General Catalyst Unveils $8 Billion Global Tech Fund: AI, Defense, and Climate Startups in Focus

General Catalyst Launches $8 Billion Fund for Global Tech Investments

General Catalyst, a leading U.S. venture capital firm, has announced the launch of an $8 billion fund aimed at supporting early-stage startups across multiple sectors globally. The fund, which will focus primarily on investments in the United States, Europe, and India, represents one of the largest venture capital raises in recent years.

The $8 billion fund is strategically divided into three main components: $4.5 billion for core venture capital funds, $1.5 billion for a creation strategy, and $2 billion for separately managed accounts. The core VC funds will cover seed and growth equity funding, supporting early-stage startups across various industries.

General Catalyst’s creation strategy allocates $1.5 billion to assist repeat or proven founders in building new companies, leveraging experienced entrepreneurs to drive innovation. The remaining $2 billion is earmarked for special investment vehicles catering to single institutional investors, offering tailored investment opportunities for specific partners.

Hemant Taneja, CEO of General Catalyst, emphasized the firm’s focus on transformation, resilience, and applied AI. The company is targeting sectors including artificial intelligence, defense and intelligence, climate and energy, industrials, healthcare, and fintech.

Founded in 2000, General Catalyst has a strong track record of investing in major U.S. startups such as Airbnb, Instacart, and Stripe. The firm has also made significant international investments, including Deliveroo in Europe. Recently, General Catalyst has expanded its global presence through mergers with local entities like La Famiglia in Europe and Venture Highway in India.

With approximately $25 billion in assets under management, General Catalyst is positioning itself for continued growth. Recent reports suggest the firm may be considering a $1 billion continuation fund, though details remain unconfirmed. Additionally, the company has announced plans to make its first investment in Saudi Arabia.

This new fund launch places General Catalyst among the top players in the venture capital industry. It surpasses recent raises by competitors such as Index Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz, and stands as one of the largest since Tiger Global’s $12.7 billion tranche.

As the tech investment landscape continues to evolve, General Catalyst’s substantial new fund signals confidence in the global startup ecosystem and positions the firm to play a significant role in shaping the future of technology across multiple sectors and geographies.