What Check Sizes Do Seed Investors Typically Write?

Seed investors typically write checks ranging from $250K to $2M, with most institutional seed funds investing $500K–$1.5M per deal.

Angels invest smaller amounts ($25K–$100K), while micro-VCs write $100K–$500K. Lead investors at seed usually commit $750K–$2M, representing 50–70% of the round. Check size depends on fund size, investor type, and round structure, always verify an investor's typical range before pitching.

Why Check Size Matters

Targeting investors with mismatched check sizes wastes everyone's time:

• Too small: An investor writing $100K checks won't lead your $2M seed round

• Too large: A fund that writes $5M checks won't participate in a $1.5M seed

• Wrong structure: Some investors only follow; others only lead

Understanding typical check sizes helps you build the right investor list and structure your round efficiently.

Check Sizes by Investor Type

Angel Investors

Typical range: $10K–$150K Most common: $25K–$50K

Angels invest personal capital, so check sizes vary based on individual wealth and conviction. High-net-worth angels may write $100K–$250K, but most stay in the $25K–$50K range.

Angels rarely lead institutional rounds but can anchor pre-seed rounds or fill out seed rounds alongside institutional leads.

For more context on how angels differ from VCs, read our guide on angel investors vs venture capital: key differences explained.

Angel Syndicates and SPVs

Typical range: $100K–$500K Most common: $150K–$300K

Syndicates pool capital from multiple angels into a single investment vehicle. They can write larger checks than individual angels but typically don't lead or take board seats.

Micro-VCs

Typical range: $100K–$750K Most common: $250K–$500K

Micro-VCs manage smaller funds ($10M–$50M) and focus on pre-seed and seed stages. They often lead smaller rounds or co-lead alongside larger seed funds. Their check sizes reflect fund economics, smaller funds mean smaller checks.

Seed-Stage Venture Funds

Typical range: $500K–$3M Most common: $750K–$1.5M

Dedicated seed funds ($50M–$150M) are the primary source of institutional seed capital. They typically lead rounds, set terms, and take board seats. Their check sizes allow them to own meaningful stakes (10–20%) at seed valuations.

Multi-Stage Funds at Seed

Typical range: $1M–$5M Most common: $1.5M–$3M

Larger venture firms sometimes invest at seed, often through dedicated seed programs or opportunistic investments. Their checks tend to be larger, but they may be less engaged at early stages and more focused on follow-on potential.

How Check Size Relates to Round Size

Seed rounds typically range from $1M–$4M. Here's how check sizes map to round structures:

$1M–$1.5M round:

• Lead: $500K–$1M

• 2–4 smaller checks: $100K–$250K each

$2M–$3M round:

• Lead: $1M–$1.5M

• Co-lead or large follow: $500K–$750K

• 3–5 smaller checks: $100K–$250K each

$3M–$4M round:

• Lead: $1.5M–$2M

• Co-lead: $750K–$1M

• 4–6 smaller checks: $150K–$300K each

Use SheetVenture's investor coverage data to see actual check sizes from recent seed investments in your sector.

How to Find Investor Check Sizes

Fund size math. Funds typically make 20–30 investments. A $50M fund making 25 investments averages $2M per company across all rounds, initial checks are usually 40–60% of total allocation.

Recent deals. Look at their last 5–10 investments. Funding announcements often include round sizes and participant counts.

Direct research. Many investors publish typical check ranges on their websites.

Databases. SheetVenture tracks investor check sizes by stage, helping you filter for investors who match your round structure.

The Bottom Line

Seed check sizes typically range from $500K–$2M for institutional investors, with leads writing $750K–$1.5M. Angels contribute $25K–$100K, while micro-VCs write $250K–$500K. Match your target investors to your round size and structure.

Don't pitch investors whose check sizes don't fit. Verify before you reach out.

SheetVenture helps founders filter investors by check size, stage, and activity, so every pitch matches your round structure.