Swell Partners

Swell Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City, specializing in preseed and seed-stage investments. The firm was founded by Rusty Ralston and Jay Patil, who bring diverse backgrounds and a shared belief that people are the most critical factor in a startup's success. Swell focuses on companies that are not just building products but defining entire markets, particularly in sectors like B2B infrastructure, AI, healthcare, space, and commerce. Swell's unique approach is deeply rooted in their conviction that "you win with people." The firm doesn’t just provide capital; it actively helps portfolio companies build world-class teams by leveraging a vast network of top-tier talent. This hands-on involvement has been instrumental in the success of startups like Crisp, Loft Orbital, and ScienceIO—all of which have achieved significant milestones, from raising substantial funding rounds to successful acquisitions. What sets Swell apart from other VC firms is its commitment to working directly with founders to ensure they have the best teams in place. This focus on talent is coupled with a warm, approachable partnership style, making Swell a trusted ally to its portfolio companies. Despite being outsiders to the traditional VC club, Swell has built a reputation for backing extraordinary entrepreneurs and delivering strong returns for their investors.