Flying Fish VC

Flying Fish Ventures is a Seattle-based venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning startups. The firm targets visionary founders building companies that leverage AI to disrupt industries, spanning foundational AI infrastructure, applied intelligence solutions, hard sciences like biotechnology, and consumer applications. With a focus on the Pacific Northwest, U.S., and Canada, Flying Fish provides not only capital but also extensive strategic resources, including technical talent, go-to-market support, customer introductions, and industry networks to accelerate founder growth. Founded in 2017 by technology operators including managing partners Geoff Harris, Heather Redman, and Frank Chang, the firm emerged from their experiences as angel investors in Seattle. They identified a gap in local institutional seed capital for AI/ML-driven startups, particularly between abundant angel funding and Series A opportunities often dominated by Valley firms. Drawing from backgrounds at Microsoft in speech, natural language processing, and AI research, the partners established a thesis centered on AI's transformative potential across all sectors, emphasizing companies embedding machine learning at their core from inception. The portfolio showcases diverse AI innovations, including Phaidra (AI/ML for industrial performance), Orbital Materials (AI models for programmable biology), Groundlight AI (reasoning foundations), Symbl.ai (conversational AI), RL Core (reinforcement learning for water treatment), Artificial Agency (generative AI in gaming), and Accipiter Biosciences (de novo protein therapies partnered with Pfizer and Kite Pharma). Notable exits include AR company Streem. The firm has raised multiple funds: $37 million for its debut in 2018, $70 million for the second in 2022, and is nearing $100 million for its third fund as of 2025, alongside a $25 million Opportunity Fund for follow-ons. Led by a team of AI experts and operators, Flying Fish maintains a deep bench with principals in San Francisco and Edmonton, plus roles like CFO, Chief of Staff, and venture partners. Managing partners Harris and Chang offer technical consulting and talent recruitment, while Redman excels in securing initial customers across industries. This operator-first approach positions the firm to lead rounds quickly, syndicate effectively, and support portfolio companies through challenges, making it a preferred cap table partner for AI founders.