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Avenir is a growth equity firm founded in 2017, headquartered in the United States. The firm has approximately $2 billion in assets under management and focuses on partnering with founders to build category-defining companies. Avenir employs a first-principles approach to identify significant changes in large markets, aiming to create concentrated portfolios of companies that are early in their growth trajectories.
Since its inception, Avenir has backed over 50 startups, emphasizing sectors such as consumer, SaaS, healthcare, fintech, and artificial intelligence. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including successful exits with companies like Klaviyo and Databricks. Avenir's investment strategy is designed to capitalize on paradigm shifts in various markets, making it a compelling partner for innovative startups.
Avenir invests primarily in early-stage companies across several sectors, including consumer, SaaS, healthcare, fintech, and artificial intelligence. The firm targets companies that are well-positioned to capitalize on significant market changes, emphasizing those that demonstrate potential for substantial growth. Avenir typically invests at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $25 million to $150 million.
The firm seeks to build concentrated portfolios of dominant companies early in their growth trajectories, focusing on those that are led by world-class operators. Avenir's investment thesis revolves around identifying inevitable changes in large markets, which allows them to support startups that are poised for rapid expansion.
Avenir's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that reflect its investment strategy. Notable companies include:
Andrew Sugrue: Co-Founder, previously at Shumway Capital, L Catterton, and Peter J Solomon Company.
Jamie Reynolds: Co-Founder, previously at Explorador Capital Management and Augusta National Golf Club.
Ben Jubas: Partner, joined Avenir to focus on growth equity investments.
Jared Sleeper: Partner, joined the investment team in 2023.
Paul Light: Partner, joined Avenir in 2019.
David Prilutsky: Partner, joined in 2022 from Susquehanna Growth Equity.
Hannah Bao: Partner, joined in 2024, previously at Steadview Capital and Centana Growth Partners.
Cindy Kurt: Partner, joined in 2024 from Dragoneer and Vista Equity Partners.
Chiraz El Azizi: Partner, joined in 2025.
Sophie Starck: Partner, joined in 2025.
Kim Carlson: Head of Investor Relations.
Celeste Riddle-Shaw: Investor Relations Manager.
Chris DeLuca: VP of Finance and CCO, joined in 2022.
Wayne Zhang: Assistant VP of Finance.
To pitch Avenir, founders should visit Avenir's contact page. It is important to include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy in the pitch deck. Avenir prefers clear and concise presentations that highlight the startup's potential for significant growth.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. A warm introduction can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In December 2023, Avenir announced the closing of Fund IV with $545 million in capital commitments. The firm is reportedly targeting $800 million for Fund V, although the close status remains unconfirmed.
In May 2024, Avenir led a $30 million Series B investment in Nivoda, a diamond B2B marketplace, showcasing its active role in follow-on investments.
Recent activity indicates a strong focus on AI and infrastructure investments, with multiple bets in this area expected to continue into 2024-2025.
What are Avenir's investment criteria?
Avenir focuses on early-stage companies across consumer, SaaS, healthcare, fintech, and AI sectors. They seek businesses that are well-positioned to capitalize on significant market shifts and demonstrate potential for substantial growth.
How can I pitch Avenir?
Founders can pitch Avenir through their contact page at Avenir's contact page. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy in the pitch.
What makes Avenir different from other investors?
Avenir employs a first-principles approach to identify market changes, focusing on building concentrated portfolios of companies that are early in their growth trajectories. This strategy allows them to provide tailored support to their portfolio companies.
What is Avenir's geographic scope?
Avenir primarily invests in companies based in the United States, although they may consider opportunities in other regions if they align with their investment thesis.
What is the typical check size for Avenir?
Avenir typically invests between $25 million and $150 million per company, focusing on growth equity rather than early-stage investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Avenir have?
Avenir actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and support to help them navigate growth challenges and scale effectively.
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