21-Year-Old Koko Xs Secures $17.5M for Debut Venture Fund
Koko Xs, a 21-year-old VC, has secured $17.5 million in committed capital for his first solo fund. Backers include prominent figures like Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, and Kevin Hartz, with Nomads as the anchor investor. Xs has already invested in several promising startups, including Mach Industries (defense tech) and Etched (AI chip maker). He connected with these founders, Ethan Thornton and Gavin Uberti, early in their ventures. OpenAI's recent outage highlights the challenges faced by even established AI platforms.
From Math Major to VC
Born in Shenzhen and raised in Massachusetts, Xs studied math at NYU. Initially interested in pursuing a PhD, he networked extensively, leading him to an analyst role at Lux Capital. This experience proved pivotal, introducing him to the world of deep tech and venture capital. His time at Lux connected him with Mach Industries, where he briefly worked before transitioning back to venture investing. This shift reflects his preference for strategic thinking over operational tasks. For insights into another young entrepreneur's journey, see POCO X7 Series India Launch.
Investment Strategy and Vision
Xs's fund focuses on deep tech and "deep infrastructure" companies. He seeks out founders with unique perspectives and resilience. His approach involves concentrated investments in a small number of companies with high growth potential. He acknowledges the challenges faced by smaller funds, especially in the current economic climate, but believes focused strategies can lead to success. The rise of AI note-taking tools like Google's NotebookLM Plus underscores the growing importance of AI in various sectors.
Beyond venture investing, Xs has ambitious plans to expand into venture index funds, venture credit, and a buy-and-build model. He believes technology will play an increasingly significant role in the global economy, creating substantial investment opportunities.