Jesse Walden
VCFounder & Managing Partner, Variant Fund
Crypto-native VC backing user-owned protocols
San Francisco, CA$500K–$5M checks4 notable investments
Pre-SeedSeedSeries A
CryptoInfrastructureDeveloper ToolsFintech
Background
Jesse Walden is the Founder and Managing Partner of Variant, a crypto-focused early-stage fund he launched in 2020. Before Variant, he was an investment partner on a16z's first crypto fund and led a16z Crypto Startup School. He previously co-founded Mediachain Labs, an early blockchain media-ownership startup acquired by Spotify in 2017.
Investment Thesis
Backing internet projects that turn users into owners; focused on user-owned crypto primitives and infrastructure.
Investment Focus
Stages
Pre-SeedSeedSeries A
Typical check: $500K–$5M
Sectors
CryptoInfrastructureDeveloper ToolsFintech
Based in: San Francisco, CA (North America)
Notable Investments
Last updated: Jun 11, 2026