Playground Global

Playground Global is a Palo Alto-based early-stage deep tech venture capital firm founded in 2015 by Andy Rubin (creator of Android) and partners including Peter Barrett, Bruce Leak, and Matt Hershenson. It specializes in backing technical founders tackling massive scientific and engineering challenges at the intersection of atoms, bits, and AI, with a focus on next-generation compute (e.g., quantum, AI chips), automation/robotics, energy transition/decarbonization, and engineered biology. With over $1.2 billion in assets under management across three funds (including a $410 million Fund III closed in 2023), Playground often invests as the first or lead investor in seed and Series A rounds, providing not just capital but extensive hands-on support through its in-house engineering studio and team of experts. Notable portfolio companies include PsiQuantum (quantum computing), Relativity Space (3D-printed rockets), Ultima Genomics (advanced DNA sequencing), MosaicML (acquired by Databricks for $1.3B), d-Matrix (AI infrastructure), Strand Therapeutics (programmable mRNA therapeutics), and others like Agility Robotics and Velo3D, with multiple unicorns and exits demonstrating its track record in frontier technologies.