Foothill Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Altos, California. Established in 2017 as Tsingyuan Ventures, the firm rebranded to Foothill Ventures to reflect its growing ambitions. It was founded by alumni of the TEEC Angel Fund, whose early investments included Zoom. The team brings experience from leading global VC firms, technology companies such as Google and Yahoo, and expertise in healthcare research and energy innovation.
The firm manages a technology-focused fund of roughly $150 million, with its latest vehicle closed above $110 million. It targets pre-seed, seed and Series A investments, writing checks up to $10 million. Foothill Ventures seeks early-stage companies with strong technical differentiation across software, life sciences, deep tech, robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, healthcare, enterprise and clean energy. While often co-investing, the firm will lead rounds and work closely with founders to refine product strategy, build teams and secure follow-on capital. Its network bridges the U.S. and China, helping portfolio companies access additional funding sources and market opportunities. The firm also offers interim management support and business development assistance.
A notable aspect of the firm’s activity is its commitment to clean technology and advanced battery solutions. Portfolio companies include Feon, a developer of next-generation lithium battery electrolytes; ventures focused on novel anode materials and solid-state cell designs; UNIGRID Battery, which raised $12 million in a Series A round to scale sodium-ion storage; and Aether Fuels, which secured $34 million for sustainable fuel production. The firm also advises on renewable energy project development, supports innovators in new energy vehicles, recruits leadership for nuclear energy startups and structures large-scale energy storage and mobility initiatives.
