SpaceX backer 137 Ventures raises $700M for two growth-stage funds

2026-04-30 · Source: TechCrunch · Field: Finance & Economics — Capital Markets & Investment Management, Corporate Finance & Treasury · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Venture capital firm 137 Ventures has successfully raised over $700 million across two new growth-stage funds, bringing its total assets under management (AUM) to more than $1.5 billion. The firm, founded by Justin Fishner-Wolfson, focuses on backing startups with significant market impact potential, particularly in defense, artificial intelligence, and industrial systems. Over the past year, 137 Ventures deployed more than $1 billion into companies such as AI agent developer Cognition, AI-powered manufacturer Hadrian Automation, and defense contractor Anduril. Notably, the firm is also a long-standing investor in SpaceX, having first backed the company in 2010 and making approximately two dozen subsequent investments, ahead of its anticipated multi-trillion dollar IPO this year.

Key takeaway

For investors tracking venture capital trends, 137 Ventures' new $700 million fundraise signals continued strong interest and capital deployment into defense, AI, and industrial systems. Your portfolio strategy should consider these sectors for potential growth, especially given the firm's track record with companies like SpaceX. Monitor upcoming IPOs from their portfolio for market insights.

Key insights

137 Ventures secured $700M for growth-stage funds, emphasizing defense, AI, and industrial systems.

Principles

• Focus on high-impact startups.
• Strategic investment in critical sectors.

In practice

• Identify startups in defense and AI.
• Invest in industrial systems innovation.

Topics

• 137 Ventures
• Growth-stage Funds
• Venture Capital
• SpaceX
• Artificial Intelligence

Best for: Investor, Entrepreneur, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by TechCrunch.