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C2 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in companies that develop AI-powered solutions for essential industries often overlooked by traditional venture capital. C2 Ventures aims to provide not only capital but also time and expertise to help founders build enterprise software and robotics solutions that deliver measurable returns on investment.
As of 2022, C2 Ventures manages over $30 million in assets across multiple funds, including C2V Capital Partners I and II, and the Tributary Fund. The firm has backed approximately 70 companies, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as enterprise SaaS, robotics, and other emerging technologies. Their notable portfolio includes companies in construction, waste management, and manufacturing, which are often categorized as 'dirty, dull, and dangerous' industries.
Since its inception, C2 Ventures has achieved significant milestones, including successful exits such as Kambr, acquired by Amadeus in 2022, and Otari, acquired by Peloton in 2020. The firm continues to actively seek innovative startups that align with its investment thesis, focusing on enhancing productivity and efficiency in traditional sectors.
C2 Ventures invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically targeting the Pre-seed, Seed, Seed+, and Series A stages. Their investment strategy emphasizes sectors such as AI, SaaS, robotics, healthcare, industrial, fintech, logistics, energy, climate, and consumer. The firm is particularly interested in companies that leverage AI and emerging technologies to improve productivity and efficiency in industries that are often neglected by other investors.
The firm’s investment thesis highlights the importance of delivering immediate, substantial, and quantifiable returns on investment. C2 Ventures seeks to support companies that can integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, providing intuitive user interfaces that enhance operational efficiency. They prioritize investments in 'dirty, dull, and dangerous' sectors, which include construction, waste management, and field operations, aiming to transform these industries through innovative technology solutions.
C2 Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of approximately 70 companies, focusing on those that align with their investment thesis in essential industries. Notable portfolio companies include:
Chris Cunningham - Co-Founder. Chris has over 20 years of experience as a startup founder and angel investor. He has a background in adtech and has been featured in various media outlets, including TechCrunch and AdExchanger. His expertise lies in identifying innovative technologies and supporting early-stage companies.
Matt Olivo - Co-Founder. Matt has a background as a banker and institutional fund manager, serving as CFO in previous roles. His experience in finance and investment management complements the firm's focus on supporting early-stage companies in essential industries.
To pitch to C2 Ventures, founders should use the submission form available on their website at c2ventures.co/contact. It is essential to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the solution addresses specific challenges in essential industries. Founders should also outline their team's expertise and any traction they have achieved.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. C2 Ventures prefers warm introductions, but they also accept direct submissions through their website.
In 2022, C2 Ventures announced the closing of its second fund, C2V Capital Partners II, with a total size of $20 million. This fund focuses on seed-stage investments in B2B software and robotics for traditional industries. The firm also launched the Tributary Fund, a $2.5 million pre-seed fund aimed at supporting earlier-stage bets.
Recent portfolio activity includes successful exits, such as Kambr, which was acquired by Amadeus in 2022, and Otari, acquired by Peloton in 2020. C2 Ventures continues to actively seek new investment opportunities, with a focus on companies that leverage AI and robotics to enhance productivity in essential sectors.
What are C2 Ventures' investment criteria?
C2 Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies, particularly in the Pre-seed, Seed, Seed+, and Series A stages. They focus on sectors such as AI, SaaS, robotics, healthcare, industrial, fintech, logistics, energy, climate, and consumer. The firm seeks companies that can deliver measurable ROI through innovative technology solutions.
How can I apply or pitch to C2 Ventures?
What makes C2 Ventures different from other investors?
C2 Ventures distinguishes itself by focusing on 'dirty, dull, and dangerous' industries that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital. Their emphasis on AI and robotics for essential sectors, combined with a commitment to delivering immediate and quantifiable returns, sets them apart in the venture capital landscape.
What is the geographic scope of C2 Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America, specifically targeting the United States. They are particularly interested in companies located in regions that may not receive as much attention from other investors.
What is C2 Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
C2 Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and resources tailored to each company's unique needs. The team fosters a collaborative culture, helping founders navigate challenges and achieve success in their respective markets.
What is the typical check size for investments made by C2 Ventures?
C2 Ventures typically invests in early-stage rounds, with check sizes varying based on the specific needs of the company and the stage of investment. Their focus on seed-stage investments allows for flexibility in funding amounts to support growth.
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