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Cross Ocean Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2022 by Serhat Pala and Zeynep Ilgaz, with additional team members in Amsterdam and Istanbul. The firm is headquartered in San Diego, California, and focuses on supporting innovative founders and companies addressing significant challenges in their industries. Cross Ocean Ventures has a global investment approach, emphasizing partnerships with entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional motivation and a commitment to solving complex problems.
As of now, Cross Ocean Ventures manages a portfolio of nine companies and specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. The firm selectively participates in later-stage funding as well. Their unique model includes collaborating with mid-market companies, referred to as 'Venture Offices,' which provide customer access and commercial validation for portfolio startups. This approach enhances their ability to support founders in navigating the US market.
Cross Ocean Ventures specializes in early-stage investments, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding rounds. The firm has a global investment strategy, with a strong emphasis on European and Israeli technology startups looking to enter or expand in the US market. Their investment thesis is built around three key pillars: exceptionally motivated founders, intriguing and often overlooked problems, and category-defining solutions that can reshape industries.
The firm invests across various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, biotech, consumer, energy, climate, logistics, proptech, and web3. Check sizes typically range from $100,000 to $2 million, allowing Cross Ocean Ventures to support a diverse array of startups. They seek founders who have established product-market fit and are ready to scale their solutions in the competitive US landscape.
Cross Ocean Ventures has invested in a diverse portfolio of nine companies, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Cross Ocean Ventures' strategy of backing companies that address significant challenges and have the potential to reshape their respective industries.
Serhat Pala - General Partner. Serhat co-founded Confirm Biosciences, a diagnostic products company acquired by Clinical Reference Laboratory in 2021. He is based in San Diego and brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Zeynep Ilgaz - General Partner. Zeynep co-founded Confirm Biosciences alongside Serhat Pala and is committed to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. She is also based in San Diego and has a strong background in supporting innovative startups.
Milan Saes - Partner. Milan is based in Amsterdam and focuses on European sourcing for the firm. He has a background in venture capital and technology startups, enhancing Cross Ocean Ventures' international reach.
Haydar Nur - Analyst. Haydar supports the investment team with research and analysis, contributing to the firm's decision-making process.
To pitch to Cross Ocean Ventures, startups should visit their website at crossoceanfund.com and submit their pitch deck via email to info@crossoceanfund.com. It is recommended to include key information such as the team background, market opportunity, and product-market fit in the pitch deck.
Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, as the firm reviews submissions carefully. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory. Clear and concise presentations that highlight the startup's unique value proposition will stand out.
In October 2025, Cross Ocean Ventures was featured in a news article by San Diego State University (SDSU) for its cross-border impact in supporting startups. The firm continues to build its reputation as an active investor in the European and Israeli technology sectors.
As of March 2026, Cross Ocean Ventures has maintained its focus on early-stage investments, with ongoing efforts to expand its portfolio and support innovative founders addressing significant challenges in their industries.
What are Cross Ocean Ventures' investment criteria?
The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. They look for exceptionally motivated founders who are tackling hard, often overlooked problems with category-defining solutions.
How can startups apply or pitch to Cross Ocean Ventures?
Startups can pitch by visiting their website at crossoceanfund.com or by emailing their pitch deck to info@crossoceanfund.com. It is advisable to include details about the team, market opportunity, and product-market fit.
What makes Cross Ocean Ventures different from other VC firms?
Cross Ocean Ventures partners with mid-market companies as 'Venture Offices' to provide portfolio startups with customer access and commercial validation, in addition to capital. This unique model enhances their support for founders.
What is the geographic scope of Cross Ocean Ventures?
The firm has a global investment approach, with a strong emphasis on European and Israeli technology startups seeking to enter or expand in the US market.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Cross Ocean Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $2 million in their portfolio companies, allowing them to support a range of early-stage startups.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Cross Ocean Ventures provides extensive support beyond capital, including US market commercialization assistance, product-market fit advisory, recruitment support, and introductions to fundraising networks.
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