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Obvious Ventures lands fund five with a 360-degree view of planetary, human,economic health

Obvious Ventures, co-founded by Evan Williams, has raised its fifth fund of $360,360,360, emphasizing a 360-degree view of planetary, human, and economic health. Known for its playful fund sizes, the firm balances meaningful investments with a focus on startups that create a positive global impact. The firm has seen successful returns from notable companies like Beyond Meat and Planet Labs.

Key points

  • Obvious Ventures raised a fifth fund of $360,360,360, celebrating mathematics in fund sizes.
  • The fund's amount symbolizes a 360-degree perspective on planetary, human, and economic health.
  • Obvious has successfully raised five funds, contrasting the typical VC trend where only 17% raise more than three.
  • Key investments include Zanskar (geothermal energy), Inceptive (AI for molecule development), and Dexterity Robotics.
  • The firm aims to invest $5 million to $12 million in approximately 10 startups annually.

Why it matters

  • The current trend in VC focuses on sustainability and impact investing, aligning with increasing investor interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
  • Historical context includes the rise of venture capital successes that prioritize innovative tech solutions addressing global challenges.
  • By 2025, the emphasis on health sectors aligns with projections for growth in healthcare technologies and green energy solutions.

Obvious Ventures' innovative approach to fund sizes and focus on impactful investments reinforces its position as a significant player in the venture capital landscape, reflecting broader 2025 trends toward sustainability and health-oriented technologies.