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Daring Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2025 by Joseph Alalou and Madeline Holman, based in New York, NY. The firm specializes in pre-seed investments, primarily in B2B software companies. Daring Ventures is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are passionate about creating impactful solutions to significant challenges. The firm particularly focuses on funding individuals from non-traditional and underserved geographic regions, identifying edge cases that larger funds may overlook.
As of 2026, Daring Ventures has made initial portfolio investments in four companies, demonstrating active engagement in the venture capital space. The firm emphasizes its commitment to innovative solutions that enhance human judgment and interaction, rather than replacing it. Daring Ventures operates with a clear mission to back entrepreneurs who are driven to make a difference in their respective fields.
Daring Ventures invests primarily in pre-seed B2B software companies. The firm targets sectors that address significant challenges, particularly those that enhance expert judgment in high-stakes decision-making. Daring Ventures is focused on the 'Friction Economy', which includes vertical SaaS and mission-critical workflow solutions. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs who are passionate about creating impactful solutions that amplify human judgment and interaction.
Investment checks typically occur at the pre-seed stage, allowing Daring Ventures to engage with early-stage companies that may not yet have widespread recognition. The firm explicitly seeks non-obvious founders from underserved geographic regions, particularly in the Midwest and mid-continent, ensuring that it identifies opportunities that larger funds may miss. This approach allows Daring Ventures to back innovative solutions that address critical challenges in the market.
Daring Ventures has made initial investments in four notable portfolio companies:
Among these, Hostie stands out as a significant investment, having raised a $4 million round in May 2025. The firm’s portfolio reflects its commitment to supporting innovative B2B software solutions that enhance decision-making processes.
Joseph Alalou: Co-founder of Daring Ventures, Joseph has a background in investment banking and venture capital. He has a keen interest in supporting innovative B2B software solutions and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s investment strategy.
Madeline Holman: Co-founder of Daring Ventures, Maddi has experience in healthcare innovation and investment banking. Her expertise in identifying impactful solutions and supporting entrepreneurs is a key asset to the firm.
To pitch Daring Ventures, founders should submit their decks through the contact page at daringventures.vc/contact/. The firm prefers detailed presentations that outline the problem being addressed, the innovative solution, and the potential market impact. Founders should expect a response time that varies based on the volume of submissions, but timely follow-ups are encouraged.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Daring Ventures values clarity and passion in pitches, particularly from entrepreneurs who are driven to create impactful solutions.
In 2025, Daring Ventures made initial portfolio investments in four companies, including Hostie, which raised a $4 million round in May 2025. The firm has been actively engaging in the venture capital space, emphasizing its commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address significant challenges.
Co-founder Maddi Holman was featured as a speaker at the New York Venture Summit, highlighting the firm’s focus on backing non-obvious founders and edge cases in the venture capital landscape.
What are Daring Ventures' investment criteria?
Daring Ventures focuses on pre-seed investments in B2B software companies. The firm is particularly interested in entrepreneurs from non-traditional and underserved geographic regions, especially those addressing significant challenges in the market.
How can I apply or pitch to Daring Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitch decks through the contact page on the Daring Ventures website at daringventures.vc/contact/. The firm encourages detailed presentations that highlight the problem being solved and the innovative solution proposed.
What makes Daring Ventures different from other VC firms?
Daring Ventures distinguishes itself by focusing on non-obvious founders and edge cases that larger funds may overlook. The firm emphasizes enhancing human judgment in decision-making rather than replacing it with technology.
What is the geographic scope of Daring Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, with a specific focus on underserved regions, particularly in the Midwest and mid-continent.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Daring Ventures specializes in pre-seed investments, but specific check sizes are not disclosed. However, the firm is known for its commitment to supporting early-stage companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Daring Ventures provides strategic guidance and support tailored to the unique challenges faced by early-stage B2B software firms. The firm leverages its founders' expertise and networks to assist entrepreneurs in navigating their growth journeys.
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