The Pre-Seed Fund for AI & Robotics Seed-Strappers
Tran.vc invests $50,000 at the pre-seed stage in AI, software and robotics startups that use AI to scale with minimal capital. We help technical founders build IP moats, raise seed funding, and grow without relying on endless fundraising.
Ready to build the future?
Why We Exist
AI and robotics are the great equalizers.
We believe anyone with an idea can now be a founder. AI is turning every builder into a 100x creator. Hardware is in a renaissance, and business models everywhere are being reimagined. With AI, you don’t need massive teams or capital to create something world-changing4.
Seed-strapping is the new way to scale:
- Build fast and lean with AI-driven operational efficiency
- Focus on product-founder fit and technical gravity
- Grow to meaningful scale before raising more
- Keep more ownership, build more value
AI-Native
Software
Conversational, collaborative, cognitive AI, vertical models, and agentic workflows
Robotics & Physical AI
Automation in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and edge intelligence
Digital Healthcare and Medical Device
Outcome-based, usage-based, or other new models enabled by AI with 510k FDA moats
Business Model Innovation
Outcome-based, usage-based, or other new models enabled by AI4
Deep Tech Wedges
Companies with a unique technical insight or market entry point, not just “wrappers”3
We love
1
Outlier founders with unique insights
2
Fast product velocity and momentum25
3
Early signs of magic and delight in the product
4
Teams building technical moats (data, IP, hardware, or platform)
Apply Online
Tell us about your idea, your technical wedge, and your vision.
Get Feedback
Every applicant receives actionable feedback, whether or not you’re accepted.
Build, Raise, Scale
We help you build your moat, connect with seed investors, and scale capital-efficiently.
Investment & Support
Accepted startups receive $50,000 in IP strategy help, business model feedback, introduction to investors, and access to our founder community.
Founder Conversation
If there’s a fit, we’ll schedule a call to dig into your product, tech, and roadmap.
What You Get
- $50,000 Pre-Seed Investment (founder-friendly SAFE)
- IP and Patent Strategy from experienced patent attorneys
- Tactical Support: Product, GTM, and technical feedback from operators
- Founder Community: Peer support, events, and introductions
- Seed Fundraising Prep: Connections to top seed VCs and angels
Tran.vc is for you if:
- You’re building in AI, digital health, or robotics
- You want to scale with minimal capital
- You value deep technical feedback and founder-first support
Tran.vc Companies
| Company | Sector | What They Do | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerPatent | AI SaaS | GenAI-driven legal workflow tools | Pre-Seed |
| IntraAction | AI Infrastructure | Laser Sensors for Deep Lithography | Pre-Seed |
| MicroNOC | Cleantech | Battery Backed Building Energy Management | Pre-Seed |
| Gold.ai | AI SaaS | Automated coaching | Pre-Seed |
| Cool Edge Bits | AI Infrastructure | Oil Drill Bits | Pre-Seed |
| KoderAI | AI SaaS | GenAI-driven software development workflow tools | Pre-Seed |
| Maculus | Healthcare | Eye care solution | Pre-Seed |
| Reflect Scientific | Infrastructure | Cryogenic Cooling | Post-Seed |
| Cisbay | Agtech | Microbes for Plants | Pre-Seed |
| ObeSolve | Healthcare | Obesity Management | Pre-Seed |
| Axpro Semi | Semiconductor | AI accelerator | Pre-Seed |
| Mirro.ai | AI SaaS | GenAI-driven legal workflow tools | Pre-Seed |
| BuildingLens | AI SaaS | Automated building energy management | Pre-Seed |
| ShirleyOS | AI SaaS | AI sales support and management | Pre-Seed |
The Tran.vc Thesis
- AI is the great equalizer: Everyone can be a builder. Coding is now conversational, collaborative, and cognitive4.
- Momentum is the first moat: Ship fast, iterate, and delight users. Product velocity is key25.
- IP and Patents are the secon moat: Build a patent portfolio to increase company valuation and protect your GTM strategy. First-To-File is key25.
- Technical gravity matters: The best founders start with a deep technical wedge, not just a flashy wrapper3.
- Hardware renaissance: AI is bringing innovation back to hardware, from data centers to edge devices4
- Business model disruption: AI enables new models-outcome-based, usage-based, and lean teams with high leverage4.
- Founder-first, feedback-driven: We’re your technical and strategic partners, not just a check.
Resources
Pitch Prep Guide
How to stand out at pre-seed
IP Strategy for AI & Robotics
Protect your edge
Scaling Deep Tech
Navigating capital, talent, and regulatory hurdles
Seed Fundraising Checklist
Team
Tran.vc is led by experienced operators, patent attorneys, and technologists who have built and protected some of the most valuable portfolios in tech-including Invisalign(R) and Shutterfly(R) products and services. We understand what it takes to turn breakthrough ideas into enduring companies.
Bao Tran
Managing Partner – AI LegalTech Operator, ex- Invisalign
Ben Dubin
Venture Advisor
Jeff Smith
GTM and Sales Advisor
Ping Gu
IP Law Expert
John Huynh
Technology Advisor
Adhip
Mary Kimani
Platform Lead – Founder Community
Kathi vidal
Advocate
FAQ
A Brief History of Tran.vc
In 1954, John Backus invented Fortran, a groundbreaking programming language that revolutionized coding, making it far more accessible. This innovation not only shaped modern software development but also laid the foundation for advancements in AI and vibe coding and attracted venture investments by Tran.vc.
Who should apply?
Founders building in AI, robotics, medical/digital health, or deep tech with a capital-efficient mindset.
What’s your check size?
$50,000 at pre-seed (SAFE).
Do I need a product?
No-pre-product, pre-revenue, or pre-traction is fine if you have a compelling technical wedge or insight.
How fast is your process?
We move quickly. You’ll get feedback within a week of applying.
What’s our value-add?
Hands-on technical feedback, IP strategy, and founder-first support. We’re not just investors-we’re your partners.
Blogs
How to Raise Seed Funding Without Losing Control
Most founders think raising money means giving up control. But that’s not the full story. You don’t have to hand
How does seed-strapping compare to bootstrapping in terms of scalability
Seed-strapping and bootstrapping are both alternatives to traditional multi-round venture capital, but they differ significantly in terms of scalability-especially in
How does seed-strapping compare to bootstrapping in terms of growth potential
Seed-strapping and bootstrapping both offer founders alternatives to traditional multi-round venture capital, but they differ significantly in their growth potential-especially