Flying Fish Partners

Flying Fish Partners is a Seattle-based venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments, primarily focusing on high-potential artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology companies. The firm targets software startups and those integrating mixed hardware and software solutions, believing that AI and ML will be transformative across various industries. Their investment thesis centers on identifying and supporting companies that embed machine learning at the core of their strategies, offering both capital and strategic support to foster growth in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Founded in 2016 by technology operators Geoff Harris, Heather Redman, and Frank Chang, Flying Fish Partners emerged from a shared conviction in Seattle's burgeoning tech talent, the need for more local venture capital, and a profound excitement for AI and machine learning. The founders bring deep and complementary expertise in technical, operational, and investment domains. The firm has successfully raised multiple funds, including its first fund and a second venture fund, Flying Fish Partners II, L.P., which closed with $70 million in committed capital.

The firm's portfolio showcases a diverse range of innovative companies leveraging AI and ML. Notable investments include Symbl.ai, a company focused on AI-driven conversational intelligence; Vouched, which provides identity verification solutions; and Picnic, an industrial automation company specializing in food preparation robotics. Other portfolio companies span areas such as network management software (Aisy), software development applications (AgileRL), business/productivity software (Simular), and drug discovery (Variational AI). Flying Fish Partners has also made strategic early bets in companies like Phaidra, an AI startup co-founded by former DeepMind engineers, demonstrating their commitment to cutting-edge AI research and development.

The Flying Fish Partners team comprises experienced professionals with strong backgrounds in venture capital and technology operations. Key team members include Managing Partners Geoff Harris, Heather Redman, Frank Chang, and Adriane Brown. The firm also benefits from the expertise of Principal Tiffany Linke-Boyko and Venture Partners such as Heather Gorham, Lisa Nelson, and Vanessa Pegueros. Their collective experience and operator-first approach enable them to provide valuable guidance and support to their portfolio companies, extending beyond just capital to include strategic relationships and operational insights.