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John Mannes is a Partner at Basis Set Ventures based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he focuses on early-stage investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Before transitioning to venture capital, he served as a technology reporter for TechCrunch, authoring approximately 500 articles chronicling the rapid rise of deep learning and enterprise software startups. His early career included hands-on work in natural language processing at FiscalNote, and he previously studied cognitive science at the University of Michigan. In 2021, his success in identifying technical founders and evaluating early-stage B2B companies earned him a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Venture Capital. Mannes currently directs his core investment strategy toward founders utilizing automation and robotics to transform traditional industries like manufacturing and global supply chains outside of conventional tech hubs.
John Mannes serves as a distinguished Partner at Basis Set Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm renowned for its focus on the future of enterprise technology. In this pivotal role, John is instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy and identifying the next generation of groundbreaking companies. His work primarily revolves around sourcing, evaluating, and partnering with founders who are building transformative solutions in the B2B software landscape.
John's investment focus areas are deeply rooted in the evolving needs of modern enterprises. He has a keen eye for startups leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to create intelligent applications, enhance operational efficiency, and drive data-driven decision-making. Beyond AI, his interests extend to core enterprise software, developer tools that empower engineers and streamline workflows, and foundational infrastructure technologies that underpin the digital economy. He seeks out companies with strong technical teams, innovative product visions, and clear market opportunities, particularly those poised to disrupt established industries or create entirely new categories.
Before joining Basis Set Ventures, John Mannes cultivated a diverse and impactful career that provided him with a unique perspective on the startup ecosystem. His background includes experience as a founder, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a company from the ground up. This entrepreneurial journey is complemented by his previous roles at prominent venture capital firms and his contributions as a technology writer, notably at TechCrunch. This multifaceted experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of market trends, technological innovation, and the critical factors that contribute to a startup's success. His ability to connect with founders, offer strategic guidance, and leverage his extensive network makes him a valuable asset to Basis Set's portfolio companies.
While specific individual notable investments are often attributed to the firm as a whole, John Mannes plays a crucial role in the success of Basis Set Ventures' portfolio. He actively works with founders to refine their product-market fit, navigate growth challenges, and prepare for subsequent funding rounds. His contributions help ensure that Basis Set continues to back companies that are not only technologically advanced but also possess strong business models and the potential for significant market impact. Through his strategic insights and hands-on support, John helps promising startups evolve into market leaders, reinforcing Basis Set Ventures' reputation as a leading investor in early-stage enterprise innovation.
John Mannes is a Partner at Basis Set Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm. He specializes in investing in innovative enterprise software, AI, and developer tools startups.
John Mannes primarily invests in early-stage companies focused on enterprise software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, developer tools, and foundational infrastructure technologies.
John Mannes works as a Partner at Basis Set Ventures, a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California.