Software & Apps VC Funds

Stadia Ventures, founded in 2015 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading venture capital firm and accelerator focused on the intersection of sports, esports, and innovation. The firm operates globally, offering early-stage investments primarily in sports and esports startups through its accelerator program. Stadia is committed to transforming the sports landscape by providing not only capital but also hands-on mentoring and industry connections to help startups grow. Stadia's accelerator runs twice a year, accepting about five companies per cohort, and provides each startup with up to $100K in funding. Throughout the program, founders gain access to an extensive network of over 7,000 sports industry leaders and experts. This gives them unparalleled opportunities to scale their businesses and secure further funding. The firm’s focus areas include performance and wellness, fan engagement, media, esports, and sports betting. To date, Stadia has invested in 76 companies across 14 countries, with a significant portion of its portfolio featuring diverse founders. The firm has helped bring innovative companies like Boost, Reely, and IdealSeat to market, and continues to expand its reach in both traditional sports and the rapidly growing esports industry​.

Stage 1 Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage technology investments, particularly in sectors such as wireless, media, connected car technology, cloud, and security. Founded in 2005, the firm operates from multiple U.S. cities including Boston, Miami, and Tampa. Their investment approach is centered around a milestone-based model, supporting startups from seed stage through growth, with the aim of scaling innovative technologies to market success. Stage 1 Ventures employs a strategic investment philosophy, making selective bets through seed funds and SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles), and then doubling down on companies showing strong revenue growth with larger follow-on investments. The firm has backed over 100 companies and helped generate more than $2 billion in investment proceeds. Notable portfolio companies include JumpCloud, a leader in cloud directory management that achieved unicorn status, as well as WiTricity and ViralGains. The Stage 1 team is deeply involved with their portfolio companies, providing hands-on support in product development, IP creation, and business scaling. Led by Managing Director David Baum, the firm also leverages an extensive advisory network to help drive corporate development and revenue growth for the startups they invest in. Stage 1 Ventures is known for its ability to guide companies through multiple stages of development, ultimately aiming to bring them to liquidity within a 3-5 year timeframe.

Stage Venture Partners, founded in 2015, is a pre-seed and seed stage venture capital firm focusing on emerging software technologies for business-to-business markets. They invest in enterprise software startups that drive significant advancements in their respective fields. The firm is known for being one of the first institutional investors in many of its portfolio companies and for its commitment to supporting founders who are tackling hard problems and creating impactful solutions. Notable investments include companies like Epsilon3, which builds mission management software for the space industry, and GrayMatter Robotics, which automates labor-intensive industrial surface treatment tasks using advanced robotics​. Their portfolio is diverse, encompassing sectors from e-commerce to government technology, and spanning geographies from St. Louis to Seattle​. Stage Venture Partners is led by Alex Rubalcava, the founder and managing partner, who has a long-standing career in venture capital and has been recognized as one of the top VCs in Los Angeles​. The firm is highly regarded for its unique expertise and alignment with the daring visions of its portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also strategic support and industry connections to help these companies scale effectively.

StageOne Ventures, headquartered in Herzliya Pituach, Israel, is a premier venture capital firm dedicated to backing early-stage B2B deep tech startups with a focus on Israeli founders. Founded over two decades ago, StageOne has a robust portfolio with notable investments in companies such as Guardium, Epsagon, and Silverfort. Their commitment is rooted in identifying and nurturing visionary founders who can disrupt and redefine enterprise markets globally. The firm emphasizes early investments, typically writing initial checks ranging from $0.5M to $3M, with substantial resources reserved for follow-on rounds. StageOne Ventures leverages its extensive experience and global networks to provide meaningful mentorship and support to its portfolio companies, helping them scale effectively. StageOne’s investment strategy revolves around three core pillars: Israeli founders, early-stage investments, and deep technology. Their approach is characterized by a "people first" philosophy, prioritizing the qualities of the entrepreneurial team, the potential for market disruption, and the innovation of the product itself. Key team members include the founding partners Yuval Cohen and Tal Slobodkin, who bring decades of experience in venture capital and deep tech industries. The firm maintains a strong presence in the Israeli tech ecosystem, leveraging the country’s unique blend of academic excellence, defense-related R&D, and multinational corporate presence to foster innovation and growth. For startups seeking investment, StageOne Ventures is best approached through direct networking or industry events, aligning their pitch with the firm’s focus on transformative enterprise solutions​.

Standard Crypto is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, founded in 2020 by Alok Vasudev and Adam Goldberg. The firm focuses exclusively on the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, aiming to reshape the internet and financial systems through decentralized technologies. Standard Crypto takes a long-term approach to investing, recognizing the cyclical nature of crypto markets. They believe that early engagement with founders and protocols is critical, as these early moments can significantly shape a company's future trajectory. The firm positions itself as a full-stack partner, not just providing capital but actively assisting startups with everything from go-to-market strategies to building management teams and even writing smart contracts. Their deep technical expertise in crypto sets them apart, with their team playing hands-on roles, such as operating nodes and designing blockchain mechanisms. Standard Crypto has built a diverse portfolio across various sectors within blockchain, including social platforms, financial services, and gaming. Notable investments include companies like Farcaster, Axiom, and Mysten Labs, with several achieving unicorn status. The firm has made over 50 investments globally, with co-investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Pantera Capital participating alongside them in various deals. By fostering close relationships with founders and supporting community-driven innovation, Standard Crypto aims to be a cornerstone in the evolving landscape of Web3 and decentralized finance.

Starbridge Venture Capital is an early-stage venture fund focused on space technology and its applications in terrestrial markets. The fund primarily targets "space scalable" companies—those developing technologies that are essential for commercial space activity but also have strong applications on Earth. Starbridge emphasizes companies with proven product-market fit, solid revenue streams, and realistic exit strategies. Their portfolio includes innovative startups such as Axiom Space, which is building a commercial space station, and Umbra Lab, a leader in synthetic aperture radar technology. Starbridge fills a critical gap in funding, particularly for companies that have raised seed capital but struggle to secure Series A and beyond. The fund's approach includes both active engagement with its portfolio companies and a focus on companies that serve commercial and governmental clients. Their investments cover a wide range of industries, from space manufacturing to energy storage and satellite technologies​. The team at Starbridge is composed of experienced professionals in science, technology, and finance, providing the strategic insights necessary to guide companies through periods of high growth and economic uncertainty. This makes them a key player in both the space and terrestrial tech ecosystems.

