---
title: "Note to Founders - Nikunj Kothari"
description: "My investment philosophy and what I look for in founders."
url: 'https://www.nikunjk.com/founders'
lastModified: '2026-07-29T00:00:00.000Z'
---

# Note to Founders

I typically invest in seed and Series A companies at [FPV Ventures](https://fpvventures.com/).

## What I Look For

I look for founder-market fit, which comes down to two things:
- **[Latitude](https://writing.nikunjk.com/p/latitude?utm_source=publication-search)** - your freedom to maneuver
- **[Agency](https://writing.nikunjk.com/p/agency?utm_source=publication-search)** - your ability to execute

The best problems look like [icebergs](https://writing.nikunjk.com/p/icebergs?utm_source=publication-search). What you see on the surface is tiny compared to what's underneath. I spent 10 years building companies in networking hardware, real estate, and logistics, so I gravitate toward deeply unsexy markets - the kind that have a real shot at becoming monopolies while everyone else chases the shiny stuff.

## How I Work

I hate reading decks and doing the same intro calls over Zoom. I'd rather take a long walk and debate the real substance of your business. I show up with a prepared mind and 3-5 specific questions I want answered. Then we get into the details - not just what you're building, but why you're the one who can win.

## What I Bring

I've been the first PM at multiple startups and led product at companies like Opendoor and Meter. I've backed [Primer](https://primer.com/), [Fragile](https://www.fragile.co/), [Grand Charter](https://www.grandcharter.com/), [Railway](https://railway.com/), [Reactor](http://reactor.inc/), and others still in stealth. I help in two main ways:
1. Navigating the idea maze to find your path to product-market fit
2. Building the right team to execute

I'm good at turning vague ideas into clear plans and can jump between high-level vision and tactical details. I've done this enough times to know which threads are worth pulling.

I show up when you actually need it, not just in scheduled check-ins. Early mornings brainstorming product direction, late nights working through tough decisions, or helping you close a key hire. I'm not here to impose my playbook. I'm here to amplify what makes you exceptional.

After I invest, the rhythm is simple: a running text thread for the tactical stuff day-to-day, and a monthly walk to step back and think through the broader plan. I take board seats, but that's not where the work happens.

When things get tough, I help you absorb the chaos. When things are working, I'm the one pushing harder.

## What I Avoid

I'm a generalist, but I don't invest in:
- Bio
- Crypto
- Defense

These spaces require specialized expertise I don't have. I also don't invest at the pre-seed stage.

## At FPV

We focus on product and GTM, and tend to back founders that think deeply about both. We're technical, but if you want the most hardcore technical investors, there are better funds we can point you to.

We like to lead or co-lead rounds and are flexible on check size. Our investing team is small and nimble, so our process is fast. Usually a few meetings max when there's conviction.

## Get in Touch

If you want an investor who will match your intensity while respecting your autonomy, let's talk.

**Email:** [nikunj@fpvventures.com](mailto:nikunj@fpvventures.com)

PS: If you want to read about what founders think of me, [read their testimonials here](/founder-testimonials).

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*This page is available in markdown format for AI agents at [/founders.md](/founders.md)*