Villi Iltchev

Villi Iltchev is a self-made venture capitalist with a unique immigrant story, having arrived in the U.S. as a teenager after illegally immigrating from Bulgaria to Greece. This foundational experience instilled in him a tenacious work ethic and a deep appreciation for opportunity, which has driven his success across corporate development and venture capital. thespl+2

He possesses extensive expertise in enterprise software, having spent two decades in both operating roles and institutional investing. His career trajectory includes senior positions in corporate development and strategy at tech giants like Salesforce, Box, and LifeLock, where he was responsible for M&A, investments, and strategic partnerships, before transitioning to venture capital. categoryvc+2

Iltchev is a proven early-stage investor with a remarkable track record, notably leading the Series B for GitLab, an investment that returned August Capital's entire $450 million fund more than twice over. He also led an $11 million seed round in Remote at a $30 million valuation, which grew to over $3 billion in two years, demonstrating a keen eye for high-growth enterprise software companies. twosigmaventures+2

As the Founder and Managing Partner of Category Ventures, Iltchev has successfully raised a $160 million debut fund focused on pre-seed and seed-stage investments in enterprise software. This initiative reflects his conviction that a focused, early-stage firm can outperform larger multi-stage funds by offering deeper engagement and specialized expertise to founders. categoryvc+2

Beyond his investment acumen, Iltchev is recognized for his strong founder relationships and hands-on support, making hundreds of introductions for portfolio companies and offering valuable strategic advice. His personal approach and willingness to act as a mentor highlight his dedication to helping entrepreneurs succeed. forbes