Stardust is a unique, multi-disciplinary family office led by founder Molly Gochman. Rooted in a vision of equity and justice, Stardust operates across three core pillars: Equity, Fund, and Arts. The organization is deeply committed to supporting women and girls, with a focus on advancing social, environmental, and financial returns through impact-driven investments. Stardust's investment arm, Stardust Equity, is led by Helena Hasselmann and focuses on mission-oriented ventures that align with social equity and sustainability. The fund partners with entrepreneurs and fund managers who seek to develop innovative solutions to the world's pressing challenges, with a particular focus on social justice and environmental impact. Stardust Equity supports ventures that aim for systemic change, seeking scalable solutions while maintaining a commitment to diversity and inclusion. In addition to its equity investments, Stardust is heavily involved in philanthropic initiatives through the Stardust Fund, led by Lawanna Kimbro. This fund focuses on empowering women and girls, dismantling structural barriers, and promoting social justice through a blend of philanthropy and impact investing. Stardust also plays a vital role in the arts, using creative endeavors to shift societal narratives and support communities, especially those underrepresented in mainstream media. This multi-faceted approach exemplifies Stardust’s belief in the power of blending finance, art, and social activism to create lasting global impact.

Starlight Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in Miami, Florida, is a venture capital firm dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing challenges through investment in transformative technologies. With a strong focus on deep tech and tough tech, they invest in industries such as space technology, energy transition, industrial biology, and next-generation platforms​​. The firm’s portfolio includes groundbreaking companies like Satellogic, which specializes in real-time Earth observation through nano-satellites, and Gathered Foods, known for its plant-based fish products​​. Other notable investments include Impossible Metals, working on autonomous underwater vehicles for deep-sea mining, and HelixNano, leveraging synthetic biology and AI for next-generation gene therapies​​. Starlight Ventures typically invests between $250K to $2.5 million in early-stage companies, often leading the rounds and providing strategic guidance and operational support​​. The firm is highly selective, seeking out ventures that offer significant societal and financial returns. The team is led by co-founders Matias Mosse and Patricia Wexler, alongside a diverse group of advisors and venture partners with expertise in various fields. This team-centric approach ensures that they can offer specialized advice and support to their portfolio companies​. Starlight Ventures’ global outlook and strong network enable them to identify and support innovative solutions worldwide, making them a key player in the venture capital landscape​​.

Starquest Capital is a prominent French venture capital firm that specializes in fostering innovation in deep tech and green tech sectors. Their portfolio includes notable investments such as Caeli Energie, which offers groundbreaking green air-conditioning solutions, and DNA Gensee, a company providing DNA-proof ingredient authentication for the food and cosmetic industries. The firm is committed to addressing global challenges, focusing on industries like cleantech, industry 4.0, and cybersecurity. Geographically, Starquest Capital primarily invests in European startups, with a significant emphasis on France. Their investment strategy revolves around identifying disruptive technologies that can generate significant societal and environmental impacts. They typically invest in early to growth-stage companies, with an average check size ranging from €3 to €10 million, often leading the investment rounds. Starquest's team is spearheaded by experienced professionals, including founding partner and CEO Arnaud Delattre, and investment director Chloé Cohen-Aknine, who brings a wealth of experience from her time at Idinvest. Their approach combines strategic vision and hands-on operational support to help entrepreneurs scale their ventures effectively. Startups seeking investment from Starquest are encouraged to approach the firm with a clear demonstration of technological innovation and potential for high impact. The firm values detailed business models that align with their mission to combat climate change and promote sustainability. Starquest Capital is recognized for its active engagement with portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and resources to drive growth and success.

Starship Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, focuses on investing in cutting-edge "deep tech" companies that aim to solve some of humanity's biggest challenges. The firm backs early-stage startups from Seed to Series B, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), advanced materials, and frontier technologies like CRISPR, 3D printing, and energy innovations. Starship Ventures supports contrarian founders who are building transformative technologies, often described as turning "science fiction into reality." Their portfolio includes innovative companies like BRINC Drones, which develops tactical UAVs, Atmos, which is reinventing custom homebuilding, and Pipedream Labs, which focuses on creating an underground hyperlogistics delivery system. The fund aims to support groundbreaking advancements in fields like sustainable agriculture, AI-powered financial solutions, and even space technologies​. Led by General Partner Sean Hoge, Starship Ventures actively empowers founders by offering strategic support and resources that extend beyond capital, helping to bring visionary ideas to life.

Starta VC, based in New York, is an early-stage venture capital fund and accelerator focused on supporting international startups. Founded in 2015, Starta VC has a robust portfolio, investing primarily in technology sectors including enterprise applications, high tech, consumer products, AI, and vertical SaaS. Notable investments from Starta VC include Petal, a fintech company offering credit cards to underserved populations; ClassTag, a parent-teacher communication platform; and FriendlyData, a startup that simplifies data access using natural language processing. These companies highlight Starta VC's commitment to backing innovative solutions with significant market potential.

Starting Line is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Chicago, focusing on consumer startups that democratize access to products and services. Founded in 2018 by Ezra Galston, the firm aims to invest in companies that cater to the broader economy, rather than just the top income earners. Starting Line's mission is to support passionate entrepreneurs who are building innovative solutions for the 99%. The firm recently closed its second fund at $30 million, continuing its mission to back startups that leverage technology to make products and services cheaper and better for everyone. Starting Line's portfolio includes notable companies like Cameo, a marketplace for personalized celebrity messages, and M1 Finance, a fintech platform offering fee-free trading. Starting Line prides itself on being a relatable and approachable VC firm, driven by a team that understands the challenges of being underestimated. The team includes partners Haley Kwait Zollo and Scott Holloway, who bring diverse experiences and a shared commitment to proving the value of innovative consumer solutions.

