They do a ton of small investments (hence the name) all over the world, via both an accelerator and a seed fund. Differences: * Their site says they've funded

They do a ton of small investments (hence the name) all over the world, via both an accelerator and a seed fund. Differences: * Their site says they've funded over 800 companies, which is absolutely absurd in the few short years they've been around. A lot of venture funds won't do that many deals in their entire lifetime, let alone in a few years. * They do a lot of International deals (in 40+ countries). Most other VC funds are skeptical of (and often avoid) investments outside of Silicon Valley, let alone outside the United States. * My own interpretation is that 500 Startups also focuses on things that generate revenue quickly, and not so much trying to find the next Facebook. * And then there's Dave McClure. If you know who he is, this bullet point needs no explanation.