Boris Wertz

Boris Wertz is the founder and general partner of Version One Ventures, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in Vancouver, Canada. He is recognized as one of the leading tech investors in North America, focusing on mission-driven founders and innovative startups across various sectors, including Software as a Service (SaaS), marketplaces, cryptocurrency, and climate technology.

Background and Career

Wertz was born in Germany and began his entrepreneurial journey by founding an online marketplace for used and out-of-print books in 1999. This venture was later sold to AbeBooks.com, where he served as COO and managed a team of 60. Following the acquisition of AbeBooks by Amazon, he transitioned into investing, initially as an angel investor before establishing Version One Ventures in 2012. The firm currently manages over $250 million in assets and has invested in more than 100 startups, including notable companies like Coinbase, Dapper Labs, and Uniswap.123

Education

Wertz holds a PhD in Logistics from the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, where he also completed his Master's degree in Business Administration. His academic achievements include being named the Pacific Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.134

Investment Philosophy

At Version One Ventures, Wertz emphasizes supporting early-stage companies that tackle significant challenges with innovative solutions. He is known for his strategic approach to investing, aligning fund size with investment strategy and focusing on emerging technologies and sectors.24

Overall, Boris Wertz combines extensive operational experience with a keen eye for potential in the tech landscape, making him a significant figure in the venture capital community.