Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Castor Ventures, founded in 2014, is an affiliate of Alumni Ventures based in Manchester, New Hampshire. As a venture capital firm, it aims to democratize access to venture capital for accredited investors, particularly those connected to MIT. The firm emphasizes co-investing alongside leading venture capital firms, providing a unique opportunity for investors to participate in competitive deals that are typically unavailable to individual investors. Castor Ventures operates within the framework of Alumni Ventures, which is recognized as America’s largest VC firm for individual investors, managing over 18 university-aligned alumni funds. The firm has established a reputation for its rigorous due diligence and transparency in its investment strategy, leveraging its extensive alumni network to identify promising opportunities. With a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance sectors, Castor Ventures has positioned itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, particularly for those looking to invest in MIT-connected companies.
Castor Ventures invests across various stages, from pre-seed to later-stage companies, with a strong emphasis on technology, healthcare, and finance sectors. The firm is committed to rigorous due diligence and transparency in its investment strategy, leveraging its extensive alumni network to identify promising opportunities. The investment range spans from $100,000 to $10 million, allowing for flexibility in supporting companies at different growth stages. Castor Ventures particularly seeks out companies that demonstrate innovation and potential for significant impact within their respective industries. By focusing on sectors such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, and fintech, the firm aims to back transformative businesses that align with current market trends and future demands. The firm’s approach is characterized by a preference for MIT-connected companies, which enhances its ability to source high-quality deal flow and maintain a competitive edge in the venture capital space.
Castor Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies such as Groq, valued at $20 billion and focused on AI compute solutions; Observe, a cloud platform enhancing incident resolution for businesses, valued at $1 billion; and Circle, a global fintech company facilitating digital currency transactions, valued at $7 billion. The portfolio consists of over 1,600 companies, with approximately 250 new investments made each year. This extensive portfolio reflects the firm’s commitment to investing in high-potential startups across various stages and sectors. Notable exits from the portfolio, including Groq, Observe, and Circle, highlight the firm’s ability to identify and support companies that achieve significant market success. Castor Ventures operates as a passive co-investor, allowing founders to maintain control while benefiting from the firm’s connections and resources, which further enhances the value of its portfolio.
Chris Sklarin - Managing Partner at Castor Ventures, Chris plays a pivotal role in guiding the firm’s investment strategy and managing relationships within the alumni network.
Evy Chen - Managing Partner, Evy focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, leveraging her extensive experience in venture capital.
To pitch Castor Ventures, founders should visit their website at av.vc or email info@av.vc. They prefer pitches that highlight connections to MIT and align with their focus on technology, healthcare, and fintech sectors. Founders should be prepared to provide detailed information about their business model, market potential, and how they plan to leverage the investment.
Castor Ventures invests across a wide range of stages, including pre-seed, seed, Series A, Series B, and beyond, up to Series F and growth equity. This flexibility allows them to support companies at various points in their development.
Founders can pitch Castor Ventures through their website at av.vc or by emailing info@av.vc. They welcome pitches from companies connected to MIT and those in their focus sectors.
Castor Ventures primarily focuses on technology, healthcare, and fintech sectors. They seek innovative companies that demonstrate potential for significant impact within these industries.
The typical check size for Castor Ventures ranges from $100,000 to $10 million, allowing them to invest flexibly across different stages of company growth.
Castor Ventures has a global investment focus, with a particular emphasis on North America. They leverage their extensive alumni network to identify promising opportunities worldwide.
Founders interested in applying for investment from Castor Ventures can do so through their website or by contacting them via email. They encourage submissions that highlight connections to MIT and align with their investment focus.
As a passive co-investor, Castor Ventures provides capital without taking board seats or setting terms. They leverage their extensive alumni network to offer support and resources to portfolio companies, allowing founders to maintain control.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.