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Connetic Ventures is a digital venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in Covington, Kentucky. The firm focuses on making venture capital more accessible and inclusive, particularly for women and minority entrepreneurs. Connetic Ventures utilizes artificial intelligence through its proprietary tool, Wendal, to evaluate potential investments, aiming to reduce bias in the funding process. The firm has a strong commitment to supporting a diverse range of founders and has invested in numerous startups across various sectors.
As of now, Connetic Ventures manages over $50 million in assets under management (AUM) and has made investments in approximately 150 companies across 40 states and 3 countries. The firm operates coast-to-coast across North America, explicitly excluding the Bay Area and Boston, which allows it to focus on overlooked geographies. Notable milestones include the launch of the Wendal AI system in April 2019, which has been instrumental in their investment evaluation process.
Connetic Ventures is co-founded by Brad Zapp and Kyle Schlotman, and it has established itself as a key player in the venture capital space, particularly in promoting diversity within the startup ecosystem. The firm is also a founding sponsor of SparkHaus, a corporate coworking space in Covington, which anchors a cluster of five VC firms in the Northern Kentucky innovation hub.
Connetic Ventures primarily invests in pre-seed and seed stage startups across North America, excluding the Bay Area and Boston. The firm leads and syndicates investment rounds, typically offering initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Their investment focus includes sectors such as fintech, consumer, software, and data, aiming to support innovative solutions that cater to diverse markets.
The firm’s investment strategy is centered around leveraging AI to evaluate potential investments, which allows for a more data-driven approach to sourcing and selection. Connetic Ventures has a particular emphasis on funding women and minority entrepreneurs, with 58% of their investments since April 2019 being women- or minority-led, which is eight times the industry average. This focus on diversity not only enhances their portfolio but also contributes to a more inclusive startup ecosystem.
Connetic Ventures seeks founders who demonstrate strong potential and innovative ideas, particularly those who can address gaps in the market. Their deal structure preferences include leading rounds and syndicating investments, which allows them to collaborate with other investors while providing substantial initial funding to their portfolio companies.
Connetic Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of notable companies across various sectors. Key portfolio companies include:
In total, Connetic Ventures has invested in approximately 150 companies, demonstrating a commitment to supporting a wide range of innovative startups. Their portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on technology and consumer products, aligning with their investment focus on fintech and consumer sectors.
Brad Zapp: Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Brad has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s focus on diversity and inclusion. He has a background in finance and entrepreneurship, which informs his investment decisions.
Kyle Schlotman: Co-Founder. Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and startup ecosystems, contributing to the firm’s strategic direction and investment thesis.
Chris Hjelm: Head of Venture Investments. Chris oversees the investment strategy and portfolio management, leveraging his expertise in identifying high-potential startups.
JD Audena: Principal. JD plays a key role in sourcing deals and conducting due diligence, ensuring that the firm maintains its high standards for investment.
David Ross: Venture Partner. David provides strategic insights and guidance to portfolio companies, drawing on his extensive network and industry experience.
Lily McCormack: Venture Analyst. Lily supports the investment team with research and analysis, helping to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the market.
To pitch to Connetic Ventures, founders should visit their website at conneticventures.com. They prefer pitches that include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market analysis, and details about the founding team. A clear articulation of the startup's unique value proposition is crucial.
Connetic Ventures typically responds to pitches within 10 business days, making their process relatively quick compared to other firms. They encourage founders to provide as much relevant information as possible to facilitate a thorough evaluation.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Founders are encouraged to reach out directly through the provided channels.
In September 2025, Connetic Ventures announced a partnership with AltExchange to enhance their RIA access and automated digital reporting capabilities. This partnership is expected to streamline their operations and improve reporting efficiency.
In April 2025, Connetic Ventures filed with the Federal Register for their Venture Capital Access Fund (VCAFX), which is now SEC-registered and traded on NASDAQ. This move marks a significant milestone for the firm, allowing them to expand their reach and accessibility to investors.
Connetic Ventures has been featured in multiple articles by LINK nky and NKyTribune, highlighting their innovative approach to venture capital and the impact of their AI-driven evaluation tool, Wendal. These features emphasize the firm’s commitment to diversity and their unique position in the venture capital landscape.
What are Connetic Ventures' investment criteria?
Connetic Ventures primarily invests in pre-seed and seed stage startups across North America, focusing on sectors such as fintech, consumer, software, and data. They prioritize funding women and minority entrepreneurs, with a commitment to diversity in their portfolio.
How can founders apply or pitch to Connetic Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Connetic Ventures through their website at conneticventures.com. They encourage submissions that include a clear business model, market analysis, and details on the founding team.
What makes Connetic Ventures different from other VC firms?
Connetic Ventures utilizes a proprietary AI tool named Wendal to evaluate potential investments, which helps eliminate bias in the funding process. This approach allows them to fund women and minority founders at a significantly higher rate than the industry average.
What is the geographic scope of Connetic Ventures?
The firm invests in startups across North America, explicitly excluding the Bay Area and Boston. This focus allows them to target overlooked markets and support diverse founders in various regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Connetic Ventures typically offers initial checks ranging from $500,000 to $1 million for their investments, allowing them to lead and syndicate rounds effectively.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Connetic Ventures have?
Connetic Ventures provides strategic guidance and access to a network of resources to help founders scale their businesses effectively. Their AI tool also offers unbiased recommendations on investment suitability, enhancing their support for portfolio companies.
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