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Allison Pickens Ventures is a venture capital firm founded by Allison Pickens, a solo general partner with a strong emphasis on investing in AI startups. Established in California, the firm is dedicated to supporting founders in scaling their businesses through operational guidance and strategic investment. Allison previously served as the COO of Gainsight, where she played a pivotal role in scaling annual recurring revenue (ARR) from $1 million to $85 million. This experience equips her with a deep understanding of customer success and operational excellence, which she leverages to benefit her portfolio companies.
The firm operates with a rolling fund structure, having rebranded from The New Normal Fund in 2024. Allison Pickens Ventures is actively deploying capital, focusing primarily on seed and Series A stages. The firm has a portfolio of 14 companies and emphasizes a human-first approach to investing, aiming to help founders navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses toward an initial public offering (IPO).
Allison Pickens Ventures primarily invests in seed-stage AI applications and data infrastructure, with investment checks typically ranging from $400,000 to $1 million. The firm occasionally participates in Series A rounds, providing investments between $250,000 and $500,000. The focus is on early to mid-stage companies within the AI sector, particularly those that emphasize operational excellence and go-to-market strategies. The firm seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the capability to execute their business plans effectively.
Investment sectors include AI, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, marketing, defense, and generative AI. The firm’s thesis centers on B2B AI applications and data infrastructure, prioritizing a human-first approach that emphasizes operational excellence over purely financial metrics. Allison Pickens Ventures aims to help founders scale their businesses effectively, leveraging her extensive network and operational insights.
Allison Pickens Ventures has invested in a diverse range of companies, with notable portfolio companies including:
This portfolio reflects the firm’s commitment to investing in innovative AI solutions across various industries.
Allison Pickens: Founder and General Partner. Allison has a notable background as the former COO of Gainsight, where she scaled ARR from $1 million to $85 million. She is recognized for her expertise in customer success, go-to-market strategies, and operational excellence. Allison functions as a fractional COO and go-to-market architect for her portfolio companies, providing hands-on support and strategic insights.
To pitch Allison Pickens Ventures, founders should visit the firm's website at Allison Pickens Ventures. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. The firm prefers pitches that demonstrate a clear understanding of operational challenges and how the startup plans to address them.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect a thorough review of their submissions. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can facilitate a more favorable reception of the pitch.
In September 2025, Allison Pickens Ventures participated in a seed round for Waldo, marking a significant investment in the AI sector. In August 2025, the firm also invested in Dealops during its Series A round. These investments reflect the firm's active engagement in the early to mid-stage AI market.
Allison Pickens Ventures has been recognized in various industry publications, including being featured in Work-Bench's list of "7 Pre-Seed Enterprise VC Firms Led by Women." This acknowledgment highlights the firm's commitment to supporting diverse founders in the tech space.
What are the investment criteria for Allison Pickens Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in seed-stage AI applications and data infrastructure, with a focus on early to mid-stage companies. They look for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and operational capability.
How can I apply or pitch to Allison Pickens Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitches through the firm's website at Allison Pickens Ventures. It is advisable to include a clear business model and growth strategy in the pitch deck.
What makes Allison Pickens Ventures different from other investors?
Allison Pickens Ventures emphasizes a human-first approach, providing operational guidance and strategic insights rather than focusing solely on financial metrics. Allison's background as a former COO allows her to function as a fractional COO for portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of the firm?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on the AI sector.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Allison Pickens Ventures typically invests between $400,000 and $1 million in seed-stage companies, with occasional investments of $250,000 to $500,000 in Series A rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Founders can expect hands-on support from Allison Pickens, who acts as a go-to-market architect and provides operational guidance to help navigate scaling challenges.
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