StartUp Health is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and supporting health tech startups worldwide. Founded in 2011, it focuses on achieving 12 Health Moonshots, aiming to transform various aspects of health and wellness globally. With over 395 investments in 27 countries across six continents, StartUp Health is a significant player in the digital health ecosystem. Notable companies in their portfolio include Quit Genius, a digital clinic for treating multiple addictions; Gabbi, which developed a breast cancer risk assessment tool; and De Oro Devices, known for its health diagnostics and medical devices​​. StartUp Health typically invests in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, offering a $200,000+ benefit package for equity positions of about 2%. Their investment strategy prioritizes companies with innovative solutions and potential for significant impact in the healthcare sector​​. The firm is led by co-founders Steven Krein and Unity Stoakes, who bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to supporting health-focused entrepreneurs. StartUp Health provides its portfolio companies with extensive resources, mentorship, and a global network to help them succeed​.

Startup Wise Guys is a prominent accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm based in Tallinn, Estonia. Since its founding in 2012, it has invested in over 440 startups, focusing on underserved markets primarily in Europe, Africa, and the CIS countries. The firm is renowned for its mentorship-driven accelerator programs, which span various verticals including SaaS, fintech, cybersecurity, sustainability, and web3​. The firm's accelerator programs, which typically last five months, provide early-stage startups with seed capital, office space, and access to a global network of mentors and investors. The programs are designed to help startups scale quickly and achieve substantial monthly recurring revenue. Startup Wise Guys has a strong track record, boasting 15 successful exits, including notable companies like VitalFields, StepShot, and VOCHI. Additionally, their portfolio companies have collectively raised over €461 million in follow-on funding​. The firm's latest initiatives include raising up to €52.5 million across three new funds: the Cyber Fund I, the Challenger Fund II, and the Opportunity Fund II. These funds aim to support startups in cybersecurity, fintech, and other high-potential sectors.

Startupbootcamp Australia is a part of a global network of accelerators aimed at supporting early-stage startups, with a focus on providing mentorship and access to a wide network of investors and corporate partners. Their Australian program, based in Melbourne, specializes in sectors like fintech, energy, proptech, and foodtech, helping startups to scale both locally and globally. Since its launch in 2017, Startupbootcamp Australia has helped numerous startups develop their business plans and expand into the Australian market. One of their key offerings is a 12-week accelerator program that provides entrepreneurs with comprehensive support, including business plan guidance, market entry strategies, and access to industry mentors. Startups like Donkey Republic and Actimo have been part of their global portfolio, showcasing the accelerator's impact on building successful, scalable businesses. In addition, Startupbootcamp has launched a Sustainable Fintech Fund aimed at accelerating 30 fintech startups that drive sustainability. Led by experienced entrepreneurs like CEO Trevor Townsend, Startupbootcamp Australia continues to empower founders, fostering innovation in Australia's startup ecosystem.

StartX, established in 2011 by Stanford alum Cameron Teitelman, is a non-profit startup accelerator and founder community affiliated with Stanford University. It operates with a unique zero-equity model, providing extensive support and resources to entrepreneurs without taking any ownership in their companies. This model fosters an open and collaborative environment where founders can freely share challenges and seek mentorship. StartX focuses on a diverse range of sectors, welcoming companies at various stages of development. Their community includes over 1,600 founders and 75 tenured Stanford professors, with notable alumni such as Lime, Lucira Health, and Branch Metrics. Companies in the StartX program are significantly more likely to reach valuations of $100 million or more, with 18 companies achieving unicorn status. The accelerator is also home to StartX Med, which specifically supports medical and biotech startups, leveraging partnerships with Stanford Health Care and access to specialized lab facilities. StartX Med has launched over 200 companies, with a remarkable 91% demonstrating commercial viability. Located in Stanford Research Park, StartX benefits from proximity to Silicon Valley's vibrant ecosystem, including investors on Sand Hill Road and leading legal firms, providing ample networking and growth opportunities for its startups​.

Statkraft Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2015, focusing on early and growth-stage investments in energy and climate technology companies. Backed by Statkraft, Europe's largest producer of renewable energy, the firm leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry network to support startups driving the energy transition. Statkraft Ventures targets innovative companies across Europe and North America, investing in both software and hardware solutions that address critical energy and climate challenges. Their investment strategy includes sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, sustainable mobility, and smart grids. They typically invest in companies that have the potential to make significant impacts on the environment and society. The firm has a diverse portfolio of over 40 companies, including notable investments like Aira, Hydrosat, and Alva Industries. Statkraft Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic support in areas such as business development, technology commercialization, and scaling operations. With headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, and Oslo, Norway, Statkraft Ventures continues to play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of clean energy and climate tech startups, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Steelhead Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund that focuses on investing in innovative startups that aim to drive meaningful change. Founded and managed by George and Gary Arabian, Steelhead Ventures leverages their combined expertise in fast-growth technology companies and commercial real estate. The fund’s mission is to identify entrepreneurs with visionary ideas and help them succeed by providing capital, strategic advice, and access to an extensive network. Steelhead Ventures takes an active role in scaling their portfolio companies, offering specialized services through their Steelhead Growth Services (SHGS). This includes a tailored approach to scaling revenues and improving operational efficiency, helping startups transition from early stages to rapid growth. George Arabian, with a background in sales leadership and technology, brings decades of experience in driving revenue for companies, while Gary Arabian contributes deep-rooted knowledge from his successful career in real estate and business development across the San Francisco Bay Area. The firm’s investment philosophy emphasizes early engagement and long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs. Steelhead Ventures is committed to fostering innovation across sectors, particularly in the tech industry, and helping founders unlock new opportunities for growth and expansion.

SteelSky Ventures is a female-led venture capital fund that specializes in women's healthcare. Founded by Maria Toler Velissaris, the fund aims to fill a critical gap in the VC market by investing in companies that improve access to care, medical outcomes, and health infrastructure for women. With $72 million in assets under management, SteelSky is the largest VC fund focused exclusively on women’s health. The fund invests across various sectors, including medical devices, digital health, consumer health, and ePharmacy​. SteelSky primarily targets late-seed and Series A rounds, focusing on startups with proven product-market fit, typically generating $1-2 million in revenue. The portfolio is rich in innovation, supporting companies like Zipline, which uses drones to deliver life-saving medical supplies to remote areas, and Raydiant Oximetry, a company developing more accurate fetal distress monitoring​. The fund's approach is to back scalable, impact-driven ventures that address pressing challenges in women's healthcare, particularly those impacting underrepresented communities​. With a strong presence across the U.S., SteelSky benefits from strategic partnerships with major healthcare organizations like Blue Shield of California and the American Hospital Association, as well as financial institutions like Bank of America and JPMorgan​. Entrepreneurs looking to engage with SteelSky should emphasize their product's real-world impact on women’s health, scalability, and innovative approach to addressing healthcare disparities.

