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Bonfire Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in B2B software companies, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance their operations. Bonfire Ventures has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, with a commitment to supporting startups that demonstrate significant potential and traction in the market.
As of now, Bonfire Ventures manages assets totaling $800 million and has closed a $100 million fund. The firm primarily invests in seed rounds, typically writing checks between $2 million and $4 million. Bonfire Ventures has a concentrated portfolio approach, emphasizing high-conviction investments in companies that show real traction and possess loyal customer bases. The firm operates from its Los Angeles office, strategically positioned within a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Bonfire Ventures exclusively targets seed investments in AI-powered B2B software companies. The firm avoids consumer and hardware investments, emphasizing high-conviction investments in startups that show real traction and have established customer bases. Bonfire Ventures typically invests in companies with monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of approximately $30,000 to $40,000 at the time of investment. This focus allows the firm to support founders in transitioning from early traction to sustainable growth.
The firm’s investment strategy is centered around leading seed rounds, providing both capital and guidance to help startups navigate their growth journey. Bonfire Ventures aims to assist founders in achieving significant exit values, leveraging its expertise in the B2B software sector. The firm’s commitment to personalized support and strategic direction sets it apart in the competitive venture capital landscape.
Bonfire Ventures has built a notable portfolio of companies, primarily in the B2B software and AI sectors. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Bonfire Ventures' focus on high-potential startups that leverage technology to drive growth and innovation.
Mark Mullen: Co-Founder. Mark has been recognized among LA's Top Venture Capitalists by dot.LA and has extensive experience in the venture capital space.
Jim Andelman: Co-Founder. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge in seed investing and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s investment strategy.
Brett Queener: Partner. Brett has a strong background in product management and has led various successful investments in the B2B software sector.
Tyler Churchill: Partner. Tyler focuses on identifying high-potential startups and guiding them through their growth phases.
Jennifer Richard: Principal. Jennifer plays a key role in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
Dominique Yadegar: Vice President. Dominique supports portfolio companies with operational insights and strategic guidance.
Jason Tahir: Vice President. Jason focuses on building relationships with founders and assisting them in achieving their growth objectives.
Brian MacInnes: CFO. Brian manages the firm’s financial operations and ensures effective capital allocation.
Deb Goldstein: Head of Marketing & Platform. Deb oversees marketing initiatives and enhances the firm’s visibility within the startup ecosystem.
Loren Shepard: Vice President Operations. Loren is responsible for operational efficiency and supports portfolio companies in scaling their operations.
To pitch Bonfire Ventures, founders should use the online pitch form available at bonfirevc.com/pitch-us. The pitch deck should include detailed information about the business model, traction, team, and market opportunity. Bonfire Ventures typically responds to pitches within a reasonable timeframe, but founders are encouraged to follow up if they do not receive a response.
Warm introductions are preferred, but not mandatory. Founders should ensure that their pitch is concise and clearly articulates the startup's value proposition and growth potential.
Bonfire Ventures has launched the Firestarter Program, which aims to extend its reach by partnering with early-stage fund managers and individuals to identify promising investment opportunities at the angel, pre-seed, and seed stages. This program enhances the firm’s ability to discover and support innovative startups in the B2B software sector.
In September 2023, Bonfire Ventures closed its second fund at $100 million, focusing on seed investments in B2B software and AI companies. The firm continues to actively engage with the startup ecosystem, maintaining a consistent deal pace and supporting companies in their growth journeys.
Bonfire Ventures has also made notable co-investments, including a $25 million Series A round for Supio alongside Sapphire Ventures in August 2024. This reflects the firm’s commitment to backing high-potential startups in the B2B software space.
What are Bonfire Ventures' investment criteria?
Bonfire Ventures primarily invests in early-stage B2B software companies that leverage AI technologies. The firm focuses on startups that demonstrate real traction, typically with monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of $30,000 to $40,000 at the time of investment.
How can I apply or pitch to Bonfire Ventures?
Founders can pitch Bonfire Ventures through their online pitch form available at bonfirevc.com/pitch-us. It is recommended to include detailed information about the business model, traction, and team in the pitch deck.
What makes Bonfire Ventures different from other VC firms?
Bonfire Ventures differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on B2B software and AI investments. The firm emphasizes high-conviction investments and provides personalized guidance to help startups transition from seed to Series A.
What is the geographic scope of Bonfire Ventures?
Bonfire Ventures primarily invests in companies based in the United States and North America, leveraging its location in Los Angeles to tap into a vibrant tech ecosystem.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Bonfire Ventures?
Bonfire Ventures has a fund size of $100 million and typically invests between $2 million and $4 million in seed rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Bonfire Ventures provides personalized support and guidance to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate growth challenges and achieve significant exit values.
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