The Fund for Day 0 Engineer-Founders

We write first checks into enterprise startups with a clear technical differentiation in data infrastructure, AI & ML platforms, devtools, blockchain and cloud tech.

Meet Our Companies

We are a quietly prolific investor, having backed dozens of top companies started by engineer-founders from across our deep network.

Unlocking the future of materials with AI

Serverless analytics platform built on duckdb

A modern data tool for data science and analytics teams

End-to-end cloud compute without worrying about infra

A comprehensive metadata platform for the enterprise

Cloud-native orchestration of data pipelines

Fast & minimal libraries to train & deploy AI models

Leading reverse-ETL tool for syncing data to business apps

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Not Your Typical VC

We go above and beyond from simply writing checks. We aim to be your best brainstorming partner, your closest confidant and the best-connected investor on your cap table, helping you every step of the way.

We invest $500k - $1.5m in pre-seed and seed rounds and continue to support you in achieving key KPIs until you're ready to be introduced to your next round of investors from our extensive network of top-tier funds.

Network

We've spent 10 years building a community of engineer-founders. Attend our events to network with other founders, learn about the latest in enterprise tech, brainstorm with our team and be inspired by our amazing, geeky community.

Experience

The transition from engineer to engineer-founder can be intimidating. We bring the knowledge, resources and learnings we've acquired from our own day 0 founding experiences and begin collaborating with you from the earliest moment you have an idea.

Growth

Whether you need a design partner, a GTM strategy or engineering talent, we've got you covered. No two startups are alike, but we work directly with you to understand your needs and turn to our toolbox of resources to help as quickly as possible.

Funding

Think of us as the ringleader of your Friends & Family round. Yes, we'll write your first check and help you get your idea off the ground, but then we'll connect you to our vast network of top-tier investors.

Founded by an
Engineer-Founder

PETE SODERLING - FOUNDING PARTNER

Pete is an engineer, turned founder, turned investor. His passion is helping other engineers start companies. In launching Zero Prime, Pete's goal is to help 10k engineers launch startups. He's personally walked the startup walk from day 0 multiple times before.

YANG TRAN - PARTNER

Yang invests in AI/ML, devtools, enterprise data and cloud infra startups and has worked with numerous day 0 founders as an investor and board member. In addition to investing, Yang advises Zero Prime's portfolio companies on GTM, hiring and fundraising.

TIM WU - HEAD OF MARKETING

Tim is a marketing leader who has guided two SaaS startups from launch to successful exit. He currently leads strategic marketing for Zero Prime and Data Council, and also advises Zero Prime founders on go-to-market strategy and demand generation.

What Founders & Peers Say

“ As an open-source project, Great Expectations started with strong community growth and credibility – we’ve loved working with Data Council, because they're one of the few organizations that can genuinely increase our reach. Throughout it all, Pete has been an awesome thought partner and supporter. ”

Abe Gong

Great Expectations

“ Pete worked closely with us in refining the product messaging of our initial pitch decks and subsequently helped us raise from an amazing syndicate of Data Council members. The depth of his network continues to prove invaluable."

Todd Persen

EraDB

“ Because of his place in the data ecosystem Pete sees it all. We carefully watch his deals for downstream investment opportunities in data and AI companies.”