Stella Capital, founded in 2022, is a venture capital firm that emerged from a family office focused on commodities brokering, real estate, and distressed asset acquisitions. Headquartered in the U.S., it operates across North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Stella Capital invests in companies at various stages, from pre-seed to Series B, offering check sizes between $100K and $5 million. The firm’s investment focus is on sectors like B2B SaaS, consumer packaged goods (CPG), fintech, and Web3 technologies. Stella Capital looks for companies with strong competitive advantages, investing strategically in businesses that demonstrate clear growth potential from 0 to 1. Its investment strategy combines early-stage funding and secondary market investments, ensuring long-term capital backing for startups. Stella Capital emphasizes creating lasting partnerships with its portfolio companies, offering not just funding but also strategic guidance and operational support to help founders scale their ventures efficiently.

Stellation Capital is a pre-seed and seed fund backing visionary founders shaping the future of technology. With a focus on early-stage investments, Stellation supports founders from "launch to orbit," providing access to capital, networks, and community. Founded by Peter Boyce II, formerly of General Catalyst and Rough Draft Ventures, Stellation invests in diverse and ambitious entrepreneurs across a range of sectors, including AI, fintech, and digital media. Notable investments include Hopscotch, a payments platform for small businesses, and Koodos Labs, which empowers creators through unique digital tools. Stellation’s approach is deeply founder-driven, favoring mission-driven teams that prioritize creativity and innovation. Their portfolio spans across the U.S., with a significant presence in New York, where Boyce is based, and beyond. Stellation's strategy is built around long-term support and partnership. They are known for investing in people first, ensuring founders have the guidance they need from ideation to scaling. The team engages closely with its companies, offering hands-on support in product development and growth strategies. Peter Boyce leads the firm as Managing Partner, while Rhian Horton drives due diligence and platform management. Stellation's tight-knit and dedicated approach makes them a compelling partner for tech entrepreneurs aiming to scale groundbreaking ideas.

Sterling Road is a pre-seed venture capital firm focused on B2B startups, with a strong emphasis on coaching founders to build sustainable businesses. Based in San Francisco, Sterling Road invests primarily in early-stage startups across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The fund takes a unique approach by offering extensive coaching before investing, working closely with founders over three months to refine product development, hiring strategies, and fundraising efforts. Only after this collaboration does Sterling Road make an initial investment ranging from $150K to $250K, with the potential to provide follow-on funding of up to $10M as companies scale. Founded by Ash Rust, a former entrepreneur with a background in tech and military service, Sterling Road prides itself on its hands-on approach. Rust has mentored hundreds of startups through programs like Y-Combinator and Techstars, providing valuable insights that go beyond financial backing. Notable companies in the firm’s portfolio include Nova Credit and Knoetic, both of which have attracted additional funding from top-tier venture firms like Accel and Kleiner Perkins. Sterling Road seeks founders who are gritty, ambitious, and focused on operational excellence. The firm prioritizes diversity, with a significant portion of investments going to underrepresented founders. They are open to startups from various sectors but maintain a particular interest in B2B solutions that offer clear, scalable value propositions. Sterling Road values substance over connections, welcoming cold outreach from committed entrepreneurs.

Stonebridge Ventures is a South Korea-based venture capital firm, founded in 2017 as the corporate venture arm of Stonebridge Capital. It focuses on investing in early- to late-stage technology companies across sectors such as life sciences, fintech, and high-tech industries. The firm is particularly active in the South Korean market, where it has made numerous investments in companies at various stages of growth, including Series A and B rounds. Stonebridge Ventures emphasizes backing high-growth ventures at crucial value inflection points, aiming to accelerate innovation and create significant value. It is known for its deep involvement in the scaling of portfolio companies, offering strategic advice and leveraging its extensive network to help businesses grow. With a focus on industries that are poised for structural growth, Stonebridge supports companies in fields like business services, auto technology, and blockchain applications. Recent investments include South Korean startups like ADRO, a Series A investment in auto technology, and SNAPTAG, a Series B investment in business services. Stonebridge’s portfolio also includes several successful exits, including notable IPOs.

StoneMill Ventures, founded in 2018 by Michael Sutton, focuses on early-stage investments in the cybersecurity sector. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the firm targets disruptive technologies in cybersecurity, aiming to support startups that can benefit from their extensive experience in building pioneering security companies. The firm has invested in notable companies like Orca Security, which offers comprehensive cloud security solutions, and Huntress Labs, a platform providing advanced threat detection and response. Other significant investments include GreyNoise, a tool for identifying internet background noise to streamline threat analysis, and LimaCharlie, which provides security infrastructure as a service. StoneMill Ventures is an active investor in the United States and Israel, emphasizing hands-on mentorship alongside financial backing to help startups grow. Their investment strategy typically involves participating in seed to Series A rounds, with a focus on companies that address critical components of the security ecosystem.

Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in B2B software startups. With over 23 years of experience, Storm Ventures has a distinguished portfolio that includes companies such as Marketo, MobileIron, and Talkdesk. The firm focuses on sectors like SaaS, enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, helping startups navigate from inception to becoming industry leaders. Based in Silicon Valley, Storm Ventures boasts a global investment team with additional presence in South Korea and Germany. The firm's strategy is centered on supporting startups through critical growth phases, providing resources to unlock growth and achieve product-market fit. They prefer startups with happy customers, innovative software, and a strong team. Storm Ventures often leads funding rounds, bringing in-depth expertise and a hands-on approach to their investments. Key team members include Managing Directors Ryan Floyd, Alex Mendez, and Tae Hea Nahm, who bring extensive experience in scaling B2B companies. The firm’s methodology involves working closely with founders, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to drive growth and success.

