Founders Future Expands Horizons with New San Francisco Office Focused on AI Leadership

Founders Future, an investment platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of global tech leaders, has officially launched operations in its new San Francisco office. This strategic move is designed to strengthen connections between European and U.S. innovation ecosystems while accelerating the growth of AI-first companies.

Located at the historic One Ferry Building, the office exemplifies Founders Future's mission to bridge entrepreneurs and investors across continents. The team aims to support European scale-ups aspiring to enter the U.S. market and aid American AI-native founders eager to explore growth opportunities in Europe. The establishment of Founders Future Inc. allows the firm to make direct investments in U.S. startups, further solidifying its ambition to champion global AI leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

To spearhead this expansion, the firm has appointed two key individuals: Dulcie fforde and Jonathan Karlson. Their expertise is expected to elevate Founders Future’s U.S. operations and ensure a cohesive transatlantic strategy.

Key Profiles in the U.S. Team

Dulcie fforde, Principal

Dulcie fforde brings a robust blend of operational insight and investor acumen to her role. Before joining Founders Future, she was at Baillie Gifford, where she played a pivotal role in investments for notable global scale-ups like Airbnb and Nubank. She has on-the-ground experience with startups from her time at Homebound and Uber, which provided her with firsthand understanding of the challenges facing rapidly growing companies. As a former scout for Headline in Silicon Valley, she now is at the helm of AI and consumer investments for Founders Future, enhancing the firm's strategic portfolio.

Jonathan Karlson, Senior Associate

With a background in prestigious firms like ICONIQ Capital and BlackRock, Jonathan Karlson has a wealth of experience advising tech entrepreneurs on direct investments. He holds a dual degree in Economics and Computer Science from Dickinson College, combining analytical skills with deep venture knowledge. At Founders Future, he focuses on early-stage analyses, maintaining relationships with limited partners, and fostering synergies between the U.S. and European operations.

Future Aspirations

In tandem with bolstering its team, Founders Future plans to hire additional personnel across various sectors including growth, investor relations, and operations. This is part of a broader strategy to achieve the ambitious target of managing €1 billion in assets and launching a transatlantic growth fund by 2026.

Marc Menasé, the founding partner, articulated the firm’s vision: “Our ambition is to build an international investment platform that supports visionary founders wherever they are. By connecting Europe and the U.S. with an AI-first approach, we are executing our transatlantic mission and backing the next generation of global tech champions.”

The excitement surrounding the new San Francisco office is palpable, with the firm already completing two deals that pave the way for further expansion. Founders Future's emphasis on an AI-first vision underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements while fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.

With this expansion, Founders Future is well-positioned to capture the dynamic interplay of ideas and investment that characterizes today’s tech landscape, paving the way for a new era of global tech leadership.