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Calibrate Ventures is a Pasadena-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Jason Schoettler and Kevin Dunlap. The firm focuses on deep technology investments, particularly in artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. Calibrate Ventures aims to partner with technical founders to transform innovative breakthroughs into scalable commercial successes. The firm has established itself as a key player in the Southern California tech ecosystem, particularly in vertical AI and embodied intelligence.
As of now, Calibrate Ventures manages approximately $175 million across two funds, with a focus on early-stage investments. The firm operates primarily in the United States and has a strong emphasis on sectors such as transportation, logistics, food and agriculture, health and life sciences, and manufacturing. Notable milestones include their early investments in transformative technologies that address global challenges and enhance productivity.
Calibrate Ventures targets high-growth, early-stage startups within sectors including artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, food-agtech, and logistics. The firm invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, focusing on companies that are market-ready and capable of addressing significant global challenges. Their investment thesis emphasizes the importance of deep tech solutions that enhance productivity and empower humanity through technology.
Calibrate Ventures seeks to partner with technical founders who are working on innovative solutions in vertical AI, AI infrastructure, and automation. The firm provides hands-on operational support, assisting portfolio companies with go-to-market strategies, marketing, business development, and sales strategy. This operational expertise allows Calibrate to recognize patterns across enterprise tech adoption cycles, making them a valuable partner for startups in their growth journey.
Calibrate Ventures has invested in several notable companies that exemplify their focus on deep technology. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies represent a diverse range of applications within the deep tech sector, showcasing Calibrate's commitment to investing in transformative technologies that have the potential to reshape industries.
Jason Schoettler - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Previously worked at Shea Ventures, where he gained experience in identifying and investing in successful startups. He has been recognized in the Los Angeles Business Journal's '40 in Their 40s.'
Kevin Dunlap - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Also a former member of Shea Ventures, Dunlap has a strong background in venture capital, having contributed to investments in notable companies such as Chegg and Dollar Shave Club.
Katie Vasquez - Investor. Vasquez brings expertise in evaluating early-stage technology companies and has a keen interest in deep tech.
Nick Nolan - VP, Capital Formation and Corporate Development. Nolan focuses on building relationships with potential investors and partners to support the firm's growth.
Daniel Murray - Venture Partner. Murray has extensive experience in the tech industry and provides strategic insights to portfolio companies.
Paolo Pirjanian - Venture Partner. Pirjanian specializes in robotics and AI, contributing his knowledge to the firm's investment strategy.
John Morrissey - Senior Advisor. Morrissey offers guidance based on his extensive experience in venture capital and technology.
Tony Di Bona - Chief Financial Officer. Di Bona manages the firm's financial operations and reporting.
Kate Fry - Finance and Accounting. Fry oversees the financial management of the firm.
Carrie Zawistowski - VP of Portfolio Finance. Zawistowski supports portfolio companies in financial planning and analysis.
Kelly Fergus-Bentall - Operations. Fergus-Bentall manages the operational aspects of the firm.
To pitch Calibrate Ventures, founders should use the contact form available on their website. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The firm prefers to receive pitches that clearly demonstrate the startup's alignment with their focus on deep technology and innovative solutions.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Calibrate Ventures values direct communication and encourages founders to present their ideas succinctly and compellingly.
In December 2021, Calibrate Ventures announced the closing of its second fund, which raised $97 million, bringing its total assets under management to approximately $175 million. This fund focuses on investments in AI and automation technologies.
In February 2024, Adrien Gaidon joined Calibrate Ventures as an investor, focusing on embodied intelligence. Gaidon previously held a leading role in autonomous vehicle and robotics research.
Calibrate Ventures has been recognized for creating over 530 jobs across its U.S. portfolio and facilitating more than $425 million in collective follow-on financing raised by its portfolio companies.
What are Calibrate Ventures' investment criteria?
Calibrate Ventures invests in early-stage companies, specifically at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. They focus on startups that leverage deep technology, particularly in sectors such as AI, robotics, healthcare, food-agtech, and logistics. The firm looks for market-ready solutions that address global challenges and enhance productivity.
How can founders apply or pitch to Calibrate Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups through the contact form available on the Calibrate Ventures website. It is recommended to include a detailed deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. The firm values technical founders and innovative solutions.
What makes Calibrate Ventures different from other VC firms?
Calibrate Ventures distinguishes itself through its focus on deep technology and its hands-on operational support model. The team has extensive experience in venture capital and operational roles, allowing them to provide valuable insights and assistance in go-to-market strategies, marketing, and business development.
What is the geographic scope of Calibrate Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in the United States, particularly those located in Southern California. They are committed to enhancing the local tech ecosystem while also targeting high-growth companies across the nation.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Calibrate Ventures typically invests in early-stage companies with check sizes that align with pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus funding rounds. While specific amounts are not disclosed, they focus on startups with under $5 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).
What kind of post-investment involvement does Calibrate Ventures have?
Calibrate Ventures provides hands-on support to its portfolio companies, assisting with various aspects of business development, including go-to-market strategies, marketing, and sales. Their operational background enables them to offer insights that help startups navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses.
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