Loading organizations...
§ Venture Capital · USA
Early-stage venture capital firm investing $1-5M in pre-seed and seed software companies, providing operational guidance for B2B and consumer tech.
Key people at Mischief.
Mischief is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, investing $1-5 million in pre-seed and seed-stage software companies. The firm maintains a generalist investment strategy, focusing on sectors such as fintech, developer tools, AI infrastructure, and healthcare technology. Its portfolio includes over 20 companies, with notable investments in Gravy, Cardless, Farcaster, and iVerify, alongside earlier stakes in Figma, Coinbase, and Ramp. The four-person operating partner team, including Zach Perret and Lauren Farleigh, provides hands-on guidance, having collectively raised over $1 billion in venture capital and generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Founded by three successful founder-operators, including Perret and Farleigh, the firm's founding year is not publicly specified. Its business model centers on traditional venture capital fund that deploys capital into early-stage startups and maintains reserve capital for follow-on investments in successful portfolio companies.
Key people at Mischief.
Mischief is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2021, with offices in Venice, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments, primarily in software-driven startups across a broad range of industries. Mischief’s mission is to back founders who challenge the status quo and are willing to disrupt traditional markets with bold, innovative ideas. Their investment philosophy centers on being hands-on partners from day one, offering not just capital but also mentorship, operational support, and strategic guidance. Mischief’s portfolio spans fintech, enterprise software, AI, web3, and more, with notable investments in companies like Warp, Faire, TRM Labs, and Stelo Wallet. By focusing on visionary founders and providing long-term partnership, Mischief has become a significant player in the early-stage ecosystem, helping startups navigate the complexities of scaling and market disruption.
Mischief was co-founded in 2021 by Lauren Farleigh and Zach Perret, both of whom bring deep experience from the tech and venture capital worlds. Farleigh previously held leadership roles at prominent VC firms and startups, while Perret is the co-founder of Plaid, a fintech unicorn. Their combined background in building and investing in high-growth technology companies shaped Mischief’s approach: a blend of founder empathy, operational expertise, and a strong network. The firm started with a clear vision—to be the first institutional partner for founders who are reimagining entire industries. Over the years, Mischief has evolved from a niche player to a recognized force in early-stage investing, expanding its reach across geographies and sectors while maintaining a hands-on, collaborative ethos.
Mischief is riding the wave of rapid innovation in software and fintech, where new technologies are reshaping traditional industries. The firm’s focus on early-stage, disruptive startups positions it at the forefront of trends like decentralized finance, AI-driven automation, and next-generation developer tools. By backing founders who are unafraid to challenge established norms, Mischief is helping to drive the next wave of technological transformation. The timing is critical, as the global shift toward digitalization and the rise of new tech ecosystems create fertile ground for bold ideas. Mischief’s influence extends beyond its portfolio, as its success stories inspire other founders and investors to embrace risk and innovation.
Mischief is poised to continue its growth as a leading early-stage VC, with a strong track record and a clear focus on supporting visionary founders. As the tech landscape evolves, the firm’s ability to adapt and identify emerging trends will be key to its future success. Expect Mischief to expand its portfolio into new sectors, deepen its operational support, and further strengthen its network. The firm’s influence will likely grow as more startups look for partners who offer not just capital but also strategic guidance and hands-on support. Mischief’s commitment to backing bold, innovative founders ensures it will remain a vital force in the startup ecosystem, shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
Mischief has 12 tracked investments across 12 companies. The latest tracked deal is $6.0M Seed in Crafting in March 2026.
