Rackhouse Venture Capital

Rackhouse Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) startups. Founded by Kevin Novak, Uber’s first Head of Data Science, Rackhouse is dedicated to supporting founders who are at the intersection of AI and real-world applications. The firm has quickly gained traction in the industry, closing its second fund, Rackhouse Ventures Fund II, at $45 million in 2024. This new fund builds on the success of their first fund, which raised $22.3 million and ranked in the top 5% of similar funds, according to Cambridge Associates. Rackhouse focuses on AI-driven companies that have achieved product-market fit, emphasizing overlooked niches and a clear, obsessive customer focus. Their portfolio includes promising startups like Onbrand, Insummary, and Crosshatch.io, among others. The firm tends to invest in companies with strong, agile technology teams and hard-to-replicate distribution strategies, aiming to back the next generation of AI leaders. Geographically, Rackhouse's investments are primarily in the U.S., particularly in San Francisco, but they are actively exploring opportunities internationally. The firm’s strategy revolves around identifying AI companies with practical applications and real-world impact, rather than speculative deep tech ventures. For entrepreneurs looking to partner with Rackhouse, a strong emphasis on clear value propositions and robust technology is essential. The Rackhouse team, comprised of seasoned AI/ML experts, offers deep operational insights and is actively involved in guiding portfolio companies towards successful outcomes, making it a key player in the evolving AI landscape.