Expa
ActiveOverview
Expa is a venture studio and venture capital fund founded by Uber co-founder Garrett Camp that supports early-stage startups through a dual-model approach combining Expa Studio and Expa Ventures. The firm operates as an "institutional co-founder," originating ideas, building initial products, and pairing them with CEOs rather than solely providing external funding. Expa has launched dozens of companies reaching hundreds of millions of users globally and maintains offices in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and London, focusing on sectors including technology, fintech, healthcare, aerospace, climate, and data analytics.
History
Expa was founded in 2013 by Garrett Camp, co-founder of Uber, with the mission to guide startups from idea incubation through large-scale growth. The firm operates through two primary divisions: Expa Studio, which designs and launches new companies, and Expa Ventures, which invests in early-stage startups. The company has managed three closed funds, including Expa Capital III which closed in April 2021. Expa's portfolio includes notable companies such as Prometheus Fuels, Current, Aero, and Collective, demonstrating its involvement across diverse industries and market segments.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Expa Studio | Company design, building, and launch services | Varies by engagement |
| Expa Ventures | Early-stage startup investment and funding | $100K - $3M per check |
Manufacturing
Expa operates as a service-based venture studio and investment firm rather than a manufacturing company. The firm provides strategic support, product design, engineering, operations, and recruiting services to portfolio companies through its distributed office network.
Notable Products
- Prometheus Fuels - Startup focused on transforming carbon into jet fuel
- Current - Fintech company making banking accessible to underserved populations
- Aero - Premium air travel redefinition company
- Collective - Platform empowering small business owners
Reputation
Expa is recognized as a credible venture studio backed by proven entrepreneurs from successful companies including Uber, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Foursquare. The firm is valued for its hands-on operational support and ability to guide founders from concept to scale, positioning itself as a fractional COO for early-stage companies. The model of originating ideas internally and building products before recruiting CEOs differentiates it from traditional venture capital, though this approach requires significant founder commitment and alignment with Expa's vision.