Founder and Managing Partner
PuffinVCCheck size: PuffinVC does not publish a direct check-size range. Its emerging-manager program targets first- and second-time funds under $50M.
Shafin runs two complementary strategies: direct pre-seed and seed investing in durable companies, and fund-of-funds partnerships with first- and second-time emerging managers under $50M. He emphasizes overlooked signals, non-coastal ecosystems, founder character and long-duration partnerships.
PuffinVC explicitly values character, competence, determination, long-term thinking, founder partnership, thesis clarity, differentiated access and founder trust.
No formal pass list is public. Short-term positioning, weak founder trust, undifferentiated manager access or opportunities outside pre-seed/seed and emerging-manager strategies appear less aligned.
For companies, lead with founder-market fit, durability and why an overlooked signal matters. For funds, provide differentiated access, thesis clarity, attribution, construction and evidence of founder trust.
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Shafin Damani founded PuffinVC in 2021. He grew up in Atlanta, began his career at Scoutmob and later worked at Accenture on early AI and machine-learning initiatives including work tied to DARPA. He holds degrees from Emory University and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and is based in Brooklyn.