Mercury’s CEO Launches $26M Fund to Support Early-Stage Startups

Have you ever had a brilliant startup idea, but wondered where the money would come from to bring it to life? If you’re an early-stage founder, there’s good news. Mercury’s CEO, Immad Akhund, has just launched a $26 million venture fund to back ambitious startups in their earliest days. Whether you’re building the next fintech disruptor or a healthcare app, this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

In this post, we’ll break down what this new fund means, why it matters, and how it could shape the future of early-stage startups.

What’s the Big Deal?

Let’s rewind for a second. Immad Akhund isn’t just any tech executive—he’s the CEO of Mercury, a rising star in the banking world that focuses on startups and small businesses. Now, Akhund is expanding his startup ecosystem influence by formalizing something he’s already been doing for years: investing in early startups, especially at the pre-seed and seed stages.

Here’s where the new fund, called Stellar Capital, comes in. With $26 million in hand, Stellar will look to be the first check into promising new startups—essentially giving founders the green light to get going.

Why Early-Stage Startups?

You might be asking, “Why focus on early-stage startups when they’re risky and unproven?” That’s a fair question.

But think about it like planting seeds in a garden. When you catch a great founder with a big idea early on, you’re sowing the seeds for game-changing companies. These early bets can grow into unicorns—companies valued at over $1 billion—given the right support.

Stellar Capital is betting on these kinds of transformational founders. Akhund himself has a strong track record of identifying talent early. He’s already made over 250 angel investments in startups like Rippling, Rutter, and Linear. So, this isn’t a new game for him—he’s just leveling up.

How Stellar Capital Plans to Help Startups

The new fund isn’t just about handing over checks and walking away. Akhund wants to be a partner in a founder’s journey. Think of it as getting not only cash, but also a coach, a cheerleader, and an advisor all rolled into one.

Here’s what Stellar Capital aims to offer:

• Hands-on support: Immad brings valuable experience as a founder and investor.
• Network access: Founders get plugged into a deep network of other operators and investors.
• Long-term partnership: The fund wants to build relationships that grow with the startup.

Ultimately, the goal is to lift up founders who may not have large networks or access to “insider” funding circles.

Backing the Builders of Tomorrow

One thing that makes Stellar Capital stand out is its focus. This isn’t a spray-and-pray fund. Akhund is looking for mission-driven founders who are building products that matter. What’s more, he wants founders solving real problems—especially the kind that no one else is brave enough to tackle.

He’s especially interested in startups in these areas:

• Fintech: Naturally, given his Mercury background, financial technology is top of mind.
• Developer tools: Tools that make life easier for software engineers are always in demand.
• B2B software: Business-focused startups are often overlooked but can be very successful.
• AI and automation: Big buzzwords—but if used right, they create powerful results.

The fund also has a soft spot for immigrant founders, reflecting Akhund’s own background as a Pakistani immigrant who came to Silicon Valley to pursue his dreams.

From Founder to Fund Manager

Immad Akhund’s story is part of what makes Stellar Capital so compelling. He’s walked in the same shoes he’s investing in.

Early in his career, Akhund started his own companies—and he knows firsthand how tough those first steps can be. Raising money, building your product, finding users—none of it’s easy. But having someone who believes in you early on? That can change everything.

His experience with Mercury has also given him a front-row seat to startup challenges—and opportunities. Now, with Mercury having over 100,000 business customers, Akhund has strong insight into what makes startups tick, succeed—or stumble.

A New Chapter for Startup Funding

In today’s startup world, early capital is harder to come by. Many large venture capital firms are playing it safe, waiting for startups to show traction before jumping in.

That creates a gap—one that Stellar Capital wants to fill. By writing the first checks and getting involved before others show up, the fund aims to keep startup innovation alive.

Does this mean Stellar’s investments will all become billion-dollar companies? Of course not. But they’ll get the chance to grow, pivot, and learn—exactly what early-stage founders need.

A Move That Could Ripple Across the Ecosystem

Here’s a thought: What if more successful founders decided to back new ones? What if instead of exiting with millions and heading to the beach, experienced entrepreneurs reinvested in the ecosystem?

That’s the move Akhund is making, and it could start a trend. Rather than waiting for traditional VCs, future founders might get early support from people who’ve been in their shoes.

And let’s be honest: founders trust other founders. They speak the same language and understand each other’s struggles in a way traditional investors might not.

What This Means for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you’re thinking about starting a business and you don’t have connections to Sand Hill Road, don’t stress. New funds like Stellar Capital are opening doors.

Here’s how you can be ready:

• Have a clear vision: Know what problem you’re solving and why it matters.
• Build something small but useful: You don’t need bells and whistles—just solve a real pain point.
• Share your story: Your personal journey might be what sets you apart from the crowd.

With a fund like Stellar Capital looking to invest in sharp, scrappy founders, the barrier to entry is becoming a little lower—and that’s good news for innovation.

Final Thoughts

Immad Akhund’s $26 million bet on early-stage founders is more than just another VC announcement. It’s a signal that the tech world is returning to its roots—betting on people with big ideas and the courage to try something new.

If you’re a founder in the early stages, keep your head up. With new funds like Stellar Capital on the scene, there’s renewed hope for getting the support you need to launch.

Are you building something exciting? This just might be your moment.

Keywords: Early-stage startups, startup funding, Mercury CEO, Immad Akhund, Stellar Capital fund, venture capital, seed investment, pre-seed investors, startup ecosystem, fintech investors, immigrant founders.