Story Ventures, based in New York City and founded in 2016, focuses on early-stage investments in frontier technology. Their portfolio spans several sectors, including sensory systems, data processing, and machine intelligence. Notable investments include Particle Health, Motorq, and Prism Data, demonstrating their commitment to innovative data automation solutions. The firm emphasizes capturing and leveraging proprietary data to drive impactful decision-making and solve complex problems. Story Ventures supports companies from the very first check, helping them scale and secure further funding from top-tier venture capital firms. Their investment strategy prioritizes founders tackling audacious challenges to create lasting impact. Key team members include Brian Yormak, who specializes in mobility investing, and Teddy McGehee, who manages legal and financial processes. They are joined by Reilly Simmons, focusing on generative AI applications, and Melissa Cook, who oversees operations. Story Ventures launched a Scout Program in 2022 to work with entrepreneurial individuals at the forefront of technology development, offering them investment opportunities and a community of angel investors. This approach has helped build a diverse and dynamic portfolio aimed at shaping the future of data automation and machine intelligence.

Stout Street Capital, based in Denver, Colorado, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage tech startups. Founded in 2017 by Clay Gordon and John Francis, the firm targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies that are seeking to raise $1 million or more. They typically invest in rounds that provide 12-24 months of runway and prefer startups with post-product and post-revenue, usually generating $20-30k or more in monthly revenue. The firm has a diverse portfolio with over 66 companies and has made 86 investments to date. Notable investments include companies like Optera, which focuses on clean technology and sustainability, Schola, an education technology firm, and KredosAI, a fintech software company. Stout Street Capital also played a significant role in investments for 401GO, Curate, and OpenTug. Stout Street Capital emphasizes supporting founders by providing extensive resources and fostering a network to help scale their businesses. They invest primarily in the US and Canada, excluding major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. The firm is known for its commitment to transparency and its efficient due diligence process, typically completed within 2-3 weeks. Their most common check size is around $250K.

Strategic Cyber Ventures (SCV) is a D.C.-based venture capital firm specializing in cybersecurity, investing in startups that bolster U.S. national security. Notable investments include Doppel, SnapAttack, and Evo Security, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven cyber defense and digital risk protection. SCV primarily targets startups in the cybersecurity space but actively bridges commercial and federal markets, leveraging deep industry expertise. Their geographic focus centers on the U.S., with a strategic emphasis on the D.C. metro area, where proximity to government, military, and financial entities creates a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. SCV’s investment strategy prioritizes long-term partnerships, often leading rounds and providing more than just capital. They engage heavily with their portfolio companies through their network of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and government officials, offering hands-on guidance from product development to strategic exits. The firm also pioneered SCVX, the first cybersecurity SPAC, raising $230M to streamline IPO pathways for high-growth companies. Hank Thomas, SCV’s CEO, brings over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, while Chris Ahern adds a strategic investment approach. Together, they create a collaborative environment that values innovation and operational growth, allowing startups to thrive amidst the complex cybersecurity landscape. SCV is known for its proactive engagement and close-knit network, making it a powerful ally for founders in the cybersecurity industry.

Stratos LP is a venture capital firm pushing the boundaries of Web3, DeFi, and blockchain. Founded by Rennick Palley and based in Newport Beach, California, Stratos actively supports emerging crypto and decentralized finance innovators with strategic capital, infrastructure support, and deep technical insight. The firm’s portfolio includes pioneering projects such as Fuel, the fastest modular execution layer; Space & Time, a decentralized analytics platform; and Dymension, known for its innovative RollApps architecture. Stratos targets early-stage investments and brings a unique edge by offering both financial and physical infrastructure to enable scalability. They’ve been particularly active in token-based investments, leading rounds with initial checks often between $1M to $5M, helping companies create the foundations for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry. Stratos’s geographic focus is global, but they lean heavily into the U.S. market, especially in regions with high blockchain development activity. The team, including key members like Laurent Parmentier, who formerly scaled SignalFire’s data-driven investment strategies, offers a robust operational backbone to their startups. Stratos’s strategy combines financial commitment with a hands-on approach, often co-building essential infrastructure like staking and technical support for blockchain projects. Founders approaching Stratos can expect a highly engaged partner willing to provide not just capital but strategic insights from experts with experience at firms like Sanders Capital, MIT, and SignalFire. With this specialized approach, Stratos aims to be a pivotal backer of transformative technologies that are redefining the digital economy and pushing forward the adoption of decentralized finance.

Streamlined Ventures, founded by Ullas Naik in 2013, is a seed-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The firm focuses on investing in software-driven sectors, including data science, AI, blockchain, and software automation. Streamlined Ventures has a notable portfolio with investments in companies like DoorDash, Rappi, Addepar, AppLovin, and Bolt, many of which have achieved unicorn status or significant exits. Streamlined Ventures leads or co-leads Seed rounds, providing not just capital but also strategic support and operational guidance. Their investment philosophy emphasizes helping companies achieve high levels of operational excellence and strategic focus. They provide founders with tools and frameworks to develop detailed operating plans, ensuring clarity and alignment across business dimensions. The firm takes pride in fostering authentic, candid relationships with founders, built on mutual respect, transparency, and low-ego behavior. Streamlined Ventures' team brings over 25 years of investing experience, having backed over 500 companies. This extensive experience enables them to offer valuable insights and maintain steady support throughout the entrepreneurial journey, often becoming a core confidant to the founders they back. Streamlined Ventures' commitment to helping founders scale their businesses with limited capital while focusing on strategic value creation sets them apart in the venture capital landscape. The firm’s hands-on approach in the initial months post-investment helps ensure that companies prioritize high-value initiatives that drive outsized value creation

Stride.VC is a London-based venture capital fund focused on early-stage investments, particularly at the pre-seed and seed stages. Co-founded in 2018 by Fred Destin and Harry Stebbings, the firm aims to back startups that are disrupting traditional industries with technology. Stride has a particular interest in sectors like AI, SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, and HR tech. Notable investments include well-known names like Deliveroo, Cazoo, Dailymotion, and Hopin. Stride typically invests between £250,000 to £4 million and is known for its hands-on approach with founders. Their philosophy emphasizes conviction and clarity, preferring prototypes over PowerPoints and staying actively engaged where it counts, while also stepping back when it's time for the entrepreneurs to lead. Their London base positions them as a key player in Europe, although their portfolio also extends to other global tech hubs. Stride is selective with its investments, often leading rounds but with high standards for both the companies and their founders. Their approach to board meetings is famously collaborative, encouraging dialogue through whiteboard sessions to stimulate creative problem-solving. The team includes notable partners like Gabbi Cahane and Cleo Sham, who bring deep expertise from across tech and venture. Stride's recent activity has seen them back innovative startups like TechWolf and Triver, reflecting their ongoing commitment to bold, forward-thinking ventures.

