Defy.vc

Defy Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2010 by Catherine Hoke, focuses on early-stage investments and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those with unconventional backgrounds such as former convicts. The firm is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, employment, and character training for its community. Defy's portfolio includes notable companies such as Nautilus Biotechnology, Empower, and Shujinko. They have made significant investments in various sectors, including high tech, business services, and food and agriculture tech. Recent investments include Monitaur, Writ, and Delivery Collective. The firm values authenticity and the tenacity needed to transform bold ideas into lasting companies. Defy Ventures aims to be the partner of choice for today's daring startup founders, helping them become tomorrow's visionary leaders. They emphasize working behind the scenes to amplify the success of their portfolio companies.