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Funded Ventures is a search fund founded in 2017 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in acquiring and operating profitable small businesses in fragmented industries, particularly in the Midwest region. Funded Ventures employs a unique four-phase acquisition strategy that begins with building a seed portfolio of operating platforms, followed by bolt-on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This approach allows the firm to target essential services such as home services, legal services, wealth management, and home health.
As of October 2025, Funded Ventures has completed its seed portfolio, which includes seven companies. The firm focuses on capital-light businesses with stable cash flows, which are often overlooked by traditional private equity and venture capital firms. Funded Ventures aims to create value through operational improvements and strategic acquisitions, ensuring that its portfolio companies thrive in their respective markets.
Funded Ventures specializes in acquiring small businesses that are capital-light and have stable cash flows. The firm does not invest in early-stage startups; instead, it targets businesses that are too small for traditional private equity and too mature for venture capital. The investment strategy emphasizes essential services that provide consistent revenue streams, allowing for sustainable growth.
The firm primarily focuses on sectors such as home services, healthcare, legal services, and wealth management. Funded Ventures operates with a geographic focus on the Midwest, where it seeks enduring small businesses that can benefit from operational enhancements and strategic acquisitions. Their investment thesis is centered on backing builders in fragmented industries, ensuring that the businesses they acquire can thrive and expand.
Funded Ventures has established a seed portfolio that includes seven notable companies:
This portfolio reflects Funded Ventures' commitment to essential services that generate stable cash flows, aligning with their investment focus on capital-light businesses.
Brian Wolfe - Founder & Co-Managing Partner; previously a private equity transactional lawyer with 17 years at Kirkland & Ellis. He also teaches private equity and small business acquisition at Washington University.
Savannah Rush - Co-Managing Partner; appointed in October 2025. She has a background as a consultant at McKinsey & Co. and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Washington University.
Jim McFarland - President of the Heating & Cooling Services Platform; oversees operations and strategy for the HVAC segment of the portfolio.
William Z. Wyatt - Advisory board member; associated with Donerail Group.
Alison Koplar Wyatt - Advisory board member; involved with The 10th House and the Female Founder Collective, and formerly the CRO at Goop.
In October 2025, Funded Ventures completed its seed portfolio buildout and announced the appointment of Savannah Rush as Co-Managing Partner. This milestone reflects the firm's commitment to expanding its portfolio in essential services.
Also in October 2025, Funded Ventures acquired Midway Electric and Midway CSI Home Security, further solidifying its presence in the electrical and home security sectors.
In May 2025, the firm launched Terrace Wealth, an independent fee-only wealth management firm aimed at serving Midwest professionals and business owners.
Funded Ventures maintains an active bolt-on acquisition pipeline in home services, legal services, and home health, indicating ongoing growth and investment activity.
What are Funded Ventures' investment criteria?
Funded Ventures focuses on acquiring small businesses that are capital-light and have stable cash flows. They do not invest in early-stage startups, instead targeting businesses that are too small for traditional private equity and too mature for venture capital.
How can I apply or pitch to Funded Ventures?
While specific application details are not publicly available, potential founders should prepare a comprehensive pitch that outlines their business model, financial stability, and growth potential. Engaging with the firm through networking channels may also be beneficial.
What makes Funded Ventures different from other investors?
Funded Ventures distinguishes itself by focusing on essential services in fragmented industries and employing a four-phase acquisition strategy. This approach allows them to create value through operational improvements and strategic acquisitions.
What is the geographic scope of Funded Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily targets businesses in the Midwest region of the United States, focusing on essential services that provide stable cash flows.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Specific check sizes are not disclosed, but Funded Ventures targets capital-light businesses that are often overlooked by larger investment firms.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Funded Ventures have?
Funded Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies through operational improvements and strategic acquisitions, leveraging the expertise of its experienced team to support growth.
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