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Distributed Ventures is a venture capital firm founded to focus on the risk ecosystem innovation across health, insurance, and wealth sectors. Established by a team with extensive expertise in the risk ecosystem, the firm is based in the United States and primarily invests in Seed and Series A rounds. The firm closed a $100 million fund in July 2023, with total assets under management (AUM) reaching $155 million.
Distributed Ventures has a portfolio of 23 companies, emphasizing its commitment to supporting early-stage startups. The firm operates from offices in Chicago and New York, leveraging its strategic relationships with insurers and brokerages to provide portfolio companies with direct buyer access and opportunities for commercial pilots. This unique positioning allows startups to pilot their solutions in real-world settings, enhancing their growth potential.
Notable milestones include the transition from NFP Ventures, where the founding team previously operated. This transition highlights the firm’s focus on the intersection of health, insurance, and wealth, and its dedication to driving innovation in these sectors.
Distributed Ventures invests primarily in Seed and Series A rounds, targeting check sizes between $1 million and $5 million. The firm seeks to acquire a 15-20% ownership stake in its portfolio companies, emphasizing sectors where it can add significant value through its extensive network and industry knowledge. The firm focuses on three main sectors: healthcare, fintech, and insurtech.
Investment criteria include a strong emphasis on the risk ecosystem, where health, insurance, and wealth converge. Distributed Ventures looks for founders who demonstrate a deep understanding of their market and possess the ability to leverage the firm’s strategic relationships with insurers and brokerages. This approach not only provides capital but also facilitates access to potential customers and partners from day one, enhancing the likelihood of success for portfolio companies.
Deal structures typically involve significant engagement with portfolio companies, allowing for collaborative growth and development. The firm’s investment strategy is designed to ensure that it can provide meaningful support and resources to its startups, ultimately driving innovation in the sectors it serves.
Distributed Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 23 companies, focusing on the intersection of healthcare, fintech, and insurtech. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects the firm’s commitment to driving innovation in sectors where it can leverage its extensive network and industry expertise.
Shawn Ellis - Managing Partner. Shawn has a background in venture capital and was previously a key member of the NFP Ventures investment team. He has extensive experience in the risk ecosystem and has led numerous successful investments in the healthcare and fintech sectors.
Janet Xu - Senior Principal. Janet brings a wealth of experience in financial services and technology. She has a strong track record of identifying promising startups and has played a pivotal role in several successful exits.
Hylton Irons - Senior Associate. Hylton specializes in market analysis and due diligence, focusing on the healthcare and insurtech sectors. His analytical skills contribute to the firm’s investment decision-making process.
Antonio Calderon - Senior Associate. Antonio has a background in entrepreneurship and venture capital, with a focus on fintech startups. He is involved in sourcing new deals and supporting portfolio companies.
Joseph Flanagan - Growth Partner. Joseph has extensive experience in scaling startups and has a strong network in the insurance industry. He provides strategic guidance to portfolio companies looking to expand their market presence.
Simran Bhatia - Platform + Admin. Simran supports the operational aspects of the firm, ensuring smooth communication and coordination among team members and portfolio companies.
To pitch to Distributed Ventures, founders should visit their contact page. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with the firm’s focus on healthcare, fintech, and insurtech.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process. Clear communication and a well-structured pitch can significantly enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the firm.
In July 2023, Distributed Ventures closed a $100 million fund aimed at investing in healthcare, fintech, and insurtech sectors. This fund is expected to support the firm’s strategy of leveraging its extensive network for portfolio growth.
Recently, Distributed Ventures has made notable investments in companies such as 401kplans.com, Armadillo, and Wellth, reflecting its commitment to driving innovation in the risk ecosystem.
The firm continues to expand its portfolio, actively seeking new opportunities that align with its investment thesis. As of October 2025, Distributed Ventures has a total of 23 companies in its portfolio, with a focus on early-stage investments.
What are the investment criteria for Distributed Ventures?
Distributed Ventures primarily invests in Seed and Series A rounds, targeting check sizes between $1 million and $5 million. The firm seeks to acquire a 15-20% ownership stake in its portfolio companies, focusing on healthcare, fintech, and insurtech sectors.
How can startups apply or pitch to Distributed Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Distributed Ventures by visiting their contact page. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information on how the startup aligns with the firm’s focus areas.
What makes Distributed Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Distributed Ventures differentiates itself by leveraging its extensive network of insurers and brokerages, providing portfolio companies with direct access to potential customers and partners from day one. This unique positioning enhances the growth potential of its investments.
What is the geographic scope of Distributed Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, focusing on early-stage companies within its target sectors.
What is the post-investment involvement of Distributed Ventures?
Distributed Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also strategic support and access to industry connections that can facilitate growth and development.
What is the fund size and check size range for Distributed Ventures?
The firm closed a $100 million fund in July 2023, with check sizes typically ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
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