Tango.vc

Tango.vc is a venture capital fund investing in seed-stage ML and Robotics.

High-Level Overview

Tango.vc is a venture capital fund specializing in seed-stage investments primarily in machine learning and robotics startups. Founded in 2020 and based in Redwood City, California, its mission is to back early-stage companies that push the boundaries of automation and AI, providing not only capital but also hands-on operational support and strategic guidance. The fund typically invests between $25,000 and $250,000 per startup, aiming to be an early and supportive partner. Tango.vc has a strong focus on sectors where it holds a network and informational advantage, including hardware, robotics, IoT, and deep tech, contributing to the growth of innovative startups in these fields and thereby impacting the broader tech ecosystem by accelerating advancements in automation and AI[1][2][4].

Origin Story

Tango.vc was founded in 2020 by Ivan Kirigin, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a background in computer science and robotics. Kirigin’s experience includes working on bomb disposal robots at iRobot, founding startups backed by Y Combinator, and roles at Facebook and Dropbox. His angel investing began in 2019, and these early investments were rolled into Tango.vc Fund I. The fund has evolved with a focus on transparency and community engagement, notably switching to a 506(c) fund to openly share its fundraising process. Kirigin’s deep technical and startup experience informs the fund’s hands-on approach and founder empathy, helping startups navigate early challenges[1][4][5].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Solo GP fund led by Ivan Kirigin, emphasizing transparency by publicly blogging about fund mechanics and performance.
• Network Strength: Leveraging Kirigin’s extensive connections from prior roles at major tech companies and startups.
• Track Record: Early investments in startups like Eto, Finish Robotics, and Freshpaint, with incubation success such as Rhetoric, which has created over 3X enterprise value relative to deployed capital.
• Operating Support: Hands-on involvement with portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance beyond capital.
• Sector Focus: Deep specialization in machine learning, robotics, hardware, and automation, where the fund has strong domain expertise and network advantages[1][3][4].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Tango.vc rides the wave of increasing automation and AI adoption, investing at a time when machine learning and robotics are becoming critical drivers of innovation across industries. The timing is favorable due to rapid advances in AI capabilities, growing demand for automation solutions, and the maturation of hardware technologies. By focusing on seed-stage startups in these sectors, Tango.vc helps catalyze early innovation that can scale into transformative technologies. Its approach supports the broader ecosystem by nurturing startups that contribute to productivity gains and new market creation in robotics and AI-driven automation[1][2][4].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Tango.vc is well-positioned to continue capitalizing on the growth of AI and robotics startups, especially as these technologies become more embedded in industrial, consumer, and enterprise applications. The fund’s transparent and founder-friendly approach may attract more entrepreneurs and investors seeking early-stage support in deep tech. Trends such as AI democratization, edge computing, and advanced robotics will likely shape its investment focus. Tango.vc’s influence could grow as it helps more startups transition from seed to scale, potentially expanding its fund size and geographic reach while maintaining its specialized focus and hands-on support model[1][4][6].