TJ Taylor, who previously helped shape popular platforms like Raya and Dispo, has entered the venture capital world with the launch of Hobart Ventures, an $8 million fund dedicated to consumer-focused startups.
Built from Taylor’s experience in consumer tech, Hobart Ventures will focus on early-stage investments in a sector often overshadowed in traditional VC circles.
Hobart Ventures Aims to Support Early-Stage Consumer Tech
Taylor’s pivot to venture capital comes after years in the tech industry, where he not only co-founded a stock app but also played a key role in community efforts at Raya, the exclusive dating app, and Dispo, a photo-sharing platform.
When he left Dispo at the end of 2022, Taylor told TechCrunch that he took time to explore new directions, including launching a consultancy for early-stage startups.
Suggestions from his network eventually pushed him to consider building his own fund.
The idea solidified as he worked as a scout at Headline Ventures, where he sourced early-stage deals for a firm more focused on Series A investments.
Finding himself frequently passing on smaller deals to his own network, Taylor realized that establishing his own fund could create a direct pipeline for these types of investments.
Why Consumer Tech?
Consumer-focused tech isn’t always top-of-mind for investors, but Taylor believes the sector holds substantial potential—especially given the steady demand for new consumer experiences.
“Our investments will span sectors including e-commerce, housing, travel, non-traditional social, and health and wellness, prioritizing business models that emphasize subscription or marketplace dynamics,” Taylor stated on LinkedIn.
“In my view, consumer as an investment focus will never “die.” The fundamental principle that drives my thesis is that there will always be a demand for products that enrich life.”
A Vision To Fuel Underrepresented Startups
Hobart Ventures is named after Hobart Street in South Central Los Angeles, where Taylor grew up, remembering his connection to his roots and his vision to uplift startups that are often overlooked.
Through Hobart Ventures, Taylor plans to issue investments in the range of $150,000 to $300,000, targeting young companies he believes are poised to redefine consumer experiences.
While he has yet to make his first investment through the fund, Taylor mentioned he has several promising startups in mind.
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