Strong Ventures, based in California, is a seed fund that focuses on Korean, Asian, and global entrepreneurs. Known for investments in startups like Toss, Memebox, and Lunit, it has a significant presence in fintech, consumer tech, and healthcare sectors. The fund targets early-stage companies with scalable ideas, particularly in South Korea and Asia, providing both capital and strategic support. Their investment strategy emphasizes hands-on mentorship, guiding startups from inception to global expansion. They often lead seed rounds and support their portfolio companies with market entry strategies and follow-on funding. Strong Ventures values innovative business models and visionary leadership, preferring direct approaches through their network or website for personalized pitches. Key team members include co-founders John Nahm and Kihong Bae, who have extensive venture capital and entrepreneurial experience. While based in California, they maintain strong ties to Asian markets, enhancing cross-border growth opportunities for their investments. Strong Ventures is dedicated to fostering cross-border ventures, making them an ideal partner for startups aiming for global reach​.

Struck Capital, founded in 2014 and based in Santa Monica, California, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in Seed and pre-Seed rounds. The firm focuses on technology-driven sectors including B2B, B2C, and cryptocurrency. Struck Capital aims to be a hands-on partner, providing not just capital but also strategic support to help startups scale and succeed. Notable investments in their portfolio include Grab, a leading ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia; Mythical Games, which leverages blockchain technology for in-game asset tokenization; and Apollo.io, a sales intelligence and engagement platform. The firm has made a total of 119 investments and has had 26 successful exits, including companies like Brainbase and Say. Struck Capital operates with a "founder-first" ethos, meaning they prioritize the needs and success of the entrepreneurs they back. Their approach includes offering end-to-end hiring support, customer introductions, operational guidance, and robust PR and marketing assistance. They also emphasize innovation within venture capital, constantly iterating on their methods to better serve their portfolio companies. The firm is led by Adam Struck, along with key team members like Michael Montero and Sophia Khan, who bring extensive experience in technology and venture capital. Struck Capital also leverages the diverse industry presence of Los Angeles to benefit their portfolio companies while maintaining a global perspective on tech trends and innovations​.

Structure Capital is a Silicon Valley-based venture firm focused on early-stage investments with a unique twist: they are the self-described "Architects of the Zero Waste Economy." Founded by Mike Walsh and Jillian Manus in 2013, Structure Capital invests in startups that optimize underutilized assets and reduce waste, helping create more efficient and sustainable business models. Their portfolio includes high-profile companies like Uber, Airbnb, and The Muse, as well as mission-driven ventures like Copia and Lettuce Grow, which embody their zero-waste ethos. The firm tends to invest early, at the seed stage, with check sizes ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. Structure Capital emphasizes working closely with founders to build purposeful brands through their unique Brand Camp, a creative accelerator developed with the help of top advertising agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. This hands-on strategy aims to shape powerful, scalable businesses that align with the values of sustainability and social impact. Led by a diverse team with deep expertise across multiple industries, Structure Capital champions founders who combine innovation with empathy. Jillian Manus, known for her advocacy for diversity in tech, brings a wealth of experience from her roles in media and finance, while Mike Walsh brings a technical background and early investment wins, such as Salesforce. Together, they provide not only capital but mentorship and strategic guidance to their portfolio companies, helping them scale and thrive.

Studio VC is a venture capital firm based in New York City that focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs and leaders to create and scale impactful companies. Known for its hands-on approach, Studio VC works closely with founders to offer strategic guidance, resources, and a robust network to drive growth and success. Their mission is to support businesses across various sectors, leveraging their expertise and connections to foster innovation and market expansion. The firm operates similarly to a venture studio, building companies from the ground up and acting as a co-founder. This model allows them to provide more than just financial support; they also offer services in finance, recruiting, marketing, product design, and more, ensuring that startups have access to the necessary tools and expertise to thrive. Studio VC's investment strategy includes backing early-stage companies and providing follow-on funding to help them scale. They focus on creating a supportive ecosystem where diverse teams can excel, recognizing that diversity leads to better outcomes.

STV (Saudi Technology Ventures) is the largest venture capital fund in the Middle East, managing an $800 million fund focused on the MENA region’s technology ecosystem. The firm has a strong track record of identifying and backing high-growth tech startups, aiming to drive innovation in industries like e-commerce, fintech, logistics, and communications. Notable investments include companies like Careem, which was acquired by Uber, and Unifonic, a cloud communication platform. STV primarily targets early to growth-stage investments, with a clear emphasis on startups that have the potential to become regional leaders or even unicorns. The firm’s strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which promotes tech-driven economic diversification. STV actively supports its portfolio companies through capital, strategic advice, and leveraging its vast network across the region, including government and private sector connections. Geographically, STV focuses on the MENA region but with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia, a booming market for venture-backed startups. Saudi Arabia’s strong GDP and expanding digital infrastructure make it the hub for tech startups in the region. Led by CEO Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, STV's team includes a mix of seasoned entrepreneurs and investment professionals who play a hands-on role in nurturing their portfolio companies. STV looks for startups with strong market traction and a clear path to scale, aiming to create regional tech giants capable of IPO or large-scale exits.

Styx Urban Investments, founded in 2020 and based in Mannheim, Germany, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage startups in the PropTech, GreenTech, and Smart City sectors. The firm operates a unique model called the Styx Living Lab, a proprietary testing environment that provides startups with direct access to real estate infrastructure, data, and community feedback. This enables entrepreneurs to test and validate their solutions in real-world conditions, making Styx an attractive partner for startups looking to bring innovative urban solutions to market. Styx prioritizes investments that align with its mission of advancing sustainable urban living. The firm typically supports startups at the seed and angel stages, with a focus on solutions that address modern urban challenges such as sustainable real estate, IoT, and smart infrastructure. With its Living Lab, Styx offers more than just capital; it helps startups gain valuable market insights and commercialization opportunities through its network of real estate partners. Led by co-founders David Zwilling and Florian Fischer, Styx is positioned as a key player in the transformation of European cities, combining financial backing with hands-on support to build more sustainable urban environments.

