DCVC applies a "computational approach" to investing, specifically looking for companies where modern computation like AI and simulation creates advantages in traditionally non-software industries like agriculture, mining, manufacturing, health, and defense, rather than backing generic tech or SaaS startups. The firm's partners have unusually high concentrations of backgrounds from hard-science and national-security domains including intelligence, cybersecurity, and government systems, which they use to navigate regulated industries and dual-use technologies that many mainstream VCs avoid.