Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
CerraCap Cares is an impact investing firm founded in October 2020 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, California. The firm was established to redefine philanthropy by making strategic investments in early-stage human-centered technologies that address societal challenges. CerraCap Cares aims to leverage technology to facilitate meaningful participation, particularly for underserved communities. The organization operates with a dual structure, functioning both as a charitable foundation and an impact fund, channeling investment returns back into charitable causes.
As of now, CerraCap Cares focuses on three core areas: Environment, Education, and Empowerment. The firm emphasizes purpose-driven investments in sectors such as mental health, sustainability, and water quality. Although specific quantitative metrics like fund size or portfolio count are not disclosed, the firm is known for its commitment to creating sustainable solutions that drive transformative social and environmental progress. The organization is actively involved in promoting its mission through its website and various outreach efforts.
CerraCap Cares invests primarily in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, targeting companies that align with its mission to create sustainable solutions. The firm focuses on sectors including healthcare, climate, AI, and fintech, with a particular emphasis on mental health, sustainability, and water quality. The investment strategy is designed to drive transformative social and environmental progress, particularly for underserved communities in North America.
The organization seeks to partner with founders who are committed to addressing societal challenges through innovative technologies. CerraCap Cares values purpose-driven initiatives and looks for companies that can demonstrate measurable impact in their respective sectors. The firm’s investment thesis highlights the importance of human-centered technologies that facilitate meaningful participation and engagement, especially in areas that have historically been overlooked.
CerraCap Cares has a notable portfolio that includes several impactful companies:
These companies exemplify CerraCap Cares' commitment to investing in solutions that address critical societal challenges. The firm emphasizes partnerships that enhance operational capabilities and drive measurable impact in their sectors.
Nikki Arora: General Partner at CerraCap Cares, with a background in impact investing and a focus on social entrepreneurship.
Farrah N. Khan: Advisor, bringing expertise in strategic partnerships and community engagement.
Marta Fox: Former First Lady of Mexico, involved in initiatives focused on social impact and community development.
Betty T. Yee: Former California State Controller, with experience in public finance and fiscal policy.
Jennifer Segerstrom: Philanthropist with a focus on community empowerment and social justice.
Shaloo Garg: Managing Director and Global Lead at Microsoft, with expertise in technology and innovation.
To pitch to CerraCap Cares, founders should use the contact email contactus@cerracap.com and include a well-structured pitch deck. The deck should detail the problem, solution, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders are encouraged to highlight how their venture aligns with CerraCap Cares' mission of creating sustainable solutions for underserved communities.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
In September 2022, CerraCap Cares announced its investment in Cuentame, a mental health startup founded by a female entrepreneur, which is poised to become a leading player in the mental health sector.
In May 2021, the firm invested in Aquagenuity, an AI-driven solution for real-time water quality monitoring, recognized as one of the technologies protecting the world's waterways.
On December 1, 2025, CerraCap Ventures, the parent organization of CerraCap Cares, merged with Impact Venture Capital to form CerraCap Impact Venture Capital (CIVC). The current operational status of CerraCap Cares under the new entity remains unclear.
What are CerraCap Cares' investment criteria?
CerraCap Cares focuses on early-stage investments in companies that align with its mission to create sustainable solutions in Environment, Education, and Empowerment. The firm seeks purpose-driven initiatives in sectors such as mental health, sustainability, and water quality.
How can I apply or pitch to CerraCap Cares?
Founders can pitch their ideas by visiting the CerraCap Cares website at cerracapcares.com and using the contact email contactus@cerracap.com. A well-prepared pitch deck should include details about the problem being addressed, the solution offered, market potential, and the team’s background.
What makes CerraCap Cares different from other investors?
CerraCap Cares is distinctive due to its dual structure as both a charitable foundation and an impact fund. This allows the firm to channel investment returns back into charitable causes, creating a sustainable giving loop that enhances its social impact.
What is the geographic scope of CerraCap Cares' investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America, focusing on companies that address societal challenges within this region, particularly those impacting underserved communities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, CerraCap Cares invests in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, indicating a focus on early-stage funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
CerraCap Cares adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its network and expertise to foster partnerships, enhance operational capabilities, and drive measurable impact in their respective sectors.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.