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Fortify Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund founded in May 2011 and based in Washington, D.C. The firm focuses on investing in technology that improves human performance, supporting founders in creating products that enhance how people feel, function, and perform. Fortify Ventures operates with a clear mission to build durable, consumer-centric brands, particularly in the realms of human health and productivity.
As of 2026, Fortify Ventures manages a portfolio of over 40 companies and has achieved more than 10 notable exits, including companies like Hinge and Social Tables. The firm is currently deploying capital from its second fund, which began in December 2024, while its first fund primarily consists of legacy holdings. Fortify Ventures emphasizes a collaborative approach, connecting startups with investors and industry experts through initiatives like the Distilled Intelligence summit.
Fortify Ventures has established a strong presence in the North American startup ecosystem, particularly in the Washington D.C. metro area. The firm’s investment strategy is informed by the backgrounds of its partners, who have extensive experience in technology and entrepreneurship.
Fortify Ventures primarily invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, targeting companies that are post-product but pre-product-market fit. The firm writes checks ranging from $100K to $2M, focusing on sectors related to human health, future-of-work, and AI infrastructure. Specific areas of interest include metabolic health, mental health, productivity tools, and breakthrough supplements.
The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions that align with its investment thesis of enhancing human performance. Fortify Ventures emphasizes investments in consumer-centric brands that demonstrate real-world behavior and consumer willingness to pay. This focus on tangible outcomes guides the firm’s investment decisions and helps identify startups that are well-positioned for growth.
Fortify Ventures has a diverse portfolio that includes over 40 companies, with notable holdings and exits. Key portfolio companies include:
Jonathon Perrelli - Managing Partner: Jonathon founded Fortify Ventures in May 2011. He has a background in founding and leading four startups over 17 years, including SecureForce, a cybersecurity solutions provider for U.S. Intelligence agencies. His experience in security and enterprise technology informs the firm's investment strategy.
Eli Kia - General Partner: Eli plays a key role in the firm, contributing to investment decisions and portfolio management. His specific background details are not publicly available.
Simon Rakoff - General Partner: Simon is involved in the firm's investment activities and supports portfolio companies. Additional background information is not disclosed.
Jamie Marraccini - General Partner: Jamie contributes to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio oversight. His prior experience is not detailed in available sources.
Adam Fazackerley - General Partner: Adam is a General Partner at Fortify Ventures, focusing on investment opportunities and supporting founders. His background is not extensively documented.
To pitch Fortify Ventures, founders must submit their applications through the online form available at this link. The firm prefers a structured approach, so including detailed information about the startup's product, market, and team is essential. Founders should clearly outline their vision and the problem their product addresses.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect a rolling application cycle. While specific deadlines are not disclosed, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible to increase the chances of consideration. Fortify Ventures does not publicly disclose hard NOs, so founders should focus on presenting a compelling case for their startup.
Fortify Ventures hosts the **Distilled Intelligence** summit, an annual investor summit and national pitch competition for seed to Series A startups. The most recent iteration, Distilled Intelligence 3.0, was held in October 2025 in Loudoun County, Virginia. This event brought together 100 startups and hundreds of investors, distributing over $1 million in funding to participants. Startups interested in participating can apply through the Fortify Ventures website.
In June 2025, Fortify Ventures announced the successful completion of the Distilled Intelligence 3.0 summit, which featured 100 startups and distributed over $1 million in funding to participants. This event highlighted the firm's commitment to connecting startups with investors and enhancing visibility within the startup ecosystem.
As of May 2026, Fortify Ventures continues to actively deploy capital from its second fund, which began in December 2024. The firm has maintained a strong presence in the Washington D.C. startup scene, focusing on investments that align with its thesis of enhancing human performance.
What are Fortify Ventures' investment criteria?
Fortify Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed stage companies that are post-product but pre-product-market fit. The firm focuses on sectors related to human health, future-of-work, and AI infrastructure.
How can I pitch to Fortify Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Fortify Ventures through their online application form available at this link. The firm prefers applications to be submitted via this typeform.
What makes Fortify Ventures different from other VCs?
Fortify Ventures emphasizes technology that enhances human performance and focuses on building durable, consumer-centric brands. The firm leverages its expertise in technology and human performance to provide strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic focus of Fortify Ventures?
Fortify Ventures primarily invests in North America, with a strong emphasis on the United States and the Washington D.C. metro area.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The firm typically invests between $100K and $2M in its portfolio companies.
What kind of support does Fortify Ventures provide to its portfolio companies?
Fortify Ventures provides strategic guidance, connects startups with industry experts, and organizes events like the Distilled Intelligence summit to enhance visibility and funding opportunities for its portfolio companies.
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