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Terrain

New York, NY · Invests in US · Website

Pre-SeedSeedConsumer Apps & SocialB2B SaaSAI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsSales & Marketing TechFintechClimate & Clean EnergyDeveloper Tools & InfrastructureFintech & PaymentsEnterprise SoftwareRobotics & AutomationInsuranceHR Tech & Future of WorkMarketing & Adtech

Thesis

Back founders who call their shot — those with specific, high-stakes visions and the agency to execute methodically. Terrain rejects the standardized startup playbook in favor of founders building intentionally toward a defined future, often before the market is ready.

Likely not a fit for

Fast iteration without clear destination; founders riding market trends rather than creating them; large portfolios or spray-and-pray approaches.

How they invest

Involvement
Takes a board seat
Fund status
Actively deploying
Decision process
Partnership vote

Partners & team

2 contacts on file

ES

Eric Stromberg

General PartnerCo-founder & Partner

+ Pitch

e•••@te•••.com

LinkedIn profile

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WV

Willem Van Lancker

General PartnerCo-founder & Partner

+ Pitch

w•••@te•••.com

LinkedIn profile

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Portfolio

Base PowerClimate Clean Energy

Base Power is building a reliable and affordable home energy service powered by distributed batteries, aiming to modernize the aging power grid and provide backup power solutions for homeowners in Texas and Illinois.

ParallelDeveloper Tools Infra

Parallel provides web search and research APIs specifically designed for AI agents, enabling them to efficiently retrieve and process information from the web.

BridgeGaming

The all-in-one digital home for bridge enthusiasts, aiming to unite and elevate the worldwide bridge community.

Coplane
AIUCEnterprise Software

AIUC is an AI agent standards and insurance company that provides certification and insurance for AI agents to facilitate enterprise adoption. Their AIUC-1 standard addresses data privacy, security, safety, reliability, accountability, and societal risks.

EternalEcommerce Marketplaces

Eternal is a mission-driven company that operates a group of brands including Zomato, Blinkit, Hyperpure, and District. It aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that enhances everyday life through food delivery, grocery services, and community-driven experiences.

Fauna RoboticsRobotics Automation

Fauna Robotics is an American robotics company that designs and assembles robots for various applications, focusing on creating capable, safe, and fun robots for developers, enterprises, researchers, and consumers.

ClaspHr Tech Work

Clasp is a venture-backed, mission-driven fintech that bridges the gap between education and employment, focusing on hard-to-hire talent in healthcare while addressing the student debt crisis.

CloudXMarketing Adtech

CloudX is a full programmatic stack for mobile, operable by autonomous agents, providing ad infrastructure for mobile publishers to drive revenue and take control of their inventory.

NaturalFintech Payments

Natural is a company focused on payments for AI agents, having raised $9.8 million in a seed round to develop this infrastructure.

Recent activity

Terrain in the news

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Research briefRead more
Terrain Research Overview Terrain is an early-stage technology investment firm and creative partner to founders, launched in 2024 by Eric Stromberg and Willem Van Lancker. The firm describes itself as a seed-stage investor that works deeply with founders during a company's first year, functioning not just as a capital provider but as a true creative partner — helping shape narrative, brand identit

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