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Buff Gold Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2022 to support entrepreneurs affiliated with the University of Colorado Boulder. The firm is based in Boulder, Colorado, and has a strong commitment to funding early-stage startups that are developing disruptive technologies. Buff Gold Ventures operates with a fund size of $25 million, primarily focusing on investments in the biotechnology, climate, and energy storage sectors.
The firm has a clear mandate to connect founders with essential resources and networks that can help scale their businesses effectively. Buff Gold Ventures is currently in the final deployment phase of its first fund, Buff Venture Fund I, which has a five-year deployment horizon. The firm plans to raise a second fund as it continues to support its portfolio companies.
Buff Gold Ventures has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, particularly for startups emerging from the University of Colorado. The firm emphasizes mentorship and board participation, ensuring that its portfolio companies receive the guidance and support necessary for growth.
Buff Gold Ventures invests in high-potential, disruptive technologies that address large-scale challenges. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, specifically in the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages. The investment strategy is centered around startups led by execution-focused founders who demonstrate a commitment to scaling their businesses. The firm provides not only capital but also assistance with follow-on investments and syndication.
The sectors of interest for Buff Gold Ventures include biotechnology, climate technology, and energy storage. The firm seeks to invest in companies that align with the research strengths of the University of Colorado Boulder, particularly in deep tech and next-generation semiconductors. Buff Gold Ventures prioritizes startups that are developing innovative solutions to pressing global issues, ensuring that their investments contribute to meaningful advancements in technology.
Buff Gold Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 12 companies, each focused on innovative solutions across various sectors. The following companies are part of their investment portfolio:
This portfolio reflects Buff Gold Ventures' commitment to supporting startups that are at the forefront of technological innovation and addressing significant challenges in their respective fields.
Mark Lupa: Co-Founder & General Partner. Mark has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having co-founded Buff Gold Ventures. He has experience in supporting early-stage startups and has a strong connection to the University of Colorado Boulder.
Sally Hatcher: Co-Founder & General Partner. Sally has a notable operator background, having founded and managed Precision Photonics Corp and MBio Diagnostics. She has held senior management positions in two hardware-enabled data companies, bringing extensive expertise to the firm.
Tasso von Windheim: Associate. Tasso supports the investment team and contributes to deal sourcing and portfolio management. His background includes experience in venture capital and technology startups.
To pitch Buff Gold Ventures, founders should reach out via email at funding@buffgoldventures.com. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm appreciates detailed information that demonstrates the startup's potential for growth and impact.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their pitch within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, especially from individuals within the University of Colorado Boulder network.
In recent months, Buff Gold Ventures has been actively deploying its first fund, Buff Venture Fund I, which is entering its final phase. The firm has made approximately five investments per year since its inception in 2022, focusing on startups affiliated with the University of Colorado Boulder.
As of January 2026, Buff Gold Ventures has tracked five companies in its portfolio, with one new investment made in the last 12 months. The firm is preparing to raise its second fund, which will signal a new phase in its investment strategy and deployment cadence.
What are Buff Gold Ventures' investment criteria?
Buff Gold Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in startups affiliated with the University of Colorado Boulder. They prioritize companies in biotechnology, climate technology, and energy storage that are led by execution-focused founders.
How can I apply or pitch to Buff Gold Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups by emailing funding@buffgoldventures.com. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Buff Gold Ventures different from other investors?
Buff Gold Ventures is uniquely positioned as a university-affiliated venture capital firm, focusing on startups emerging from the University of Colorado Boulder. They provide not only capital but also mentorship and access to a network of resources that can help startups scale effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Buff Gold Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in North America, specifically within the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Buff Gold Ventures operates with a $25 million fund and typically invests in early-stage rounds, which suggests smaller check sizes aligned with their fund size.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Buff Gold Ventures emphasizes mentorship and board participation, providing portfolio companies with guidance and connections to legal, financial, and customer networks to support their growth.
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