Lightship Capital

Lightship Capital is a venture capital firm with a distinct mission to empower and invest in underrepresented entrepreneurs. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Lightship specifically targets startups led by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Their investments span across the Midwest and South, purposefully avoiding oversaturated markets like Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston. The fund’s industry focus includes sectors such as Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), E-commerce, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Health Tech. Notable investments include companies like Healthy Roots Dolls, Vyrill, and ProovTest, which exemplify their commitment to supporting high-growth, impactful businesses. Lightship typically invests at the pre-seed to Series A stages, with an average check size of around $2 million. They are known for actively leading rounds and bringing in Executives-in-Residence with experience from major corporations like Procter & Gamble and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to support portfolio companies. The firm is led by General Partners Candice Matthews Brackeen and Brian Brackeen, who bring extensive experience in fund management and technology. Their approach to sourcing deals emphasizes building relationships within underrepresented communities and fostering long-term success through hands-on mentorship and strategic guidance. For startups looking to connect with Lightship, aligning with their mission to drive systemic change in the venture capital landscape is crucial.