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Bison Ventures is a Seattle-based venture capital firm founded in 2022, focusing on early-stage frontier technology companies that tackle significant global challenges. The firm closed its inaugural fund at $135 million in November 2023. Co-founders Tom Biegala and Ben Hemani, both former investors at Bill Gates' Cascade Asset Management, lead the firm with a team of experienced engineers and investors.
Since its inception, Bison Ventures has aimed to support entrepreneurs innovating at the intersection of technology and critical issues such as climate change and healthcare. The firm emphasizes its commitment to diversity, with over 80% of its backed CEOs coming from under-represented backgrounds, including 50% women. Bison Ventures operates from its office located at 920 5th Ave Suite 3450, Seattle, WA 98104.
Bison Ventures invests in companies that operate at the intersection of technology and pressing global issues. Their primary sectors include AI in the physical world, TechBio innovations, climate and sustainability, and digital and bio innovations. The firm targets early-stage investments, specifically in seed, Series A, and growth equity stages.
Investment check sizes typically align with the firm's fund size, allowing for substantial backing of promising startups. Bison Ventures seeks entrepreneurs who apply advanced technologies to create impactful solutions in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and healthcare. Their investment thesis emphasizes that the most attractive opportunities often exist at the intersection of multiple technical disciplines, which are frequently overlooked by mainstream venture capital.
Bison Ventures has made notable investments in several companies, including:
This portfolio reflects Bison Ventures' commitment to investing in transformative technologies that address critical global issues.
Tom Biegala: Co-founder and Founding Partner. Previously managed VC investments at Cascade Asset Management, with a strong engineering background.
Ben Hemani: Co-founder and Founding Partner. Also a former manager of VC investments at Cascade Asset Management, bringing engineering expertise to the firm.
Caleb Appleton: Partner with a focus on identifying and supporting innovative startups in the frontier technology space.
Ari Wright: Principal who contributes to deal sourcing and portfolio management, leveraging his background in technology and venture capital.
Casey Cragle: Executive Assistant and Operations Support, ensuring smooth operations within the firm.
Isadora Venturelli: Executive Assistant and Operations Support, assisting in various operational tasks to support the team.
To pitch Bison Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel, which is the Bison Ventures Investor Portal at bison.vc/investor-portal. The pitch deck should include details about the business model, market opportunity, team, and how the technology addresses global challenges. Response times may vary, but founders can expect timely feedback on their submissions.
In November 2023, Bison Ventures closed its inaugural fund at $135 million, marking a significant milestone for the firm. This fund will enable the firm to continue investing in early-stage frontier technology companies addressing global challenges.
At the time of the fund close announcement, Bison Ventures had made six investments, focusing on sectors such as climate, healthcare, and AI. The firm has been actively engaging with startups that utilize innovative science and technology to tackle pressing global issues.
What are Bison Ventures' investment criteria?
Bison Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in sectors such as AI, climate, healthcare, and TechBio. They seek startups that leverage innovative science and technology to address significant global challenges.
How can I apply or pitch to Bison Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Bison Ventures Investor Portal at bison.vc/investor-portal or by emailing inquiries@bison.vc. A detailed pitch deck should be included, outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Bison Ventures different from other VCs?
Bison Ventures differentiates itself through its all-engineer team and its focus on intersections of multiple technical disciplines. The founders' backgrounds from Cascade Asset Management provide credibility in deep-tech investing.
What is the geographic scope of Bison Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in North America, targeting startups that address global challenges through innovative technologies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, they align with the firm's $135 million fund, allowing for substantial investments in promising early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Bison Ventures provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a network of industry experts to help accelerate growth for its portfolio companies.
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