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Cloquet Capital Partners, LLC is an early and growth stage venture capital firm founded in 2003 by Burt McGillivray. The firm is headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut, and emerged as a spinout of Bank One Equity Partners. Cloquet Capital Partners primarily invests in technology companies that have well-identified market opportunities and have begun to generate revenue.
As of mid-2025, the firm operates with a small team of approximately five employees and focuses on early and growth stage investments. Cloquet Capital Partners has established itself in the Greater New York City Metro area, targeting ventures that align with its investment thesis. The firm has not publicly disclosed specific quantitative metrics such as fund size or portfolio count, but it is recognized for its targeted approach to technology investments.
Cloquet Capital Partners invests in early and growth stage technology companies, primarily targeting those in the Greater New York City Metro area. The firm emphasizes sectors such as IT software, manufacturing, distribution, and business services. Investments are made in companies that have well-identified market opportunities and are in a post-prototype stage, indicating they have begun generating revenue.
The firm typically writes checks ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, with the potential for follow-on participation in subsequent funding rounds. Cloquet Capital Partners seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a clear vision and a strong understanding of their market, ensuring alignment with the firm’s investment strategy.
While specific portfolio companies are not publicly identified, Cloquet Capital Partners focuses on technology ventures that have begun to generate revenue. The firm’s investment strategy includes early and growth stage companies in sectors such as IT software, manufacturing, distribution, and business services. This focus allows Cloquet Capital to engage with startups that are positioned for growth within the Greater New York City Metro area.
Given the firm’s emphasis on technology companies with clear market opportunities, it is likely that their portfolio includes a diverse range of startups that meet these criteria. However, detailed information on individual companies or notable exits has not been disclosed.
Burt McGillivray — Founder and Managing Partner. Burt has extensive experience in venture capital, having previously worked at Bank One Equity Partners, which later became JPMorgan Partners after the merger with JPMorgan Chase. His expertise lies in identifying technology companies with strong market potential.
To pitch to Cloquet Capital Partners, founders should use the contact form available on their website. It is important to include a detailed business plan and information about the market opportunity. The firm appreciates clarity and thoroughness in pitch decks.
As of the latest updates, Cloquet Capital Partners has not made any public announcements regarding new investments or exits. The firm maintains a low profile in terms of media coverage, consistent with its status as a small micro-VC.
What are Cloquet Capital Partners' investment criteria?
Cloquet Capital Partners invests in early and growth stage technology companies that have well-identified market opportunities and have begun to generate revenue. The firm primarily targets ventures in the Greater New York City Metro area.
How can I apply or pitch to Cloquet Capital Partners?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at cloquetcapital.com. It is advisable to include a clear business plan and details about market opportunities in the pitch.
What makes Cloquet Capital Partners different from other VC firms?
Cloquet Capital Partners focuses specifically on technology companies that are in a post-prototype stage, which distinguishes it from firms that may invest at earlier stages without revenue generation.
What is the geographic scope of Cloquet Capital Partners?
The firm primarily invests in the Greater New York City Metro area but is open to opportunities in other locations that align with its investment thesis.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Cloquet Capital Partners typically invests between $50,000 and $500,000 in early and growth stage companies, with the possibility of follow-on investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Cloquet Capital Partners have?
The firm engages with its portfolio companies to provide support and guidance, although specific details on their post-investment involvement are not publicly available.
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