Your design and venture partner

We back exceptional founders and empower them with design to improve the world.

We invest between $350k - $1M in early stage startups and help them succeed with design support and our network of design experts.

Our
Companies

You're in good company

Designer Fund companies seek to transform industries that have poor user experiences like financial services, enterprise software, and digital health.

Financial Services
Stripe
The new standard in online payments. Stripe is the best software platform for running an internet business.
Financial Services
Gusto
An online HR services tool designed to simplify the complex and tedious processes involving payroll, benefits, and HR for modern businesses.
Digital Heatlh
Omada
We help health plans and employers tackle type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the most engaging, effective, and scalable way possible.
Design Tools
Abstract
One place to version, manage, and collaborate on your Sketch files.
SaaS
Hustle
Hustle’s texting platform lets you connect personally through the most effective channel.

Financial Services

Stripe

The new standard in online payments. Stripe is the best software platform for running an internet business.

Financial Services

Gusto

An online HR services tool designed to simplify the complex and tedious processes involving payroll, benefits, and HR for modern businesses.

Digital Heatlh

Omada

We help health plans and employers tackle type 2 diabetes and heart disease in the most engaging, effective, and scalable way possible.

Design Tools

Abstract

One place to version, manage, and collaborate on your Sketch files.

SaaS

Hustle

Hustle’s texting platform lets you connect personally through the most effective channel.

All Companies

Programs

We support founders and design leaders through unique programs and events.

Resources

Design Management & Leadership

Level Up: A Framework for Growing High-Performing Design Teams

Craft

3 Tips for Designing Behavior Change

Career Guidance

The Right Way to Accept a Job Offer

View All Resources

Resources

Design Management & Leadership

Level Up: A Framework for Growing High-Performing Design Teams

See how your team stacks up against others of its size with this seven-question self-assessment, developed by Heather Phillips in partnership with Designer Fund and Ueno. You’ll see where you excel, pinpoint what needs work, and get a worksheet to try it with your team.

Craft

3 Tips for Designing Behavior Change

Career Guidance

The Right Way to Accept a Job Offer

View All Resources

Culture

Shaping Design Culture

For Founders

The Future of Design Entrepreneurship

Women in Design

10 Design Leaders on How to Empower Women in the Workplace

Career Guidance

We back exceptional founders and empower them with design to improve the world.