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Crosscut Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2008 and based in Los Angeles, California. Established by Rick Smith, Brian Garrett, and Brett Brewer, the firm has become one of the oldest and most established seed-stage venture capital firms in the region. Crosscut Ventures recognizes Los Angeles' potential as a technology hub and aims to leverage this by investing in innovative solutions that tackle the world's most pressing problems.
As of late 2024, Crosscut Ventures has deployed over $300 million across more than 170 companies. The firm closed its sixth fund, totaling $100 million, in October 2024. This fund marks a significant evolution in their investment strategy, focusing on frontier technologies such as energy transition, decarbonization, and advanced manufacturing. The firm operates with a small team of approximately six professionals, allowing for a focused and personalized approach to investment.
Crosscut Ventures has established a notable presence in the venture capital landscape, with a commitment to supporting category-defining technologies that improve life on Earth. Their office is located at 3402 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405, and they actively engage with founders through various support programs.
Crosscut Ventures specializes in investing in early-stage companies that develop both hardware and software technologies. Their investment strategy encompasses a range of sectors, including energy transition, decarbonization, the space economy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and supply chain re-shoring. The firm targets investments at the pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages, typically writing checks between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, with up to 200% reserved for follow-on investments.
The firm emphasizes a founder-led approach, focusing on entrepreneurs who are building solutions to significant global challenges. Crosscut Ventures is particularly interested in companies that align with their thesis of supporting category-defining technologies. Their commitment to founder leadership development is evident, as they allocate at least 1% of all capital invested towards coaching and mental health support for founders. This unique approach not only enhances the potential for success among portfolio companies but also fosters a strong relationship between the firm and the entrepreneurs they support.
Crosscut Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 170 companies, focusing on innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additionally, Crosscut Ventures has achieved notable exits, including investments in GumGum, an AI company specializing in computer vision, and Retina.ai, which focuses on customer lifetime value AI.
Brian Garrett: Co-Founder and Managing Director of Crosscut Ventures, Brian Garrett has been a leading voice in the firm and has extensive experience in early-stage investments. He has played a crucial role in shaping the firm's investment strategy and supporting portfolio companies.
Rick Smith: Co-Founder and Senior Advisor, Rick Smith has been instrumental in establishing Crosscut Ventures as a prominent player in the venture capital landscape. His insights and experience contribute significantly to the firm's direction and investment decisions.
Jon Ylvisaker: Partner at Crosscut Ventures, Jon Ylvisaker joined the firm in December 2024. He previously served as Founding Partner at Yield Capital Partners and has over 25 years of investment experience. Jon leads the firm's energy, power, and advanced manufacturing strategy, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the team.
To pitch Crosscut Ventures, founders should use the contact form available at Crosscut Ventures Contact. The firm prefers detailed pitches that clearly outline the business model, market opportunity, and the team behind the startup. Founders should include information about their technology and how it addresses a significant global challenge.
It is advisable to highlight any traction or milestones achieved to date, as this can strengthen the pitch. While the firm does not specify a response time, they encourage founders to be patient and follow up if necessary. Warm introductions are beneficial but not required.
In October 2024, Crosscut Ventures closed its sixth fund, totaling $100 million, marking a significant milestone in the firm's evolution towards frontier technology investments. This fund aims to support companies addressing global challenges in sectors such as energy transition and advanced manufacturing.
In December 2024, Jon Ylvisaker joined Crosscut Ventures as a Partner, focusing on the firm's energy and frontier investment strategy. His extensive background in investment management enhances the firm's capabilities in these critical sectors.
In July 2025, Retina.ai, a portfolio company specializing in customer lifetime value AI, exited, marking one of the firm's notable successes in recent years.
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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