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Cadenza is a venture capital firm founded by a team of operators, investors, and technologists in New York and San Francisco. The firm focuses on supporting founders who are building enduring businesses across various sectors and stages. Cadenza operates with a stage-agnostic approach, allowing them to invest in companies from the Friends & Family stage all the way to Growth Equity.
Currently, Cadenza manages a fund size of $50 million dedicated to cryptocurrency investments, contributing to a diverse portfolio of 24 companies. The firm emphasizes a thesis-driven investment strategy, targeting category-defining opportunities across technology, business services, and innovation-led industries. Their commitment to deep fundamental research and active partnership helps teams scale from early conviction to long-term market leadership.
Notable milestones include their active investments in sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Cadenza's dual office locations in New York and San Francisco position them strategically within the heart of the tech ecosystem.
Cadenza employs a stage-agnostic, thesis-driven investment strategy that encompasses a wide range of sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, biotech, consumer, commerce, edtech, climate, govtech, and cybersecurity. They invest across multiple stages, from Friends & Family and Angel rounds to Series A, B, C, and Growth Equity. This flexibility allows them to engage with startups at various points in their development.
The firm seeks category-defining opportunities and combines deep fundamental research with active partnership to assist teams in scaling effectively. Cadenza looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the capability to build enduring businesses. Their investment approach emphasizes collaboration, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and resources to help startups achieve market leadership.
Cadenza's portfolio features a diverse array of companies across multiple sectors. Notable investments include:
Kumar Dandapani: Managing Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and technology investments. He has a strong track record of leading successful investments in various sectors.
Max Shapiro: Managing Partner known for his expertise in scaling technology companies. He has previously worked with several high-growth startups.
Harris Wellner: Operating Partner who brings operational expertise to the firm, helping portfolio companies optimize their business strategies.
Eric Meltzer: Principal with a background in technology investments and startup operations, contributing to Cadenza's investment decisions.
Kelly Yip: Entrepreneur in Residence, providing insights and mentorship to portfolio founders based on her own entrepreneurial experiences.
Andrew Liu: Associate focused on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities across various sectors.
Richarde Li: Associate who supports the investment team in due diligence and portfolio management.
Ben Spong: General Manager at PredictEX, bringing operational insights to the firm.
Alex Acero: Venture Partner with a strong background in technology and innovation, enhancing Cadenza's investment strategy.
To pitch Cadenza, founders should send an email to info@cadenza.vc. It is advisable to include a concise deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Cadenza appreciates clarity and depth in the pitch materials.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
In recent months, Cadenza has made several notable investments across various sectors, including AI and fintech. Their portfolio continues to grow, with recent additions such as Kraken and CoinDCX, both significant players in the cryptocurrency space.
Additionally, Cadenza has been actively involved in supporting their existing portfolio companies, providing resources and strategic guidance to help them scale effectively in competitive markets.
What investment criteria does Cadenza use?
Cadenza targets category-defining opportunities across various sectors, focusing on technology, business services, and innovation-led industries. They invest across multiple stages, from Friends & Family to Growth Equity.
How can I pitch to Cadenza?
Founders can reach out via email at info@cadenza.vc. It is recommended to include a clear business plan and details about the team and market opportunity in the pitch.
What makes Cadenza different from other VCs?
Cadenza combines deep fundamental research with active partnership, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to help startups scale effectively.
What is Cadenza's geographic focus?
Cadenza primarily invests in North America, with a strong emphasis on the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Cadenza invests across various stages, indicating flexibility in funding amounts based on the startup's needs and stage of development.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Cadenza have?
Cadenza emphasizes active partnership, which includes providing strategic guidance, resources, and support to help portfolio companies achieve their goals.
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