Bling Capital, a standout in the venture capital space, has successfully raised $270 million for its fourth flagship fund. This fresh infusion of capital will bolster its efforts to support early-stage startups and make follow-on investments into its most promising portfolio companies, Bling general partner Kyle Lui revealed to TechCrunch. Approximately half of the new fund is allocated to its opportunity fund, designed for doubling down on standout winners.
Ben Ling: The Visionary Behind Bling Capital
Founded in 2018 by Ben Ling, Bling Capital has rapidly become a powerhouse in seed-stage investing. Ling’s reputation as a seasoned Silicon Valley insider stems from his impressive track record:
- Past Roles: Executive positions at Google, YouTube, and Facebook cemented his understanding of product and growth.
- Angel Investing Success: Ling’s investments in giants like Airtable, Lyft, Square, and Palantir highlight his eye for transformative ventures.
- Khosla Ventures Experience: As a former general partner, he backed winners such as GitLab and Webflow.
Bling Capital’s defining feature is its Product Council, a curated network of leaders from top tech firms. This council provides hands-on advisory support to portfolio startups, a unique value proposition that sets the firm apart. With the new fund, Bling has expanded its network, welcoming advisors from today’s most exciting companies, including Notion, OpenAI, Scale AI, and Stripe.
A Track Record of Unicorns and Early Wins
Bling Capital’s investment strategy is paying off handsomely.
- Portfolio Success: The firm boasts stakes in 170 companies, including breakout stars like Rippling and Vise.
- Unicorn Count: Ling’s investments have yielded 19 unicorns, while Lui, his general partner, has contributed at least seven unicorns, including DocSend and Hims.
Steady Growth and Strategic Focus
The new $270 million fund builds on Bling Capital’s earlier success, following a $212 million third fund launched two years ago. While the fund size hasn’t grown dramatically, its structure—splitting capital evenly between seed investments and an opportunity fund—remains consistent. This approach reflects Bling’s focus on not just discovering but nurturing high-potential startups through multiple growth phases.
What’s Next for Bling Capital?
With this new fund, Bling Capital is set to continue its mission of identifying and supporting the next generation of industry-defining companies. Its proven model of leveraging a vast network of advisors, coupled with Ling and Lui’s exceptional investing acumen, positions the firm for continued success.
For early-stage startups looking for a partner that brings more than just capital, Bling Capital remains a top contender in the world of seed venture funding.