Ventures
We back founders who build things that have to work.
Capital is the start. What founders tell us they need most is the next customer, the right manufacturer and someone who has seen the problem before. That's what the rest of VSI is for.
Where we look
Focus areas
We invest where our operating network gives a founder a real edge, not wherever the money is fashionable this year.
AI and AI infrastructure
Applied AI that does real work in production, and the compute, data and tooling underneath it.
Defense and national security
Technology for defense, intelligence and public-sector buyers, where VSI already knows how the buying works.
Energy and power
Grid, storage and the power that data centres and electrified industry now depend on.
Cybersecurity
Identity, threat detection and resilience for companies selling to regulated buyers.
Fintech and payments
Cross-border payments, trade finance and the infrastructure that moves money between businesses.
Robotics and supply chain
Automation, industrial robotics and logistics technology that make it cheaper to build and move goods.
By stage
What we look for, and what we bring.
Pick your stage. Cheque size depends on the company and is discussed on the first call.
You have
A team with an unfair insight into a problem, and early proof that people want it solved.
We look for
Founder and market fit. Why you, why this, why now.
We bring
First customer conversations and help turning a prototype into something you can sell.
You have
A product in customers' hands and a sense of who buys it and why.
We look for
Retention, a repeatable way to find the next customer, and honest unit economics.
We bring
Introductions to buyers, suppliers and manufacturing partners through the VSI network.
You have
Revenue that's growing and a plan to scale the team and the go-to-market.
We look for
Efficient growth, a credible path to the next round and a team that can hire well.
We bring
Enterprise and public-sector go-to-market help, and support entering a second country.
You have
A proven business ready to expand, consolidate or prepare for an exit.
We look for
Durable margins, a defensible position and a clear use of capital.
We bring
Acquisition targets and buyers through our brokerage desk, and supply chain scale through sourcing.
Beyond the cheque
Your investor also runs a sourcing desk and a deal desk.
That changes what a board meeting is for.
- Need a contract manufacturer? Our sourcing team can shortlist and audit them.
- Thinking about acquiring a smaller competitor? Our brokerage desk can find and approach them.
- Selling to enterprise or government? VSI Technologies works with those buyers every day and can show you how they buy.
Interactive
Is now the right time to raise?
Six quick questions. Nothing is sent anywhere. It's just a way to see where you stand before we talk.
- Do you have paying customers or signed pilots?
- Can you name your next ten target customers?
- Is your founding team full-time on the company?
- Do you know your cost to win a customer?
- Is your cap table clean and documented?
- Can you say what this round gets you to?
Founder questions
How do I pitch?
Use the contact form and choose Ventures. Attach a link to your deck if you have one. A principal reads every submission.
Do you lead rounds?
It depends on the stage and the round. We'll tell you on the first call whether we'd lead, co-invest or make an introduction.
Do you take board seats?
Only where the founder wants one and it helps the company. Many of our relationships work well with an observer seat or none at all.
Do you invest outside the United States?
Yes, in companies whose customers, team or supply cross borders. Jurisdiction and structure are reviewed case by case.