Matr (matter) Ventures

Matr (matter) Ventures is a New York City-based venture capital firm founded in 2021 that backs underestimated founders through capital and connectivity. General Partner Giselle Melo — a former founder, tech, and capital markets leader with a 13-year track record and one exit — and Partner Chris Lynch lead a team of seven operating across Canada and the United States. The firm's founding philosophy is rooted in hip hop principles and the conviction that culture drives technology rather than the other way around, shaping both the companies it seeks and the founders it champions. Matr invests $250,000 to $1 million at late seed, Series A, and Series B stages, targeting deep tech and digital infrastructure companies specializing in applied AI and machine learning, robotics automation, semiconductor solutions, computer vision, and edge computing. Priority sectors are energy, health, cybersecurity, and fintech and climate. The fund completed its initial close and was accepting new investors through the first quarter of 2024. A curated network of more than 400 advisors provides substantive engagement with portfolio companies rather than nominal advisory relationships. Portfolio company details are not publicly disclosed. Matr specifically targets untapped markets, undervalued opportunities, and companies led or co-led by culturally diverse or women founders. Advisory board members include Mark Castleman and Jim Estill. Giselle Melo also serves on the CIX Summit advisory board. The firm's combination of deep tech focus, diversity mandate, and a 400-person advisor network positions it as an access-oriented fund designed to surface deal flow and talent that conventional VC pipelines underserve.