Steven Lee’s Seven Stars backs 45 AI startups annually: hands-on $40M fund debut

Steven Lee, formerly a partner at SV Angel, has launched Seven Stars, a venture capital firm debuting with an oversubscribed $40 million fund raised in just five weeks.

The fund is dedicated to investing in 35 to 45 AI startups annually, focusing on pre-seed and seed-stage companies developing AI applications for both consumer and enterprise markets.

"I really believe that AI is the equalizer for the 90%, and it’s already transforming lives at a global scale," Lee said, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI technology.

Seven Stars differentiates itself with a hands-on approach, providing startups with fundraising support, access to a curated advisory network, and assistance with hiring across all levels.

Lee’s background is rooted in entrepreneurship, inspired by his parents who opened Seven Star Fashion, a textile shop in L.A.’s Koreatown after immigrating from South Korea in 1993.

This personal history informs Lee’s commitment to supporting early-stage companies with practical resources and strategic guidance, aiming to accelerate innovation in the AI sector.

The rapid fundraising success and ambitious investment plans position Seven Stars as a notable new player in the AI venture capital landscape.

Steven Lee has launched Seven Stars, a new venture firm with a $40 million fund raised in five weeks, aiming to back 35 to 45 AI startups annually. The fund targets pre-seed and seed-stage AI companies, offering hands-on support and access to a curated advisory network.