TechCrunch Startup News Tim Chen has quietly become of one the most sought-after solo investors; and AI company Superpanel raises $5.3M seed to automate legal intake
Sep 23, 2025
Tim Chen has emerged as a standout solo VC, effortlessly closing a $41 million fund due to overwhelming demand from eager investors. Meanwhile, Julien Emery's Superpanel is shaking up the legal industry with an AI-powered platform designed to streamline client onboarding. The company recently secured $5.3 million in seed funding to enhance its innovative solutions. These two stories highlight the dynamic landscape of investment and technology in the startup world.
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Unexpected Fund Close
- Tim Chen raised a $41M fourth fund largely because LPs preempted him after big wins from earlier investments.
- He wasn’t actively fundraising and even skipped making a pitch deck before closing the round.
Reputation Built By Outcomes
- A standout portfolio exit (Tabular → Databricks) amplified Chen's reputation and LP demand overnight.
- Technical credibility and visible outcomes can outperform traditional fundraising marketing.
From Engineer To Solo VC
- Tim Chen transitioned from infrastructure engineer and founder to angel investor and then solo VC after early exits.
- He launched his first fund on AngelList with a pitch-deck template a friend gave him.