How Justin Ernest invested nearly $500M into hot startups without a traditional VC fund

techcrunch.com Jun 10, 2026

How Justin Ernest invested nearly $500M into hot startups without a traditional VC fund

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 10, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Justin Ernest, a former Playground Global investor, has created Sabertooth Capital, a firm that bridges the gap between family offices and high-profile AI companies. Ernest uses his network to secure allocations of stock in companies like Anthropic, Anduril, and SpaceX, then offers these deals to a group of 30 smaller institutional investors through special purpose vehicles. Over the last 12 months, Sabertooth has invested nearly $500 million into 10 companies, with Ernest participating in official funding rounds and gaining significant chunks of shares.

💡 Why It Matters

· Sabertooth's success highlights the growing demand for alternative investment opportunities, particularly among family offices seeking access to high-profile startups.
· By earning a solid reputation and securing allocations of stock directly from companies, Ernest has created a unique value proposition that sets his firm apart from traditional venture capital funds.

Capsules Entrepreneurs

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