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BankTech Ventures is a strategic investment fund founded in November 2021 and based in Sandy, Utah. The firm focuses on technology companies that serve community banks and their end-customers, aiming to enhance the competitiveness and growth of these banks in the evolving financial landscape. The fund has an initial size of $55 million and has deployed over $50 million across its portfolio as of early 2025.
With a unique model that includes over 100 community banks as limited partners, BankTech Ventures provides its portfolio companies with direct access to a built-in customer distribution channel. This structure positions the firm as a significant player in the bank technology ecosystem, facilitating collaboration between technology entrepreneurs and community banks.
BankTech Ventures has established itself as a leader in community banking innovation, actively participating in programs like the Fintech Boot Camp to foster knowledge sharing among banking professionals. The firm’s commitment to supporting community banks is evident in its investment thesis, which focuses on solutions that address the direct needs of these institutions.
BankTech Ventures invests in bank technology companies that provide solutions specifically designed for community banks. The firm’s investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including fintech, AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, SaaS, and commerce. The focus is on enhancing operational efficiency, security, and customer engagement within the banking sector.
The firm seeks to invest in companies at the Seed, Series A, and Series B stages, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $5 million. BankTech Ventures collaborates closely with its network of over 100 community banks and technology entrepreneurs to identify impactful solutions that can drive revenue growth, deposit growth, security, compliance, data analysis, and customer marketing for community banks.
This targeted approach ensures that the firm invests only in fintech companies whose products directly address the needs of community banks, creating a strong alignment between the portfolio companies and their customer base.
BankTech Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 17 companies, each contributing to the enhancement of community banking through innovative technology solutions. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects BankTech Ventures' commitment to investing in technology that enhances the operational capabilities and customer engagement of community banks. The firm’s unique LP-as-customer model allows portfolio companies to gain immediate access to a network of community banks, facilitating customer feedback and distribution from day one.
Carey Ransom - Managing Director: Carey has extensive experience in the banking sector and has previously held leadership roles at various financial institutions.
Brandon Oliver - Principal: Brandon specializes in fintech investments and has a background in technology entrepreneurship.
Katie Quilligan - Principal: Katie brings expertise in operational efficiency and has worked with several startups in the fintech space.
Ryan Walsh - Community and Operations Manager: Ryan focuses on community engagement and operational support for portfolio companies.
Tal Sigura - Principal: Tal has a strong background in venture capital and technology investments.
Rumika Sharma - Investor: Rumika is involved in sourcing and evaluating potential investment opportunities.
Wayne Miller - SVP, Innovation Programs, ICBA: Wayne leads innovation initiatives within the Independent Community Bankers of America.
Steve Hovde - Chairman & CEO, Hovde Group: Steve has significant experience in investment banking and financial services.
Eric Sprink - CEO, Coastal Community Bank: Eric brings a wealth of knowledge in community banking and financial technology.
Carson Lappetito - President, Sunwest Bank: Carson has a strong background in banking operations and strategy.
Kevin Tweddle - Senior EVP, ICBA Innovation, ICBA: Kevin focuses on innovation strategies for community banks.
To pitch BankTech Ventures, founders should submit their proposals through the firm’s website at banktechventures.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market analysis, and how the product addresses the specific needs of community banks.
Founders are encouraged to provide detailed information about their team, traction, and any existing partnerships with community banks. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
BankTech Ventures hosts the **Fintech Boot Camp**, a week-long virtual program designed to foster knowledge and collaboration among future leaders in community banking. This program provides participants with insights into the latest trends in fintech and community banking, along with networking opportunities.
Eligibility for the Fintech Boot Camp typically includes professionals working within the banking sector or fintech entrepreneurs looking to connect with community banks. Interested individuals can apply through the BankTech Ventures website.
In early 2025, BankTech Ventures announced that it had deployed over $50 million across its portfolio, with a recent batch of investments totaling $13.5 million into new fintech companies. This reflects the firm’s active role in supporting technology solutions for community banks.
BankTech Ventures continues to strengthen its partnerships within the banking sector, recently being recognized as a strategic partner of the American Fintech Council. This partnership aims to enhance responsible bank innovation and compliance.
The firm also sponsors the ICBA ThinkTECH program, which serves as an accelerator for bank technology, further solidifying its commitment to community banking innovation.
What are BankTech Ventures' investment criteria?
BankTech Ventures focuses on investing in fintech companies that provide solutions for community banks. They look for products that enhance revenue growth, deposit growth, security, compliance, data analysis, and customer marketing.
How can I pitch to BankTech Ventures?
Founders can pitch BankTech Ventures through their website at banktechventures.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and how the solution addresses the needs of community banks.
What makes BankTech Ventures different from other VCs?
The firm operates with a unique LP-as-customer model, which means that portfolio companies gain direct access to over 100 community banks as potential customers, providing a significant advantage in customer acquisition and feedback.
What is the geographic focus of BankTech Ventures?
BankTech Ventures primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on technology solutions that serve community banks across the country.
What is the typical check size for investments?
BankTech Ventures typically invests between $1 million and $5 million in each portfolio company, depending on the stage and needs of the business.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Portfolio companies benefit from direct access to community banks, which facilitates customer feedback and distribution. Additionally, BankTech Ventures hosts programs like the Fintech Boot Camp to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among banking professionals.
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