Crosscut Ventures

Crosscut Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, focusing on frontier technologies that address significant global challenges. Established in 2008, it supports founders building solutions in sectors like energy transition and advanced manufacturing.

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Overview

Crosscut Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2008 and based in Los Angeles, California. The firm focuses on investing in frontier technologies that address significant global challenges. It was established by Rick Smith, Brian Garrett, and Brett Brewer, who recognized Los Angeles' potential as a technology hub. Crosscut Ventures invests in early-stage companies developing both hardware and software technologies, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as energy transition, decarbonization, the space economy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and supply chain re-shoring. The firm aims to support category-defining technologies that improve life on Earth. Crosscut Ventures has established programs focused on founder development, committing at least 1% of all capital invested towards leadership development, coaching, and mental health support for founders.

Focus

Crosscut Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in frontier technologies, including hardware and software innovations. The firm targets sectors such as energy transition, decarbonization, the space economy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and supply chain re-shoring. Their investment strategy is centered around category-defining technologies that aim to improve life on Earth, leveraging the talent pool and resources available in the Los Angeles area.

Support

Crosscut Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by committing at least 1% of all invested capital to founder leadership development, coaching, and mental health programs. The firm leverages its deep roots in Southern California's emerging deep tech ecosystem, providing access to a network of experienced founders and industry experts.

Questions

What are Crosscut Ventures' investment criteria?

Crosscut Ventures invests in early-stage companies developing frontier technologies that address significant global challenges. They focus on sectors such as energy transition, decarbonization, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and the space economy.

How can founders pitch to Crosscut Ventures?

Founders can pitch to Crosscut Ventures through their contact form available at Crosscut Ventures Contact. They encourage detailed pitches that align with their investment thesis.

What makes Crosscut Ventures different from other VC firms?

Crosscut Ventures commits at least 1% of all invested capital towards founder leadership development, coaching, and mental health support. This focus on founder well-being is a key differentiator in their investment approach.

What is the typical check size for investments?

The firm typically invests between $1.5 million and $2.5 million at the seed stage, with additional reserves for follow-on investments.

What geographic areas does Crosscut Ventures focus on?

Crosscut Ventures primarily invests in North America, with a strong emphasis on opportunities within the United States.

What is the firm's post-investment involvement like?

Crosscut Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies through individualized coaching, management training, and organizational design, ensuring that founders have the resources they need to succeed.

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