Subconscious Ventures is a Chicago-based seed-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage startups that are redefining industries through transformative technologies. The firm specializes in high-growth sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and digital health. With a sharp focus on emerging trends, Subconscious Ventures aims to back companies that are developing disruptive solutions and have the potential to scale significantly in the future. They emphasize founders who are not only visionary but also capable of executing their ideas effectively in competitive markets. Subconscious Ventures typically invests early, providing seed capital in the range of $250,000 to $1 million. Their investment strategy revolves around nurturing young companies through hands-on involvement, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a broad network of industry experts. This support extends beyond just capital, with Subconscious Ventures taking an active role in helping their portfolio companies build scalable businesses, navigate market challenges, and secure follow-on funding from larger institutional investors as they grow. Geographically, the firm has a global outlook, though it remains particularly interested in startups operating in North America and Europe, where they can leverage their strong networks and expertise. Subconscious Ventures takes a long-term partnership approach with the founders they back, seeing their role as a strategic ally in the journey from seed stage to successful exit. Their portfolio reflects this focus, with investments in innovative companies that are set to transform their industries through technology and novel business models.

Sugar Capital, based in San Francisco, focuses on early-stage investments within the commerce ecosystem. Founded in 2020 by Brian Sugar, the firm has quickly established a significant presence in the venture capital scene. Their portfolio includes a variety of notable companies such as Afterpay, Savage X Fenty, and Everlane, highlighting their interest in innovative commerce solutions​. Sugar Capital's investment strategy emphasizes supporting companies that blend technology with commerce. Their recent investments include Remark, which raised $10.3M, and Nostra, which secured $6.3M in seed funding. These investments reflect their commitment to fostering growth in both consumer and enterprise applications​. The firm is managed by a team of experienced professionals, including General Partners Krista Moatz, Will Hawthorne, and Lisa Sugar. They provide not just capital but also mentorship and strategic support to their portfolio companies, leveraging their extensive experience in commerce and technology to drive success​.

Sukna Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Riyadh, with a strong focus on digital transformation across the MENA region. The firm backs startups from pre-seed to Series B, particularly in sectors like fintech, gaming, education, health tech, and enterprise software. Their geographic focus spans key markets, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain, aligning with regional growth trends in technology and innovation. Sukna Ventures is dedicated to investing in entrepreneurs who are building the next wave of high-growth ventures, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and AR/VR. The firm supports companies that adapt to evolving market dynamics and regulations, empowering founders to scale their businesses in a rapidly transforming digital economy. With offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi, Sukna Ventures is well-positioned to tap into local and regional opportunities, while maintaining a global perspective. The team, comprised of seasoned investors and entrepreneurs, plays a hands-on role in nurturing portfolio companies, offering strategic advice and access to a broad network. Notable investments include startups like Quantums, an ad-tech solution enhancing e-commerce media, and Earn Alliance, a platform empowering gamers in the web3 space. Sukna Ventures prides itself on creating meaningful impact, helping ventures reshape how we live, work, and play in the digital age.

Summit Partners is a global investment firm that focuses on growth equity, managing more than $37 billion in capital. Founded in 1984, it has invested in over 550 companies across key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and growth products & services. Summit is known for backing companies with strong growth potential, offering both minority and majority investments, with a typical check size ranging from $10 million to over $500 million. The firm partners with companies that demonstrate leadership in their respective industries, providing not just capital but also strategic resources through its Peak Performance Group. This dedicated team supports portfolio companies in areas like operations, M&A, and capital markets, ensuring they scale efficiently. Summit has a strong global presence, with offices in Boston, Menlo Park, New York, London, and Luxembourg, and focuses heavily on profitable growth as a key driver of long-term value creation. Notable portfolio companies include technology giants like Klaviyo and cybersecurity firm Darktrace. Summit's hands-on, collaborative approach has made it a top choice for companies looking to scale rapidly while maintaining profitability​.

Super Ventures is a venture capital firm and incubator that specializes in investing in early-stage companies developing augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and wearable technologies. Founded by Ori Inbar, a leading figure in the AR industry, Super Ventures is dedicated to backing startups that push the boundaries of human-computer interaction, aiming to create "superpowers" through innovative technology. The firm focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, using a proprietary industry roadmap to guide its funding decisions. Super Ventures has a strong network, placing its startups in front of an AR-focused investor community with access to over $1 billion in funding potential. Their portfolio includes companies like Mawari, which accelerates 3D content delivery for the metaverse, and 6D.ai, which is building the AR Cloud. Super Ventures also fosters the world’s largest AR community, with over 250,000 professionals, 1,000 companies, and 300 experts. This community is supported by the Augmented World Expo (AWE), the world’s largest AR event series, which the firm produces to bring together key players from the entire ecosystem. In addition to capital, Super Ventures offers a comprehensive six-week fundraising prep course for XR startups, providing mentorship, pitch refinement, and networking opportunities to prepare them for successful fundraising.

SuperAngel.Fund, founded by Ben Zises in January 2021, is an early-stage venture capital fund that focuses on Consumer (CPG, eCommerce SaaS), PropTech, and Future of Work sectors. With notable investments including quip, Caraway, and Arber, the fund targets pre-seed through Series A stages, typically writing checks between $25k and $250k. They aim to exceed a 20-30% IRR over a 10-year period. SuperAngel.Fund is deeply involved in the U.S. market but selectively considers exceptional opportunities globally. They evaluate over 200 deals per month from a variety of sources including founders, VCs, LPs, and their extensive network. The fund prides itself on founder empathy, leveraging Ben Zises' experience as a startup founder, and offers operational, sales, and team-building support. The fund is known for investing early, often pre-product, and places a significant emphasis on market disruption and innovative design across all brand touchpoints. Ben Zises, based in New York, has a track record of being the first investor in several successful startups and brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including COO at a real estate investment firm. The fund's strategy includes providing the earliest possible checks and using their network to attract further strategic capital and resources.

