Rob Hayes

Overview

Rob Hayes is an experienced angel investor with a focus on early-stage technology companies. He has a strong background in venture capital, having led investments in companies such as Uber, Square, Mint.com, Planet Labs, and TaskRabbit. His investment interests span various sectors, including financial technology, the sharing economy, robotics, agriculture, and consumer hardware. He is particularly drawn to entrepreneurs who challenge existing market boundaries and innovate within their industries. In addition to his investment activities, Rob has been actively involved in leadership roles. He served as a Board Partner at First Round Capital, where he contributed to the firm's growth and success. He also led First Round's diversity and inclusion coalition, spearheading efforts that significantly increased the diversity of the firm's staff, events, programs, and investments. His commitment to fostering inclusive environments has been a notable aspect of his professional journey. Rob's career also includes significant roles at Omidyar Network and Palm. At Omidyar Network, he was the first venture investor, leading many of the initial venture capital deals and later building and running the technology investing group. Prior to that, at Palm, he product managed Palm OS and started the company's first corporate venture fund. These experiences have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of technology companies, enhancing his effectiveness as an investor and advisor.

Investment Focus

• Strong founding team
• Innovative product or service
• Scalable business model
• Clear market demand
• Potential for significant impact

Portfolio Companies