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186 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in August 2021 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage companies that exhibit high growth potential, particularly in sectors such as AI, gaming, fintech, SaaS, healthcare, and proptech. With a fund size of $37 million, 186 Ventures is actively deploying capital to help startups navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.
The firm has a total of 8 portfolio companies and emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing not only financial investment but also operational and strategic guidance. This dual support model is designed to assist founders in overcoming the challenges associated with building successful enterprises. The firm is backed by a diverse LP base, including tech founders, executives, institutional investors, and endowments.
Notable milestones include the successful close of their inaugural fund in January 2022, which was oversubscribed, indicating strong interest from investors. As 186 Ventures prepares for the launch of its second fund in 2025, it continues to solidify its presence in the Boston startup ecosystem.
186 Ventures primarily invests in early-stage startups across several sectors, including AI, gaming, fintech, SaaS, healthcare, and proptech. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, allowing it to engage with companies at various points in their development. The investment strategy emphasizes a hands-on approach, where the firm provides operational and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies.
Founders are supported through the challenges of scaling their businesses, with a focus on high growth potential. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who demonstrate the ability to rapidly scale their operations. This operational support is a key differentiator for 186 Ventures, as it aims to enhance the success of its portfolio companies beyond mere financial backing.
186 Ventures has invested in a diverse range of companies, with a total of 8 notable portfolio companies. These include:
These companies span various sectors, reflecting the firm's broad investment thesis. Notably, companies like Centaur Labs and Monitaur focus on AI applications, while others like Asha Health and Vodera are positioned within the healthcare sector. This diverse portfolio illustrates 186 Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative startups across multiple industries.
Giuseppe Stuto - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Giuseppe has a background at DraftKings, where he gained valuable experience in the gaming industry. He is an active thought leader, contributing to discussions on venture capital and startup growth through various platforms, including Medium and podcasts.
Julian Fialkow - Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Like Giuseppe, Julian also has a history with DraftKings, bringing operational expertise to the firm. He has participated in industry discussions and is recognized for his insights into venture capital trends.
Sophie - Team Member. Specific details about Sophie’s role and background are not disclosed, but she is part of the team supporting the firm's operations and portfolio management.
To pitch to 186 Ventures, founders should visit their website at 186 Ventures for detailed instructions. The firm prefers direct outreach through their contact page and encourages founders to include a comprehensive deck that outlines their business model, market analysis, and growth strategy. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
In March 2026, 186 Ventures is actively deploying capital from its inaugural fund, with plans to kick off Fund II in 2025. The firm has made a total of 8 investments, including lead investments in several portfolio companies. Recent activity indicates a focus on web-enabled technology and business models, which comprise approximately 40% of their current portfolio.
Giuseppe Stuto has been featured as a speaker at Quantum Miami 2024, discussing trends in venture capital and predictions for the future of AI and enterprise applications. The firm continues to build its reputation as a significant player in the Boston startup ecosystem.
What are the investment criteria for 186 Ventures?
186 Ventures focuses on early-stage startups with high growth potential, particularly in sectors such as AI, gaming, fintech, SaaS, healthcare, and proptech. The firm looks for founders who demonstrate the ability to scale their businesses rapidly and effectively.
How can founders apply or pitch to 186 Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to 186 Ventures can visit their website at 186 Ventures for more information on the application process. The firm encourages direct outreach through their contact page.
What makes 186 Ventures different from other VC firms?
186 Ventures distinguishes itself through its hands-on approach, providing operational and strategic guidance in addition to capital. The founders' backgrounds as operators enable them to offer valuable insights and support to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of 186 Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on investments within the United States, with a particular emphasis on the Northeast region. However, they are also open to selective deployments in other major US cities.
What is the fund size and check size range?
186 Ventures' inaugural fund is sized at $37 million. While specific check sizes are not disclosed, the firm typically invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, which generally involve smaller initial investments compared to later-stage funding.
What is the post-investment involvement of 186 Ventures?
186 Ventures maintains a strong post-investment involvement, offering operational support and strategic guidance to help portfolio companies navigate growth challenges. This includes mentorship and access to the firm's network of industry contacts.
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