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Carya Venture Partners is a Palo Alto-based micro-venture capital firm founded by experienced entrepreneurs and operators. Established in April 2022, the firm manages a $20 million fund dedicated to investing in early-stage companies, particularly in the sectors of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (FinTech). Carya has deployed capital into over 15 startups globally, emphasizing a hands-on approach to support founders in their growth journeys.
The firm operates with a clear mission to accelerate the development of transformational businesses. Carya's team is composed of individuals with extensive backgrounds in entrepreneurship and operations, which informs their investment strategy. They focus on partnering with founders who possess a bold vision for the future and are committed to innovation. Carya's office is located in the Bay Area, California, a hub for technology and startup activity.
Carya Venture Partners primarily invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies, with a keen interest in B2B SaaS and AI sectors. Their investment strategy emphasizes active involvement, providing resources to help portfolio companies refine their go-to-market strategies and achieve growth. The firm typically writes checks ranging from $100,000 to $5 million, with a sweet spot around $1.5 million.
The sectors of focus include AI infrastructure, customer experience (CX) AI, vertical AI, voice AI, FinTech, and business intelligence. Carya seeks to partner with visionary founders who are willing to innovate and have a clear vision for market transformation. Their approach is characterized by a commitment to unwavering support, helping companies prepare for future funding rounds and scale effectively.
Carya Venture Partners has a diverse portfolio of companies that exemplify their focus on AI and FinTech. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additionally, Carya has invested in companies such as Martian (AI Infrastructure), RetellAI (Voice AI), and RevSure.AI (Revenue analytics). Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative solutions across various applications of AI and technology.
Andy Lee — Chairman: Andy has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having led multiple successful startups in the tech sector.
Andrés Pérez Soderi — General Partner: Andrés specializes in early-stage investments and has a strong background in AI and FinTech, contributing to several notable deals in these sectors.
Sharath Keshava Narayana — General Partner: Sharath brings expertise in business intelligence and SaaS, having worked with various startups to refine their growth strategies.
Marty Massih Sarim — Venture Partner: Marty focuses on operational support for portfolio companies, leveraging his experience in scaling tech startups.
Sai Supriya Sharath — Venture Partner: Sai has a background in AI and deep tech, providing valuable insights into emerging technologies and market trends.
Michael Greenbaum — Associate: Michael supports the investment team with research and analysis, focusing on identifying promising startups in the AI and FinTech sectors.
Ryan Snow — CFO: Ryan manages the financial operations of Carya, ensuring effective fund management and reporting.
Luke Bender — Content Manager: Luke oversees communications and marketing efforts, enhancing Carya's visibility in the startup ecosystem.
To pitch to Carya Venture Partners, founders should visit their website at carya.com and submit their proposals through the provided channels. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and team qualifications. Carya values detailed presentations that convey the startup's vision and potential impact.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Carya encourages warm introductions, which can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with their investment team.
As of March 2026, Carya Venture Partners has continued to expand its portfolio, actively investing in innovative startups across AI and FinTech. Recent investments include companies like Crescendo (CX AI) and DualEntry (AI-enabled ERP), showcasing their commitment to supporting transformative technologies.
In addition to new investments, Carya has been involved in discussions around potential follow-on funding for existing portfolio companies, ensuring they have the necessary resources to scale effectively. The firm remains engaged with the startup community, emphasizing their dedication to fostering innovation and supporting visionary founders.
What are Carya Venture Partners' investment criteria?
Carya Venture Partners focuses on early-stage companies, particularly in the B2B SaaS and AI sectors. They prefer to invest in pre-seed and seed-stage startups that demonstrate a strong vision and innovative approach to market challenges.
How can founders apply or pitch to Carya?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting Carya's website at carya.com or by emailing the team directly at team@carya.com. They encourage detailed presentations that outline the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Carya Venture Partners different from other investors?
Carya emphasizes an active involvement approach, providing not just capital but also strategic support to help portfolio companies refine their go-to-market strategies. Their team has a strong entrepreneurial background, which allows them to offer valuable insights and mentorship.
What is the geographic scope of Carya's investments?
Carya Venture Partners primarily invests in North America, focusing on startups that are positioned to make significant impacts in their respective markets.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Carya typically invests between $100,000 and $5 million, with a sweet spot around $1.5 million. This allows them to support companies at various stages of their growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Carya provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate challenges and prepare for future funding rounds. Their commitment to active involvement ensures that founders have access to resources and guidance as they scale their businesses.
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