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Founded in 1999 by former exited founders, Brainstorm Ventures is a small, generalist venture capital firm with offices in Silicon Valley and Mexico City. The firm has a unique cross-border focus, investing primarily in North America, particularly between the US and Mexico. Brainstorm Ventures has built a reputation for backing category-defining startups at the earliest stages, including pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus rounds.
Over the years, Brainstorm Ventures has developed a strong portfolio of 10 companies, demonstrating its commitment to long-term partnerships with founders. The firm emphasizes a deep empathy for entrepreneurs, aiming to support them in navigating the challenges of building impactful companies. Notable milestones include early investments in companies like Zappos and OpenTable, which have achieved significant exits.
Brainstorm Ventures employs a generalist investment strategy, targeting early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including AI, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, consumer, commerce, edtech, biotech, climate, and logistics. The firm seeks to partner with exceptional founders who have the potential to redefine their categories and lead their markets.
Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus, allowing Brainstorm Ventures to engage with startups at critical points in their development. The firm’s geographic focus is primarily on North America, with a distinctive emphasis on cross-border opportunities between the US and Mexico. Brainstorm Ventures looks for founders who demonstrate resilience, vision, and a strong commitment to their mission.
Brainstorm Ventures has a diverse portfolio of notable companies, including:
This portfolio reflects Brainstorm Ventures' commitment to investing in transformative companies across various sectors.
Ariel Jadus: Managing Partner. Ariel joined Brainstorm Ventures after Fund I and has co-led all subsequent funds and SPVs. He is a Kauffman Fellow and a mentor at various entrepreneurial programs. His previous experience includes roles at Pacific Community Ventures and the Bridgespan Group. Ariel holds an MBA from Wharton and engineering degrees from UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech.
Eduardo Rallo: Cofounder and Managing Partner. Eduardo co-founded Brainstorm Ventures in 1999 and has a background in founding and managing restaurant chains. He serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations and holds an MBA from Harvard and a BA in Economics from UC San Diego. Eduardo is originally from Mexico City.
To pitch Brainstorm Ventures, founders should visit their website at brainstorm.vc. The firm prefers direct applications through their online platform. In the pitch deck, include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
In 2025, Brainstorm Ventures confirmed its investment in Turing, a company focused on advancing frontier AI technologies. This investment highlights the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative startups in the technology sector.
Brainstorm Ventures continues to maintain an active presence in the venture capital community, with updates on their website as of February 2026 indicating ongoing engagement with portfolio companies and potential new investments.
What are Brainstorm Ventures' investment criteria?
Brainstorm Ventures focuses on early-stage technology startups across sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, and more. They seek exceptional founders with the potential to redefine their categories.
How can I pitch to Brainstorm Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups by visiting their website at brainstorm.vc. The firm encourages direct applications through their online platform.
What makes Brainstorm Ventures different from other VCs?
Brainstorm Ventures is distinguished by its cross-border focus between the US and Mexico, as well as its commitment to long-term partnerships and board involvement with portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Brainstorm Ventures typically invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, which suggests a range suitable for early-stage funding.
What is the firm's approach to post-investment involvement?
Brainstorm Ventures maintains active partnerships with its portfolio companies, providing support through board involvement and leveraging its extensive network to help founders navigate challenges.
What geographic areas does Brainstorm Ventures focus on?
The firm primarily invests in North America, with a unique emphasis on cross-border opportunities between the US and Mexico.
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