Description

• FDV is oriented toward pre-seed investing — sometimes acting as a venture studio that helps founders develop foundational technology and go-to-market execution.
  
  
• It also prepares companies for seed and early growth, positioning them for future institutional rounds with refined products and business plans. 
  
  

• There is no broadly published fixed check size for FDV available in public profiles, but venture studio/VC models in pre-seed typically involve initial capital plus in-kind support (e.g., technology development and operational engagement). 
  
  
• On the European First Drop VC side, reporting notes investment rounds in the ~€100K–€300K range for early stage alongside structured support — though that profile is geographically distinct from the Santa Monica FDV. 
  
  

• FDV does not publicly disclose a uniform equity percentage it takes in all investments. As with most venture capital firms and studio models, equity terms are negotiated deal-by-deal based on company stage, valuation, and partnership contribution. 
  
  

• Investments are typically structured like standard early-stage deals — such as priced equity rounds or convertible instruments (SAFEs/convertibles) — depending on what makes sense for the startup and investor syndicate.
  
  
• FDV’s support often includes technology infrastructure, strategic planning, and network connections in addition to capital, which can influence its negotiated equity share. 
  
  

• There’s no publicly advertised open accelerator portal with fixed application cycles like YC/Techstars.
  
  
• Founders typically engage through direct outreach, warm introductions, or network connections via FDV’s team and ecosystem partners in fintech, real estate tech (prop-tech), and AI. 
  
  

• Because FDV functions as a venture studio + investor, engagement usually begins with exploratory discussions about product, vision, traction, and fit with FDV’s thematic focus, rather than a standardized cohort process.
  
  

Eligibility

• Fintech: Digital payments, embedded finance, credit infrastructure and related financial systems. 
  
  
• AI: Applied intelligence, automation, data-driven decision systems and adjacent areas. 
  
  
• Prop-tech: Technologies tied to real estate innovation, connected communities, smart infrastructure. 
  
  

• Pre-seed / Early Seed: Companies with defined founding teams, early product concepts, or MVPs and measurable early traction. 
  
  

• FDV’s LinkedIn profile lists Santa Monica, California (USA) as headquarters, and its global perspective suggests openness to companies beyond a single region — particularly those seeking U.S. market exposure. 
  
  

• Founders with strong execution capabilities in emerging technologies and a vision for global scalability are typical fits for venture studio backing and early-stage VC interest.
  
  

Process

1. Intro/Outreach: Initial contact via email, intro, or investor pitch.
   
   
2. Screening & Discovery: Conversations about team, product, market, and business model.
   
   
3. Due Diligence: Assessment of traction, value proposition, and growth potential.
   
   
4. Term Negotiation: Investment terms, equity, and engagement model defined with founders.
   
   
5. Partnership Execution: Capital deployment and operational collaboration.

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Pre-seed funding aligned with a tailored growth plan — often combined with operational guidance to build a robust foundation for seed rounds. 
  
  

• FDV embraces a venture studio approach, meaning it helps startups with technology strategy, team building, execution frameworks, and networking — not just capital. 
  
  

• Connections to industry advisors, co-investors, and strategic partners that can accelerate product development and commercial adoption in fintech, AI, and prop-tech. 
  
  

• Assistance in preparing for seed and Series A rounds, including refining pitch decks, traction narratives, and investment readiness.