Supermoon Capital is a pioneering venture capital firm exclusively focused on the rapidly growing sleep industry, which they refer to as the "Night Market™." Launched in 2021 with a $36 million fund, Supermoon Capital seeks to address the global epidemic of insufficient sleep, which affects 75% of Americans and has been declared a public health crisis by the CDC. The firm invests in early-stage startups across various sectors, including software, medical devices, and consumer products, all aimed at improving sleep health through science-backed innovations. The firm’s portfolio is diverse, featuring companies like Endel, an AI-driven platform that creates personalized soundscapes to enhance sleep and reduce stress, and EnsoData, which uses FDA-cleared AI software to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Other notable investments include FreshBed, a Netherlands-based company that designs beds optimizing air quality, temperature, and humidity for better sleep, and Clair Labs, an Israeli startup revolutionizing patient monitoring with contact-free technology for clinical-grade physiological monitoring. Supermoon Capital was co-founded by industry veterans Pat Connolly, Michael Masterson, and Grayson Judge. Connolly, with his extensive background at Williams-Sonoma, brings a wealth of experience in business strategy and e-commerce. Masterson and Judge contribute deep expertise from the healthcare and venture capital sectors. Together, they provide more than just capital; they offer a robust network of sleep science experts and strategic partners to help their portfolio companies succeed. Supermoon Capital is positioned as the premier source of expertise and funding in the emerging sleep economy.

Supernode Ventures, founded in 2017 by Laurel Touby, is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York. The firm is sector-agnostic, with a portfolio spanning across fintech, healthtech, B2B, and B2C companies. Supernode primarily invests in pre-seed and seed-stage startups, often providing the first institutional checks for emerging companies. Their typical check sizes range from $500,000 to $1 million. Supernode’s portfolio includes notable companies like Braze (IPO in 2021), BBOT (acquired for $100 million), Electric.ai, and DeepScribe.ai. The firm is known for backing innovative startups in healthcare, e-commerce, and supply chain technologies, among other industries. The firm's investment strategy revolves around identifying founders with resilience and a strong sense of control over their destiny, a key trait Laurel Touby emphasizes. Supernode is also heavily network-driven, leveraging extensive industry connections to help its portfolio companies grow. With over 50 companies backed in its first fund, Supernode Ventures has positioned itself as a key player in the early-stage investment ecosystem, focusing on scalable tech solutions that have the potential to transform their respective industries.

SuperSeed Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and scaling trade tech startups, particularly those transforming trade businesses and the built environment. The firm is the corporate venture capital arm of the Reece Group, focusing on innovative solutions that leverage technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. Notable investments in their portfolio include Bluon, a support platform for HVAC technicians, ToolBx, an online platform for ordering building materials, and FieldPulse, a software solution for managing trade businesses. They also support companies like Conservation Labs with their smart water monitor H2know, and TruePillars, which provides customized financial products for trade businesses. SuperSeed Ventures is proactive in helping early-stage founders with go-to-market strategies, team building, and process optimization. Their investment approach emphasizes automation and sustainability, aiming to meet carbon emission targets and improve manufacturing and business processes. The firm is managed by a team of experienced professionals, including Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen, who bring a wealth of entrepreneurial and operational experience to the table. Their commitment to supporting technical founders and fostering innovation in trade tech makes SuperSeed Ventures a significant player in the venture capital landscape

Supply Change Capital is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles that focuses on transforming the food system by investing in early-stage companies at the intersection of food, culture, and climate. Founded in 2020 by Noramay Cadena and Shayna Harris, the firm aims to back startups developing innovative solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive food ecosystem. With a $40 million fund, Supply Change Capital has already made significant strides by investing in companies like Aqua Cultured Foods, Partake Foods, and Hyfé. The firm emphasizes the importance of cultural inclusivity and environmental sustainability, seeking to address global food system challenges such as inefficient supply chains, high greenhouse gas emissions, and limited access to healthy, culturally relevant food options. Supply Change Capital primarily invests in diverse founders and food tech innovations that improve sustainability and equity across the food value chain, from farm to fork. Their approach combines financial support with deep operational expertise, leveraging the founders' backgrounds in both the food and tech sectors to provide strategic guidance and access to a strong network. This mission-driven approach not only fosters innovation but also aims to create systemic change in the food industry for the betterment of both people and the planet.

Surface Ventures is a pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm based in New York, focusing on investments in B2B software companies. With a $50 million fund, they primarily target startups with pre-money valuations below $15 million, and their median first check size is approximately $900,000. Surface Ventures believes in investing in design-centric companies, emphasizing the importance of brand and user experience to create enduring businesses​. The firm’s portfolio includes notable companies such as Mirror, Aether, Canopy, and Juni, reflecting their commitment to sectors like SaaS, CRM, and analytics. Surface Ventures looks for companies that solve real problems and have strong, competitive management teams. For startups looking to engage with Surface Ventures, it's crucial to demonstrate a clear market need and a passionate, capable team. The firm prefers to lead rounds and offers substantial support beyond capital, leveraging their expertise to help startups navigate early-stage growth challenges.

SuRo Capital Corp. is a publicly traded investment fund that primarily focuses on investing in high-growth, venture-backed private companies. Based in San Francisco, SuRo Capital provides investors access to a portfolio of emerging private firms, many of which are on the cusp of going public or have significant growth potential. The firm’s approach combines direct investments in companies and secondary investments, providing liquidity to private shareholders such as early employees. SuRo's portfolio spans various sectors, with notable investments in companies like Coursera, Forge, Lime, Liquid Death, and WHOOP. They focus on firms that demonstrate innovation in tech, healthcare, and consumer services, aiming to capitalize on early-stage momentum and eventual exit opportunities through IPOs or acquisitions. Their strategy emphasizes late-stage private companies that have strong growth trajectories and are nearing public market entry. SuRo Capital is led by Mark Klein as Chairman and CEO, alongside a skilled team managing investments and valuations. The firm also actively manages risk through diversification and periodic portfolio adjustments to optimize returns for their investors​.

Susa Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, named after the Susa family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The firm focuses on investments in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, logistics, enterprise software, and infrastructure and development tools. Susa Ventures seeks out businesses with strong compounding moats, like proprietary data, economies of scale, and network effects. Founded by Seth Berman and Chad Byers, Susa Ventures has backed notable companies like Robinhood, Flexport, and Viz.ai. The firm typically invests between $1 million and $3 million in seed rounds and is known for being a supportive and accessible partner to its portfolio companies. Susa Ventures prides itself on creating a deeply connected community of founders, investors, operators, advisors, and service providers. The team at Susa Ventures includes experienced professionals from various backgrounds, all committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed. Their investment process involves a few introductory meetings followed by a full partner meeting and thorough reference checks.