About NL Patent AI Capital
A seed-stage firm built at the intersection of invention and investment.
Investing in the Patents That Power Tomorrow
We exist to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough AI and deep technology by providing capital, guidance, and network to the world's most inventive founders.
Born From a Simple Belief
NL Patent AI Capital was founded in 2020 with a conviction that the most durable competitive advantages in the technology industry are built at the patent layer. While the broader venture market chases growth metrics and software multiples, we have always believed that the companies with the most defensible IP portfolios will ultimately win.
Our founding team observed a consistent pattern in the technology landscape: companies that secured foundational patents early — before the market recognized their value — consistently outperformed those that relied solely on execution advantages. This insight led us to build a firm specifically designed to identify and back these early-stage IP creators.
Today, NL Patent AI Capital manages $110M in assets and operates from San Francisco, CA, at the heart of the global innovation ecosystem. We are anchored by Draper Associates, one of the most respected names in venture capital, whose partnership validates our approach and amplifies our impact.
What Guides Our Work
Every investment decision, partnership, and insight we share is guided by a consistent set of principles that define who we are as a firm.
Intellectual Courage
We take non-consensus positions when our analysis justifies it. The best deep tech investments rarely look obvious at the seed stage. We are willing to be early and willing to be wrong.
Founder Centricity
We structure every element of our firm around serving our portfolio founders. Our returns depend entirely on their success, and we never lose sight of that fundamental truth.
Rigorous Analysis
We combine technical depth with financial discipline. Every investment is supported by detailed IP analysis, market sizing, and competitive landscape assessment before commitment.
Long-Term Orientation
Deep tech takes time. We invest with decade-long horizons and resist the short-termism that prevents many investors from backing truly transformative technologies.
Global Perspective
Innovation does not respect borders. We actively seek out the best deep tech founders worldwide and bring the full weight of our global network to every portfolio company.
Transparent Partnership
We operate with full transparency in our dealings with founders, limited partners, and the broader innovation community. Trust is the foundation of every relationship we build.
The Draper Network
NL Patent AI Capital is anchored by Draper Associates (draper.vc), the legendary Silicon Valley venture firm founded by Tim Draper. Draper Associates is known for backing world-changing companies at the earliest stages, including Skype, Tesla, SpaceX, Baidu, and many more. Their partnership provides NL Patent AI Capital with strategic validation, deal flow access, and a global network spanning decades of deep-tech investment experience.
Our $110M Seed Round, closed in September 2020, positions us to make meaningful investments in the next generation of AI and deep-tech IP creators. This capital base allows us to lead rounds, set favorable terms, and provide the financial stability that early-stage deep tech companies require.
Work With Us
Whether you are a founder seeking seed capital or a limited partner looking for exposure to deep tech IP, we would love to connect.