Playground Global

Playground Global is a Palo Alto-based early-stage deep tech venture capital firm founded in 2015. With $1.7 billion in assets under management, the firm backs technical founders at the pre-formation, pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages across four core verticals: next-generation compute (including quantum computing and AI acceleration), automation and robotics, energy transition, and engineered biology (including AI-driven drug development and synthetic biology). The firm typically leads investment rounds and takes board seats, with initial check sizes historically ranging from $1M to $20M. Playground operates more like an applied research lab than a traditional VC, with in-house engineers who help evaluate and de-risk deeply technical bets. Its most recent vehicle, Fund IV ($475M, closed May 2026), is its fourth fund and brings total AUM to $1.7B. Notable portfolio companies include PsiQuantum, Agility Robotics, Relativity Space, Skydio, and Infinimmune.