Bessemer, Index, and a16z alum launch VC firm Chemistry

Three seasoned venture capitalists have teamed up to launch Chemistry, a new venture capital firm focused on investing in seed and Series A companies building the future of commerce. The founding partners, Emily Kramer, Michael Eisenberg, and Jeff Fagnan, boast impressive track records, having previously held key roles at renowned VC firms like Bessemer Venture Partners, Index Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz.

Emily Kramer, who previously led consumer investing at Bessemer, brings extensive experience in identifying and backing breakout consumer companies. Michael Eisenberg, known for his expertise in scaling consumer and enterprise technology, previously served as a partner at Index Ventures. Jeff Fagnan, a prominent figure in the seed investing landscape, held positions at Andreessen Horowitz and most recently served as an Operating Partner at Insight Partners.

“Chemistry brings together deep domain expertise and a collective passion for backing the most ambitious entrepreneurs shaping the future of commerce,” stated the trio in a press release announcing the firm’s formation. “We believe there is a massive opportunity to invest in companies transforming the way people buy, sell, and create. We’re particularly interested in companies building innovative solutions within the retail, consumer, and marketplace sectors.”

Chemistry’s investment thesis revolves around three key pillars:

• The Rise of Commerce-as-a-Service: The firm recognizes the growing demand for flexible and scalable commerce solutions, particularly with the rise of social commerce and the need for businesses to operate seamlessly across channels.
• Building New Consumer Experiences: Chemistry believes in backing companies focused on reimagining consumer experiences through innovative product design, immersive shopping journeys, and personalized offerings.
• The Future of the Retail Supply Chain: The firm aims to invest in companies that are transforming the way products are sourced, manufactured, and delivered to consumers. This includes technologies related to supply chain optimization, direct-to-consumer models, and sustainable sourcing.

The firm has already announced its first investment in the e-commerce startup ShopRunner, a service that provides consumers with free expedited shipping at a range of retailers. ShopRunner’s business model aligns perfectly with Chemistry’s focus on consumer experience and retail supply chain optimization.

Chemistry joins a burgeoning ecosystem of new VC firms, many of which are driven by experienced investors with deep industry expertise. The firm’s focus on commerce presents a timely and potentially lucrative investment opportunity. As e-commerce continues its relentless growth trajectory, companies building innovative solutions within the sector stand to capture significant market share and deliver impressive returns for investors.

Chemistry’s success will depend on the founders’ ability to leverage their combined experience and industry relationships to identify and nurture promising companies. The firm’s deep understanding of the commerce landscape and its clear investment thesis provide a strong foundation for its venture capital efforts. With a focus on supporting disruptive innovation within the evolving world of commerce, Chemistry is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the industry and shape the future of how we buy and sell.