First Row Partner

First Row Partners is a pre-seed specialist venture firm applying arts-based approaches to invest in the future of technology. Founded in the innovation hub of the Pacific Northwest, First Row’s Founding Partners Minda Brusse and Yoko Okano have invested in 20+ pre-seed startups across the US and Canada since 2020. First Row funds startups where technology delivers superpowers to the emerging brand builders, content creators, and storytellers who blend expertise with imagination. Our investment portfolio carries two themes: Tech Elevating Human Expression and Tech Merging Media & Commerce. At First Row Partners, we invest at the very earliest stages. Our process is designed to move quickly, respect your time, and add value — even before we write the check.