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Fontinalis Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 and based in Detroit, Michigan. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage startups that operate at the intersection of mobility, industrial innovation, and energy. With a commitment of approximately $270 million in assets under management, Fontinalis has established itself as a prominent player in the mobility-focused venture capital space.
The firm operates from two office locations: Detroit and Boston. This geographic presence allows Fontinalis to bridge the industrial mobility and technology ecosystems effectively. Over its history, the firm has raised three funds, with Fund I and Fund II each raising around $100 million, while Fund III closed at $104 million in 2021. Fontinalis has built a diverse portfolio of around 40 active companies and has achieved approximately 20 exits, showcasing its ability to identify and support promising startups.
Fontinalis Partners invests primarily in pre-seed, seed, and Series A companies. The firm emphasizes early partnerships with founders exploring new frontiers in mobility, industrial innovation, and energy. Their investment strategy spans various sectors, including semiconductor fabrication, supply chain and logistics automation, automotive financing, AI technologies, clean hydrogen, and autonomous vehicles.
The firm seeks to support startups that are innovating in efficient movement across all transportation modes, including road, rail, air, and maritime. Fontinalis is stage-agnostic in its approach, although it is anchored in early-stage investments. The firm values founders who demonstrate a strong vision and capability to navigate the complexities of their respective industries.
Fontinalis Partners has a diverse portfolio that includes notable investments across various sectors:
In addition to these exits, Fontinalis continues to support approximately 40 active companies in its portfolio, focusing on sectors such as AI chips and training hardware, clean hydrogen technologies, and digital manufacturing.
Chris Cheever - Founder & Managing Partner. Chris has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping Fontinalis Partners' investment strategy.
Tanya Bega - Investor Relations Director. Tanya manages relationships with investors and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
Sharon Massetti - Director of Accounting. Sharon oversees the financial operations of the firm, ensuring compliance and accuracy in reporting.
James Kilgore - IT Director. James manages the firm's technology infrastructure and supports digital initiatives.
Melissa Kaempfer - Tax Director. Melissa handles tax-related matters for the firm and its portfolio companies.
Nia Julian - Executive Assistant. Nia provides administrative support to the team, facilitating smooth operations.
Ralph Booth - Founder Emeritus. Ralph has played a key role in the firm's establishment and growth.
Bill Ford - Founder Emeritus. Bill is the Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company and brings significant industry expertise and connections.
Mark Schulz - Founder Emeritus. Mark has contributed to the firm's strategic direction and investment decisions.
To pitch Fontinalis Partners, founders should send their proposals to pitch@fontinalis.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team qualifications. The firm values clarity and conciseness in presentations.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. A warm introduction is not required but can enhance the chances of getting noticed.
In August 2021, Fontinalis Partners announced the closing of its third fund, Fund III, which raised $104 million. This fund continues the firm's focus on early-stage investments in mobility and industrial innovation.
Fontinalis has been actively engaging with the startup ecosystem, focusing on investments in diverse sectors such as semiconductor fabrication, supply chain automation, and clean hydrogen technologies. The firm has also seen successful exits, including energy management systems for electric vehicles acquired by Ford and machine learning technologies acquired by Uber.
What are Fontinalis Partners' investment criteria?
Fontinalis Partners primarily invests in early-stage startups at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. The firm focuses on companies operating in mobility, industrial innovation, and energy sectors. They look for founders who are exploring new frontiers and demonstrate a strong vision for their startups.
How can I pitch to Fontinalis Partners?
Founders can submit their pitch via email at pitch@fontinalis.com. It is advisable to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Fontinalis Partners different from other VCs?
Fontinalis Partners has a strong reputation in the mobility sector, bolstered by the involvement of Bill Ford, which provides unique access to the automotive industry. Their focus on early-stage investments allows them to build strong partnerships with founders from the outset.
What is the geographic scope of Fontinalis Partners?
The firm primarily focuses on North America but is open to sourcing deals nationally. Their offices in Detroit and Boston enable them to connect with startups across various regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Fontinalis Partners typically invests in early-stage rounds, which can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the stage and needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment support does Fontinalis Partners provide?
Fontinalis Partners actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering mentorship, operational support, and access to their extensive network in the mobility and industrial sectors. They aim to help startups scale effectively and navigate challenges in their growth journey.
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