Metalab Shifts from Quietly Building the Internet to Investing in It

Metalab, a Canadian interface design firm founded in 2006 by entrepreneur and investor Andrew Wilkinson, has recently launched Metalab Ventures, a venture arm aimed at investing in product-led startups. Over the years, Metalab has established itself as a trusted partner for startups, assisting in product development and contributing to the success of companies like Slack, Coinbase, Uber, and Tumblr.

Metalab’s approach involves collaborating closely with startups, often acting as co-founders to help bring their products to market. Following this initial phase, Metalab allows startups to operate independently and focus on growth. In 2023, Metalab experienced a record year, contributing to the development of 40 products that entered the market.

With the launch of Metalab Ventures, the firm aims to take on a more active role as a long-term investor in startups. By committing to invest in startups over a period of 10 to 12 years, Metalab Ventures seeks to provide stable and sustained support to promising companies.

According to Metalab CEO Luke Des Cotes, the decision to formalize the investment process comes in response to repeated inquiries from founders about potential investment opportunities. Metalab Ventures aims to establish structured investment practices and deepen its engagement with startups as they navigate their growth trajectories.