Why Soul Ventures Founder Warren Hui seeks founders with a vision “so big it seems impossible”

Soul Ventures Founder and GP Warren Hui

When looking at Soul Ventures’ portfolio companies, one cannot help but be impressed, especially with recognizable names like OpenAI, Reddit, SpaceX, and Neuralink.

In addition to these companies, Soul Ventures has also invested in Asian companies such as online real estate marketplace Anjuke. The firm collaborates closely with various LPs from Singapore and Taiwan, participating in deals together like the recent investment in AI company Cohere.

Established in 2021, Soul Ventures focuses on growth-stage investments in frontier tech, AI, and consumer tech. Led by founder and GP Warren Hui, the Hong Kong-based firm connects the US and Asian markets for its portfolio companies. With strong connections in Asia and the US, Soul Ventures has played a key role in helping companies in both regions grow and expand globally, particularly in the AI sector.

Hui discusses the firm’s significant investments and key regional plans in an email interview with e27. The following is an edited excerpt from the conversation.

You have invested in some of the most prominent companies in the industry, such as SpaceX and OpenAI. Can you share what initially attracted you to these companies? What criteria do you consider when evaluating them?

Our approach always begins with a thematic overview. What are the major disruptions expected in the next decade? For example, we believe that AI will be a technology that disrupts all industries. We focus on AI and analyze which industries will be disrupted first. We strongly believe that consumer and enterprise productivity will be significant markets to be disrupted immediately.

Our team then researches and engages with numerous AI companies to understand each founder’s vision. We invested in OpenAI because they have one of the most talented teams globally and have conducted groundbreaking research in AI. They have also developed a strategic plan to quickly commercialize and bring their technology to the masses.

What lessons have you learned from supporting these companies?

One of the most significant values we provide to our portfolio companies is helping them expand into Asia, especially Southeast Asia.

Many of our portfolio companies were founded in the US, with their user base primarily in the US. To assist startups in bridging the regional gap, we help founders understand the cultural nuances. User interactions with technology and perceptions of different companies vary significantly between regions, making localization essential.

We have learned that for tech companies to truly go global, the business must be adaptable and responsive to user needs.

What is your investment philosophy? What distinguishes you from other VCs?

Our goal is to invest in companies that disrupt lives and contribute to a better future for all. We genuinely believe that technology is a tool to enhance people’s daily lives.

Compared to other VCs, our team has entrepreneurial and operational backgrounds, allowing us to understand founders’ challenges firsthand and provide comprehensive support in various ways.

What factors do you consider when evaluating potential investments?

It always starts with the team and the founder. Many startups may initially get their market fit or product wrong, but a great founder can pivot the business and lead the team to success.

We are drawn to visionary founders, especially those with seemingly impossible visions.

Can you elaborate on the areas and regions you focus on? What approach do you use to target these regions? Any interesting insights to share?

Our primary focus is the US and parts of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Japan. With my partner’s extensive experience in investing in Asia, we actively seek investments in this region.

In any region, we gravitate towards talent hubs. In the US, it’s Silicon Valley and now Austin, Texas. We see many AI application-layer companies emerging in SEA and have invested in an AI infrastructure company from Taiwan.

We believe that ecosystems naturally develop where talent congregates, supporting the success of startups.

What are your major plans for 2024?

Our focus will continue to be on AI. Apart from foundational models, we find infrastructure and application layer companies particularly intriguing.

Consumer internet remains a key focus, seeking companies that utilize AI innovatively. We also plan to explore robotics and space technologies, which we believe will have a significant impact in the coming decade.

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Image Credit: Soul Ventures

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