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Brass Fund is a venture capital organization established in February 2023 as part of Brass Dome Ventures, based in Edmonton, Alberta. The fund was created to provide equity financing and essential business management support to early-stage ventures, particularly those emerging from academic institutions. Brass Fund aims to address the commercialization challenges faced by innovators, focusing on sectors such as energy, agtech, and biotech.
Currently, Brass Fund manages its inaugural fund, Brass Fund One, with a total size of CAD $1M. The organization is designed to support early-stage, university-derived, inventor-led companies, with a target portfolio of up to three companies per fund. The fund's strategy emphasizes the importance of intellectual property and aims to reduce risks associated with early-stage investments.
Brass Fund invests in early-stage ventures, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, seed+ (extension), and Series A stages. The fund provides check sizes ranging from CAD $250K to CAD $500K, focusing on companies in the energy, agtech, and biotech sectors. The investment strategy is particularly geared towards academic innovators, offering them the necessary resources and support to advance their ventures towards commercialization.
Brass Fund operates a pre-accelerator program called Innovation Masterminds Edmonton (imYEG), which is designed to help academic innovators mitigate risks associated with early-stage investing. The fund's thesis centers on commercializing IP-rich innovations, particularly from university spinouts in Alberta, thereby enhancing the chances of success for early-stage ventures.
Brass Fund's portfolio currently includes one company, a semiconductor/microprocessor tech startup that is developing high-frequency solid-state chips. While the specific name of this portfolio company has not been publicly disclosed, it represents the fund's focus on early-stage, IP-rich innovations. The fund aims to build a portfolio of up to three companies per fund, indicating a selective approach to investment.
The semiconductor startup is notable for its development of chips that are claimed to deliver significantly greater power than current microprocessors for mobile devices. This aligns with Brass Fund's strategy of investing in high-potential technology ventures that can drive innovation in their respective sectors.
Christopher Micetich - CEO of Brass Dome Ventures and General Partner of Brass Fund One. He has a background in venture capital and is a founding partner of the imYEG accelerator, focusing on supporting academic innovators.
Rob Bertram - Mentor at imYEG and LP/investor in Brass Fund One. He brings experience in guiding early-stage ventures and is involved in supporting the fund's mission to commercialize academic innovations.
To pitch to Brass Fund, founders should submit their proposals through the official website at brassfund.vc. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Brass Fund prefers clear and concise presentations that highlight the innovation's potential for commercialization.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory for submission.
Brass Fund operates a pre-accelerator program called Innovation Masterminds Edmonton (imYEG). This program is designed to support academic innovators in advancing their ventures towards commercialization. Participants in imYEG receive mentorship, resources, and guidance to help mitigate the risks associated with early-stage investing.
Eligibility for the imYEG program typically includes being an academic innovator or a university-derived startup. Interested parties can apply through the Brass Fund website for more information on the application process.
In February 2023, Brass Fund launched its inaugural fund, Brass Fund One, with a total size of CAD $1M raised from Alberta business leaders. The fund intends to deploy up to CAD $500K per company into three eligible companies.
Brass Fund has announced plans for a second fund, Brass Fund Two, which is expected to launch in 2023. This new fund will target revenue-generating companies that require growth capital.
What are Brass Fund's investment criteria?
Brass Fund focuses on early-stage ventures in sectors such as energy, agtech, and biotech. The fund specifically targets university-derived, inventor-led companies and provides equity financing to support their growth.
How can I pitch to Brass Fund?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Brass Fund website at brassfund.vc. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details about the team in the pitch deck.
What makes Brass Fund different from other investors?
Brass Fund offers dedicated wrap-around services, including business management support and access to a network of successful business leaders from Alberta, which enhances the chances of success for early-stage ventures.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Brass Fund typically invests between CAD $250K and CAD $500K per company, depending on the specific needs and potential of the venture.
What is the geographic focus of Brass Fund?
The fund primarily focuses on early-stage companies based in North America, with a strong emphasis on supporting innovators from Alberta's academic institutions.
What is the expected involvement post-investment?
Brass Fund provides ongoing business management support and mentorship to portfolio companies, helping them navigate the challenges of commercialization and growth.
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