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Folds Ventures is a venture capital firm established to support veterans and first responders in leading innovation within early-stage technologies. Founded in partnership with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships for families of fallen or disabled military personnel, Folds Ventures is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The firm launched its first fund, Folds Ventures Fund I, in November 2024, targeting early-stage technology companies.
The organization aims to create a supportive environment for founders from military and first responder backgrounds, promoting resilience and innovation across various technology sectors. Folds Ventures is committed to integrating a philanthropic component into its investment strategy, ensuring that financial returns contribute to educational scholarships for families of service members.
As of now, Folds Ventures is in the early stages of deploying its capital, with a focus on building a portfolio that reflects its mission. The firm operates from its offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Bentonville, Arkansas, and is open to all accredited investors.
Folds Ventures specializes in early-stage investments across a range of technology sectors, including Robotics & Autonomy, Space & Aerospace, Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, Energy Tech, Health Tech, and Digital Transformation. The firm is particularly interested in founders who demonstrate resilience and innovation, especially those with backgrounds as veterans or first responders.
The investment strategy encompasses a wide array of stages, from Pre-seed to Series F and Growth Equity. This broad stage range allows Folds Ventures to engage with startups at various points in their development, providing the necessary support to help them scale effectively. The firm emphasizes a unique investment structure that ties a portion of its carried interest to the Folds of Honor Foundation, ensuring that financial success translates into educational opportunities for military families.
As of now, Folds Ventures has not publicly announced any specific portfolio companies. The firm launched Folds Ventures Fund I in November 2024 and is still in the early stages of capital deployment. Given its focus on early-stage technology founders from the veteran and first responder communities, the firm is expected to build a portfolio that reflects its mission of supporting these groups.
While specific companies have yet to be disclosed, Folds Ventures is actively seeking investment opportunities in sectors such as robotics, space technology, materials science, energy, and healthcare. The firm’s commitment to backing high-growth technology companies led by veterans and first responders positions it uniquely within the venture capital landscape.
Tracy Poole - Founder, Managing Partner. Tracy has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in establishing Folds Ventures. His background includes leadership roles in various tech startups.
Chuck Fuller - Founder, Managing Partner. Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge in early-stage investments and has a strong commitment to supporting veteran entrepreneurs.
Jim Barsness - Founder, Managing Partner. Jim has a background in technology and finance, focusing on identifying high-potential startups.
Paul Slosar - Partner. Paul specializes in operational support for portfolio companies, leveraging his experience in scaling tech businesses.
Vipul Kella - Partner. Vipul has a strong background in investment analysis and works closely with founders to refine their business strategies.
Connor Sitton - Investor, Head of Operations. Connor oversees the operational aspects of the firm and supports portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Tim Gray - Director of Client Development. Tim focuses on building relationships with potential investors and partners.
Garrett McCain - Investor Relations. Garrett manages communications with investors and ensures alignment with the firm’s mission.
Kate Lynn - Associate, Platform Manager. Kate supports the operational needs of the firm and assists in managing the portfolio.
Kate Evinger - Investment & Operations Associate. Kate plays a key role in the investment process and operational support for portfolio companies.
Jim Bridenstine - Advisor. Jim brings a wealth of experience from his time as a former NASA administrator, focusing on aerospace investments.
Chad Raduege - Advisor. Chad has a strong background in technology and venture capital, providing strategic insights to the firm.
Matt Lay - Advisor. Matt offers expertise in operational management and scaling startups.
Elizabeth Raphael - Advisor. Elizabeth specializes in financial strategy and investment management.
Jeff Jones - Advisor. Jeff has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in education and community support.
Steven Basham - Advisor. Steven provides insights into market trends and investment opportunities.
Richard Jackson - Advisor. Richard focuses on strategic partnerships and business development.
To pitch Folds Ventures, founders should use the application portal available at this link. It is important to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and team qualifications. The firm prefers pitches that highlight the founder's background, especially if they are veterans or first responders.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
Folds Ventures operates Folds Ventures Fund I, which is designed to support early-stage technology founders from the veteran and first responder communities. The fund aims to provide not only financial backing but also mentorship and operational support to help these founders succeed in their ventures.
Specific details regarding the fund's duration, cohort size, or investment amounts have not been disclosed, but the focus remains on fostering innovation and resilience among its portfolio companies.
In November 2024, Folds Ventures officially launched Folds Ventures Fund I, aimed at supporting early-stage technology founders from the veteran and first responder communities. This fund is notable for its unique structure that ties a portion of the carried interest to the Folds of Honor Foundation, ensuring that financial returns contribute to scholarships for families of fallen or disabled military personnel.
Coverage of the fund's launch appeared in various media outlets, including an article by Amit Chowdhry on Pulse 2, highlighting the firm’s mission to empower veterans and first responders in the tech industry. Additionally, Fox 23 News reported on the launch, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem for founders from these communities.
What are Folds Ventures' investment criteria?
Folds Ventures focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly those led by veterans and first responders. The firm seeks founders who demonstrate resilience and innovation across various sectors, including robotics, space-tech, materials science, energy, and healthcare.
How can I pitch to Folds Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Folds Ventures through their application portal available at this link. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan, market analysis, and information about the founding team.
What makes Folds Ventures different from other VC firms?
Folds Ventures integrates a philanthropic component into its investment strategy by tying a portion of its carried interest to the Folds of Honor Foundation. This structure ensures that financial returns contribute to scholarships for families of fallen or disabled military personnel, creating a lasting impact beyond traditional venture capital.
What is the geographic focus of Folds Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, targeting early-stage technology companies that align with its mission of supporting veterans and first responders.
What is the fund size and check size for Folds Ventures?
While the specific fund size has not been publicly disclosed, Folds Ventures is focused on early-stage investments, which typically range from pre-seed to Series F funding rounds. Check sizes will vary based on the stage and needs of the startup.
What kind of support can founders expect post-investment?
Folds Ventures aims to provide operational support and mentorship to its portfolio companies, leveraging the experience and networks of its team members, many of whom have backgrounds in the military or first responder sectors.
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