What does Contrary do?

Contrary is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, founded in 2016 by Eric Tarczynski. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, primarily in North America and India. With a team of 51-200 employees, Contrary emphasizes identifying exceptional entrepreneurs and category-defining startups, leveraging talent networks and research to guide its investment decisions. The firm has made 53 investments to date and has raised significant funds, including a $20 million Fund II in 2021 and a $75 million Fund III in 2022. Contrary targets various sectors, including FinTech, ClimateTech, Developer Tools, Software, SaaS, and EdTech. Its portfolio includes notable startups like DoorDash, Anduril, Ramp, and Zepto, along with recent investments in companies such as QXO, Base Power, DualEntry, and Voltra. Additionally, Contrary offers programs like Contrary Talent, which supports professionals in tech roles, and Contrary Research, which provides in-depth analyses on startups and industry trends.