The Harvard Grid Meet the VCs Series features Xfund, a Cambridge- and Palo Alto-based pre-seed and seed venture capital firm backing multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary entrepreneurs. Their portfolio includes 23andMe (personal genomics and health insights), AirOps (scalable AI workflows and automation), Chalk (machine learning feature platforms), AeroVect (autonomous ground equipment for aviation), and Curebase (decentralized clinical trial software).

What sets Xfund apart:

Xfund backs early-stage founders who "think laterally"—believing that technical capability is necessary, but true breakthroughs happen when combined with broad, cross-disciplinary perspectives. Originally launched in partnership between research universities like Harvard and top Silicon Valley venture capital firms, Xfund bridges elite academia and venture capital. They partner with technical and multidisciplinary founders from day one to navigate critical early steps from concept to commercial execution.

Event Itinerary (Weds, October 7)

• One-on-One Office Hours: Select students will have direct office hours with Brandon Farwell and Prat Mallick (please apply through RSVP).

• Private Dinner: Select students will be invited to an intimate dinner with Brandon Farwell and Prat Mallick (please apply through RSVP).

Note: Selected participants will be notified individually regarding office hours and dinner attendance, details, and locations.

Xfund Investment Verticals

• AI & Machine Learning Workflows: Generative workflows, synthetic data, ML infrastructure, developer tools

• Enterprise Software & B2B SaaS: Workflow automation, operational software, data analytics, productivity platforms

• Healthcare & Life Sciences: Genetics, e-clinical software, digital health, biotech innovations

• Deep Tech & Autonomous Systems: Autonomous airport equipment, marine robotics, hardware automation

Visiting VC

Brandon Farwell — General Partner, Xfund

At Xfund, Brandon focuses on backing early-stage, cross-disciplinary founders across AI, enterprise software, deep tech, and life sciences. Prior to Xfund, he built seed portfolios at Rothenberg Ventures and worked across investment banking and early-stage venture capital, engaging heavily with university entrepreneurship ecosystems at Stanford and Harvard. Brandon earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and holds a BA in Economics and International Relations from Stanford University.

Prat Mallick — Principal, Xfund

Based in Xfund’s Cambridge office in Harvard Square, Prat sources and supports early-stage founders building across AI, deep tech, and enterprise software. Prior to joining Xfund, he was the co-founder and CEO of a Y Combinator-backed cybersecurity startup, served as the founding GTM hire at an AI startup, and conducted AI safety research at Harvard. Prat previously worked at General Catalyst, helped launch the General Catalyst Institute, and served as Managing Director for GC Venture Fellows. He holds a BA from Harvard College, where he served as President of the Harvard Institute of Politics.

A Note About the Series

Meet the VCs sessions are informal networking and educational opportunities. They are not confidential settings. We encourage attendees to use their judgment about what they share.

If you receive a term sheet, investment offer, or any formal agreement through a connection made at one of these events, the Grid is not a party to that process. We recommend consulting an i-lab legal advisor before signing anything. You can also seek guidance through the Harvard Law Entrepreneurship Project, the Harvard Grid Lab-2-Market Monthly Series, and email questions directly to us at grid@harvard.edu.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE

Seating at all events is on a first come, first serve basis. RSVPs are encouraged so we have an accurate headcount for classroom size and catering purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Harvard Grid welcomes attendees of all abilities to our events. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact grid@harvard.edu in advance of the event.

FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS

Please note: By registering, you agree to receive emails about this event and future communications from the Harvard Grid.