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Collide Capital is a venture capital firm founded by Aaron Samuels and Brian Hollins in the United States. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies, particularly those led by underrepresented founders. Collide Capital aims to provide capital, resources, and operational support to help these founders succeed in addressing global challenges. The firm is currently managing its second fund, which has a size of $95 million, a significant increase from its first fund of $66 million.
Founded with a mission to support diverse founding teams, Collide Capital has established itself as a key player in the venture capital space. The firm has backed over 40 companies across various sectors, including fintech and consumer technology. Notably, over 80% of its portfolio companies are led by Black, Latinx, or female founders. Collide Capital's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its partnerships with prominent institutional investors such as Amazon, Alphabet, and Twitter.
Collide Capital operates from the United States and has made significant strides in the venture capital landscape since its inception. The firm has been recognized for its innovative approach to investing, focusing on founders with lived experiences and operational grit. This focus aligns with its investment thesis of directing resources and opportunities toward the most deserving entrepreneurs.
Collide Capital invests in early-stage companies, specifically targeting pre-seed to Series A funding rounds. The firm emphasizes backing diverse founders and focuses on sectors including fintech, sustainable supply chain, future of work, transformational enterprise SaaS, and consumer technology. This strategic focus allows Collide Capital to identify and support startups that are well-positioned to tackle pressing global challenges.
The firm typically invests between $1 million and $3 million in its portfolio companies, reflecting a shift from its earlier average check size of approximately $750,000 during its first fund. Collide Capital seeks founders who demonstrate operational grit and possess lived experiences that inform their business solutions. The firm’s investment thesis underscores the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the startup ecosystem, aiming to uplift underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Collide Capital has backed over 40 companies, showcasing a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Collide Capital's commitment to investing in innovative solutions across fintech and consumer technology. The firm’s portfolio reflects its focus on supporting diverse founders, with over 80% of its investments led by Black, Latinx, or female entrepreneurs.
Aaron Samuels — Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Aaron previously built AfroTech, one of the largest Black tech conferences, and has extensive experience in supporting diverse entrepreneurs.
Brian Hollins — Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Brian is known for his work with BLCK VC, the largest network of Black venture investors, and brings a wealth of knowledge in venture capital.
Lauren Dupont — VP of Operations. Lauren plays a crucial role in managing the firm's operations and ensuring effective support for portfolio companies.
Andrew Peng — Principal. Andrew focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, leveraging his background in finance and technology.
Stephanie Simon — Director of Platform. Stephanie is responsible for enhancing the firm's platform offerings and supporting portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Elias Mufarech — Senior Associate. Elias assists in deal sourcing and due diligence, contributing to the firm's investment strategy.
Shane Bates — Finance. Shane manages the financial operations of Collide Capital, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Sabine Quetant — Marketing. Sabine oversees marketing efforts, helping to elevate the firm's brand and outreach initiatives.
To pitch Collide Capital, founders should visit their pitch page at collidecap.com. The firm prefers pitches that clearly articulate the startup's mission, the backgrounds of the founders, and the market opportunity. Founders should include relevant data and projections in their pitch decks. Collide Capital does not specify a formal application form but encourages direct outreach via their website.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
In April 2026, Collide Capital successfully closed its second fund at $95 million, a significant increase from its first fund of $66 million. This milestone reflects the firm's growing influence in the venture capital space and its commitment to supporting diverse founders.
Collide Capital has been featured in various media outlets, including TechCrunch and ImpactAlpha, highlighting its focus on investing in fintech and consumer technology startups led by underrepresented founders. The firm’s unique approach to venture capital has garnered attention for its emphasis on inclusivity and operational support.
What are Collide Capital's investment criteria?
Collide Capital focuses on early-stage companies in the pre-seed to Series A stages. The firm emphasizes investing in diverse founders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. They look for startups in sectors such as fintech, sustainable supply chain, future of work, transformational enterprise SaaS, and consumer technology.
How can founders apply or pitch to Collide Capital?
Founders interested in pitching to Collide Capital can visit their pitch page at collidecap.com. They encourage submissions that highlight the unique aspects of their business and the backgrounds of their founding teams.
What makes Collide Capital different from other venture firms?
Collide Capital distinguishes itself by its commitment to supporting underrepresented founders. The firm aims to direct resources and opportunities toward those who are often overlooked in the venture capital landscape. This focus on diversity is reflected in their portfolio, where over 80% of companies are led by Black, Latinx, or female founders.
What is the geographic scope of Collide Capital's investments?
Collide Capital primarily invests in companies based in the United States. The firm is dedicated to addressing global challenges through its investments, which often have a broader impact beyond the domestic market.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Collide Capital typically invests between $1 million and $3 million in its portfolio companies. This represents an increase from their earlier average check size of approximately $750,000 during their first fund.
What kind of support does Collide Capital provide to its portfolio companies?
In addition to capital, Collide Capital offers operational support and resources to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and scale effectively. This includes mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry contacts.
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