm with a warm introduction or outreach via founders’ network, partners, or direct contact forms on Tylt’s site to pitch their business opportunity.
Interaction Model
- The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach — working collaboratively with founders when it invests. It positions itself as an advisor + investor in portfolio companies.
Eligibility
Sector Focus
Tylt’s investment interests are broad but tech-oriented, spanning categories such as:
- Consumer lifestyle and goods
- Mobile platforms & software
- Home automation and connected products
- E-commerce and consumer services
- Clean technology and e-healthcare
- Enterprise software and digital engagement solutions
Stage
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Seed and early institutional rounds — typically beyond very first-money friends-and-family stages but before large growth financing.
Geography
- Primarily United States / California focus (especially Southern California), though the firm has portfolio activity beyond just LA/Silicon Beach.
Team Profile
- Companies with real product motion, clear path to growth, differentiated technology, and strong founding teams are typical fits.
Process
Outreach / Intro: Founder or referrer connects with Tylt’s investment team.
Screening & Diligence: Evaluation of team, product, market, and traction.
Term Discussion: Negotiation of valuation, terms, and equity stake.
Investment & Partnership: Capital deployment and ongoing advisory collaboration.
What an Applicant can Obtain
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Early-stage Venture Capital: Seed funding support aligned with a company’s scaling needs — negotiated on a deal basis.
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Strategic Advisory: Hands-on guidance and advisory involvement from experienced operator-investors.
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Network Access: Introductions to co-investors, strategic partners, and industry networks through Tylt’s connections.
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Growth Support: Operational insights and support aligned with company milestones and growth strategy.
