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Escape Velocity (EV3) is a venture capital firm founded in the United States, focusing on early-stage investments in companies that leverage decentralized networks and internet infrastructure. The firm was established to back exceptional founders and innovative solutions, particularly those integrating crypto technologies into traditional industries. Currently, EV3 manages a fund size of $62 million and has invested in a total of 30 companies.
Since its inception, Escape Velocity has evolved to emphasize investments in decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), which represent a growing sector within the crypto landscape. The firm operates globally, with a particular focus on the United States, and aims to support startups that are at the intersection of web3 and real-world applications. Notable milestones include the successful fundraising of their second venture fund, which closed in December 2024 at $61.74 million, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in their strategy.
Escape Velocity (EV3) employs a thesis-driven investment strategy targeting early-stage companies across various sectors, including AI, energy, healthcare, logistics, commerce, fintech, biotech, media, and telecom. The firm invests in pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, Series A, and Series B stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $3 million. This broad sector focus allows EV3 to identify and support innovative startups that are leveraging decentralized technologies.
Particularly, EV3 is interested in businesses that are crypto-enabled and contribute to the development of decentralized physical infrastructure networks. The firm seeks founders who demonstrate exceptional vision and capability in integrating web3 technologies into their operations. This focus on decentralized networks positions EV3 as a key player in the evolving landscape of technology-driven solutions.
Escape Velocity's portfolio includes a diverse array of companies that exemplify its investment thesis. Notable portfolio companies include:
This extensive portfolio reflects EV3's commitment to supporting innovative companies across a range of sectors, particularly those that are crypto-enabled and focused on decentralized solutions.
Mahesh Ramakrishnan: Co-founder and Managing Partner. Mahesh has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in the tech sector. He has a strong background in decentralized technologies and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Salvador Gala: Co-founder and Managing Partner. Salvador brings a wealth of knowledge in early-stage investing and has a proven track record of identifying high-potential startups. His expertise lies in the intersection of technology and finance, particularly in crypto-enabled businesses.
Brandon Leppke: COO and General Counsel. Brandon oversees the firm's operations and legal matters, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with the firm's goals. His background in law and business operations supports the firm's mission to invest in innovative startups.
To pitch Escape Velocity, founders should prepare a detailed presentation that outlines their business model and how it integrates decentralized technologies. While specific submission guidelines are not provided, a well-structured pitch deck is essential for consideration.
On January 29, 2026, Escape Velocity published a blog post titled "EV3 Fund II Vision," highlighting their ongoing engagement with the audience and commitment to sharing insights about their investment strategies and future directions. This reflects the firm's proactive approach to communication and transparency.
Additionally, Escape Velocity successfully closed its second venture fund, EV3 Venture Fund II, at $61.74 million in December 2024. This fund was oversubscribed, indicating strong investor interest in the firm's focus on decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) and crypto-enabled businesses.
What are Escape Velocity's investment criteria?
Escape Velocity invests in early-stage companies that leverage decentralized networks and internet infrastructure. They focus on sectors such as AI, energy, healthcare, logistics, commerce, fintech, biotech, media, and telecom.
How can founders pitch to Escape Velocity?
Founders can submit a pitch deck or memo through the firm's website. Specific contact details are not provided, but the firm encourages direct submissions.
What makes Escape Velocity different from other venture capital firms?
Escape Velocity specializes in crypto-enabled businesses and emphasizes investments in decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), which is a unique focus compared to many traditional venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of Escape Velocity's investments?
Escape Velocity invests globally, with a particular emphasis on the United States. They seek opportunities in various international markets as well.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Escape Velocity typically invests between $500,000 and $3 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the stage and potential of the business.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Escape Velocity have?
Escape Velocity provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its expertise in decentralized networks and internet infrastructure to help founders navigate the complexities of integrating web3 technologies into their operations.
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