Outlier Ventures

Outlier Ventures isn’t your typical venture capital firm. Founded in 2014 by Jamie Burke, and now led by CEO Stephan Apel, this London-based investor set its sights on blockchain and Web3 long before these sectors captured the headlines. Today, Outlier Ventures bills itself as the world’s most prolific investor in decentralized technologies, boasting a dizzying rate of over 100 startup investments per year through its flagship accelerator, Base Camp.

For UK founders navigating early-stage fundraising, Outlier’s accelerator approach is distinctive. Rather than investing via traditional one-off venture deals, the firm selects batches of pre-seed and seed-stage startups several times a year, placing bets of up to $200,000 initially and reserving further capital for follow-on rounds. Each cohort receives tailored mentorship across token economics, blockchain technology, legal frameworks, and community growth strategies—areas often unfamiliar terrain even for seasoned entrepreneurs.

Outlier’s network is vast and strategic, spanning crypto heavyweights such as Coinbase Ventures and Pantera Capital to unconventional partners including fashion house FARFETCH. Founders who make the cut gain access not just to mentorship, but also to a wider ecosystem designed to accelerate fundraising and product-market fit. Alumni credit Outlier with critical introductions, helping them raise over $350 million collectively after graduation, often from leading international venture firms.

Portfolio companies reflect Outlier’s bold investment thesis—the creation of an open and decentralized internet, dubbed the "Open Metaverse." Standout investments include the privacy-first browser Brave, decentralized data marketplace Ocean Protocol, and blockchain-AI hybrid Fetch.ai. Early bets on Coinbase and ed-tech unicorn MasterClass demonstrate Outlier’s eye for breakout successes beyond strictly crypto-centric ventures.

Founders considering Outlier should expect a rigorous selection process. The firm strongly prefers startups that arrive with at least an MVP or proof-of-concept and a clear vision of how blockchain or tokenization strengthens their proposition. Equally important is demonstrating that your team has the right blend of tech savvy and commercial sense to thrive in Web3’s volatile waters.

Yet, Outlier’s hands-on involvement might not suit every founder. Those seeking passive investors need look elsewhere. Alumni describe Outlier as deeply engaged, often functioning as an extension of their team long after the formal accelerator period ends. Yasmin Topia, founder of portfolio company Sociate.ai, summed it up succinctly: "They’re with you, they believe in you, and they actively create opportunities for you."

For UK-based entrepreneurs eager to navigate the complexities—and considerable rewards—of the Web3 space, Outlier Ventures stands out as an investor worth knowing, bringing capital, credibility, and connections to those ready to redefine the internet.