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Daniel Gross is a highly influential early-stage technology investor, former Y Combinator Partner, and founder of Pioneer Fund. He is known for his expertise in AI, machine learning, and identifying disruptive startups.
Daniel Gross primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, developer tools, and other foundational software. His portfolio includes companies like Cruise Automation, Figma, and Notion.
Daniel Gross is associated with C2 Investment as part of his diverse investment activities. He is also the founder of Pioneer Fund and previously served as a Partner at Y Combinator, making him an active figure across various venture capital endeavors.
Daniel Gross is a technology entrepreneur and early-stage venture capital investor who currently runs compute initiatives at Meta and serves as a co-founder of Safe Superintelligence Inc. He previously co-founded the search engine startup Cue, which was successfully acquired by Apple in 2013, leading him to direct artificial intelligence and search projects at the consumer electronics company until 2017. Following his four-year tenure at Apple, Gross joined Y Combinator as a Partner, where he was responsible for launching and managing the accelerator's dedicated artificial intelligence program. As an active early-stage venture capitalist, he frequently collaborates and co-invests alongside former GitHub executive Nat Friedman to back emerging technology startups across the industry. His career focus remains firmly centered on advancing artificial intelligence products, developing search technology, and funding the next generation of foundational machine learning enterprises.
Daniel Gross is a highly influential figure in the early-stage technology investment landscape. While his specific role at C2 Investment is part of his diverse portfolio, Gross is most widely recognized for his profound impact as a former Partner at Y Combinator and the visionary founder of Pioneer Fund. His career trajectory showcases a consistent dedication to identifying and nurturing companies poised for significant disruption.
Gross's investment philosophy centers on backing exceptional founders building foundational technologies. He has a particular affinity for startups leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced software development tools. His keen insight into emerging technological trends has positioned him as a go-to investor for entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of innovation, from enterprise solutions to consumer applications that redefine daily life.
Before his extensive career as an investor, Daniel Gross was an entrepreneur himself. He founded Cue, a search and discovery startup that was acquired by Apple in 2013. This firsthand experience as a founder deeply informs his approach to venture capital, allowing him to empathize with and strategically guide the entrepreneurs he supports. Following the acquisition, he joined Y Combinator, one of the world's most prestigious startup accelerators, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of tech companies. His tenure at YC further solidified his reputation as a formidable early-stage investor.
In 2018, Gross launched Pioneer Fund, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in ambitious early-stage companies globally. Through Pioneer Fund and his extensive angel investing activities, he has built an impressive portfolio of successful ventures. Notable investments include Cruise Automation (acquired by GM), Figma (acquired by Adobe), GitHub (acquired by Microsoft), Notion, Rippling, and Stripe, among many others. These investments highlight his ability to spot companies that not only achieve massive scale but also fundamentally alter their respective industries.
Daniel Gross continues to be an active and sought-after investor, advisor, and mentor in the startup ecosystem. His commitment to fostering innovation, combined with his deep technical understanding and entrepreneurial background, makes him a pivotal force in driving technological progress. Whether through C2 Investment or his other prominent ventures, his influence on the future of technology remains undeniable.
