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The 81 Collection is a venture capital organization founded in 2021 and based in Chicago, Illinois. With a fund size of $41 million, the firm is dedicated to transforming traditional trades and industries through strategic investments and modernization. The founders, who possess extensive experience in hard industries, recognized a significant funding gap faced by these sectors compared to softer industries. The 81 Collection aims to bridge this gap by focusing on businesses that operate in areas often characterized as 'boring,' 'hard work,' and 'unpleasant spaces.' This unique approach positions the firm as a pioneer in investing in sectors that represent a substantial portion of the U.S. economy, specifically targeting the 81% of U.S. GDP that has been historically overlooked by early-stage capital.
The 81 Collection targets early-stage companies within capital-intensive blue-collar industries, particularly those that have been largely excluded from the digital revolution. Their investment focus encompasses low-margin industries such as recycling and nursing homes, where they aim to improve physical work environments and address systemic barriers that hinder access to opportunities. By investing in these sectors, The 81 Collection seeks to drive innovation and modernization, leveraging technology to solve critical problems. The firm typically invests between $200,000 and $1 million, focusing on pre-seed to Series C stages. Their geographic focus is primarily on the United States, where they believe significant potential for growth and improvement exists in hard industries.
The 81 Collection boasts a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies and founders such as Vijen Patel (founder of Pressbox), Mike Evans (co-founder of GrubHub), Luke Saunders (founder of Farmers Fridge), Dhruv Saxena and Divey Gulati (co-founders of ShipBob), and Anna Levine (COO of Industrious). One of their recent investments is Uptiv Health, a company that is redefining infusion care across various geographies. The total value created by their portfolio companies is estimated at $60 billion, with approximately 30,000 employees across these businesses. This impressive portfolio reflects The 81 Collection's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in hard industries that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital.
Vijen Patel - Founding Partner, known for his work with Pressbox and a strong advocate for innovation in hard industries.
To pitch The 81 Collection, founders should visit their website at 81collection.com. They prefer pitches that are well-aligned with their investment focus on hard industries and innovation. A clear presentation of the business model and potential for modernization is essential.
In December 2022, The 81 Collection launched its inaugural fund, raising $41 million to support investments in hard industries. They have recently invested in Uptiv Health, which is making strides in redefining infusion care across geographies.
The 81 Collection invests in various stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed+ (extension), Series A, Series B, and Series C. This broad range allows them to support companies at different points in their growth journey.
Founders can pitch The 81 Collection through their website at 81collection.com. They welcome pitches that align with their focus on hard industries and innovation.
The 81 Collection primarily focuses on healthcare and logistics, particularly in capital-intensive blue-collar industries that have been historically overlooked. They target sectors such as recycling and nursing homes.
The firm typically invests between $200,000 and $1 million in their portfolio companies, providing substantial support for early-stage ventures.
The 81 Collection focuses its investments within the United States, targeting industries that represent a significant portion of the U.S. economy.
The 81 Collection adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging the extensive experience of its founders and team members in hard industries. They focus on improving operational efficiencies and providing strategic guidance.
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