Turner Novak
Solo GPFounder, Banana Capital
Internet-first founder backing category-defining platforms
Background
Turner Novak is the founder of Banana Capital, a solo GP fund he launched on January 1, 2021 after breaking into venture by publishing meme-filled Twitter threads and a fantasy VC portfolio. He raised a $9.99M debut fund followed by a $20M Fund 2 backed by Sequoia, Founders Fund, and Afore Capital. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he invests globally in internet-first founders from pre-seed through late stage with initial checks of $25K–$300K. He publishes The Split, a weekly newsletter to 23,000+ readers, and hosts The Peel podcast covering startup stories. He previously served at Gelt VC and interned at Afore Capital.
Investment Thesis
Backing category-defining platforms with differentiated distribution built by internet-native founders; stage-agnostic from pre-seed to pre-IPO.
Investment Focus
Stages
Typical check: $25K–$300K
Sectors
Based in: Global, based in Ann Arbor, MI (North America)
Notable Investments
Linktree
Creator link-in-bio platform
Substack
Newsletter and subscription platform
Replit
Browser-based coding and AI development platform
Anduril
Defense technology company
Chainguard
Software supply chain security
BeReal
Authentic social photo app; acquired by Voodoo 2023
Lolli
Bitcoin rewards shopping platform
Bee
AI wearable device; acquired by Amazon 2025