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Founded in 2017, Blackhorn Ventures is a Denver-based venture capital firm that specializes in the transformation and decarbonization of the industrial economy. The firm was established by a group of entrepreneurs, operators, and investors who recognized the need for innovative digital infrastructure solutions in critical sectors. Blackhorn Ventures has built a reputation for backing software-centric companies that focus on energy, construction, supply chain, and transportation.
As of now, Blackhorn Ventures manages a fund size of $150 million and has invested in 65 companies. The firm operates from its headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and has a secondary office in New York City. Blackhorn Ventures emphasizes resource efficiency and national security in its investment strategy, aiming to support entrepreneurs who are innovating in areas crucial to economic stability.
Blackhorn Ventures invests primarily in capital-efficient, asset-light companies at the Seed and Series A stages. Their investment strategy is centered on supporting entrepreneurs who are innovating in renewable energy, building decarbonization, supply chain resiliency, and zero-emission vehicles. The firm seeks to combine digital transformation with physical infrastructure to achieve operational savings and environmental benefits.
The sectors of focus include energy, climate, construction, and transportation. Blackhorn Ventures emphasizes the importance of resource efficiency and technological advancements in its investment thesis. The firm looks for companies that can demonstrate a clear path to decarbonization and operational efficiency in hard-to-abate sectors, aligning with their goal of facilitating the transformation of the industrial economy.
Blackhorn Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 65 companies, focusing on innovative solutions in energy and climate sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Other companies in their portfolio include AGERpoint, ALICE Technologies, Amperon, and Dexterity, showcasing a commitment to supporting software-centric solutions in critical industrial sectors.
Philip O’Connor: Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Philip has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous investments in the industrial sector.
Melissa Cheong: Managing Partner. Melissa joined Blackhorn in January 2019, previously serving as CIO at ZOMA Capital and working at Imprint Capital/Deutsche Bank.
Micah Kotch: Partner. Micah brings expertise from the NYC climate tech scene and has a strong background in supporting early-stage companies.
Stephan Cizmar: Partner. Stephan has a diverse background in venture capital and operational roles, contributing to Blackhorn's strategic direction.
Jack Fuchs: Co-Founder and Operating Partner. Jack has a strong operational background and plays a key role in supporting portfolio companies.
Eric Lamb: Operating Partner. Eric focuses on operational support and strategic guidance for portfolio companies.
Christina Curtis, Bill Ritter, Dr. Raymond Levitt, Mark Loch, Ted White: Senior Advisors with extensive experience in their respective fields, providing valuable insights to the firm.
Amanda Rohrer: Principal, focusing on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Omar Smith, Cameron Carver: Senior Associates involved in deal sourcing and due diligence.
Will Cognetti: Director of Fund Finance & Operations, overseeing financial operations.
Theresa Barrett: Executive Assistant, supporting the team in administrative functions.
Valerie Rodriguez: Office Manager / Executive Assistant, managing office operations.
To pitch Blackhorn Ventures, startups should use the contact form available on their website. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries.
Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process. Startups should ensure that their pitch clearly aligns with Blackhorn's focus on decarbonization and resource efficiency.
In September 2023, Blackhorn Ventures announced the closing of its $150 million Industrial Impact Fund II, which focuses on investing in AI-driven industrial solutions. The firm has been actively deploying capital into its portfolio, which includes notable companies such as Formic, Circuit Mind, ThinkLabs, Specifix, EcoWorks, Optera, and Electric Era.
Blackhorn Ventures has built a reputation for supporting software-centric solutions in critical industrial sectors, including energy and transportation. Their recent focus on facilitating the adoption of new digital infrastructure indicates ongoing momentum in the venture capital landscape.
What are Blackhorn Ventures' investment criteria?
Blackhorn Ventures focuses on capital-efficient, asset-light companies in the Seed and Series A stages. They prioritize investments in sectors such as renewable energy, building decarbonization, supply chain resiliency, and zero-emission vehicles.
How can startups apply or pitch to Blackhorn Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Blackhorn Ventures through their website at blackhornvc.com. They recommend including a clear business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Blackhorn Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Blackhorn Ventures emphasizes the transformation and decarbonization of the industrial economy through digital infrastructure. Their focus on resource efficiency and national security sets them apart in the venture capital landscape.
What is the geographic scope of Blackhorn Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America, targeting companies that are innovating in hard-to-abate sectors.
What is Blackhorn Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Blackhorn Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, industry connections, and expertise in industrial sectors. They focus on helping companies achieve their operational and environmental goals.
What is the typical check size for investments made by Blackhorn Ventures?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Blackhorn Ventures invests in early-stage companies, typically at the Seed and Series A stages, which suggests a range that aligns with early-stage funding norms.
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