Origin Ventures

Origin Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1999 by Steve Miller and Bruce Barron. The firm focuses on investing in high-growth software, marketplace, and consumer businesses that are shaping the Digital Native Economy. Origin Ventures has a strong track record, having raised over $300 million across multiple funds and achieving notable exits with companies like Grubhub, Cameo, Fountain, and Tock​. The firm recently closed its fifth fund at $130 million, exceeding their initial target despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This new fund continues to emphasize investments in the Digital Native Economy, targeting themes such as the workplace of the future, the creator economy, and the circular economy. Recent investments from this fund include companies like Blueboard, Vivrelle, Veho, Lumanu, and Everee. Origin Ventures operates with a thesis-driven approach and maintains a presence in all four continental U.S. time zones, with offices in Chicago, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. This geographic diversity allows them to be close to elite teams and investment opportunities across North America​. The firm prides itself on its hands-on partnership with founders, offering extensive support from their experienced team of former entrepreneurs, operators, and engineers. This commitment has helped them build a portfolio of companies that have consistently delivered strong returns and defined new market categories.