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Good Trouble Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2024, headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The organization focuses on supporting creative technologists in building the next generation of entertainment companies. With a target fund size of $75 million, Good Trouble Ventures aims to unlock new value for creators, investors, and audiences by emphasizing the intersection of technology, creativity, and culture.
The firm is built on the ethos of Congressman John Lewis, who advocated for 'good and necessary trouble.' This philosophy drives their mission to foster a cultural and economic renaissance through investments in intellectual property content, creator economy infrastructure, and sports and gaming data insights. The team consists of 12 members, including founders, general partners, and advisors, who bring extensive backgrounds in technology and entertainment.
Good Trouble Ventures is actively raising its first fund, which is expected to focus on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments. The firm is positioned to make a significant impact in the entertainment sector by leveraging its unique network of Grammy Award-winning artists, screenwriters, and producers.
Good Trouble Ventures invests primarily in the future of entertainment and creativity, with a strong emphasis on the digital transformation of these sectors. Their investment strategy encompasses several key areas: intellectual property content and media, creator economy technology infrastructure, and sports and gaming data insights. The firm seeks to back tech-enabled creative companies that operate at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and culture.
The average check size ranges from $500,000 to $1 million, with 40% of the fund reserved for follow-on investments. Good Trouble Ventures is particularly interested in fostering collaboration among iconic creatives, innovative technologists, and impactful individuals. They look for founders who are not only visionary but also capable of driving cultural and economic change through their ventures.
Good Trouble Ventures aims to create a significant impact in the entertainment industry by supporting startups that align with their mission of driving a cultural renaissance. Their focus on collaboration and innovation positions them as a unique player in the venture capital landscape.
AJ Thomas - Founder & General Partner; previously worked at Google X, with a background in the music industry. Featured in Yahoo Finance and Pozcast for his insights on venture capital.
Monica Pool Knox - CEO & General Partner; has experience at Microsoft, Twitter, and CBS Interactive, and is a published author.
Kat Steinmetz - Co-Founder & General Partner; a professional touring musician and alum of the VC Include Fellowship, focusing on diversity in venture capital.
Phil Gilsenan - Operating Partner; brings operational expertise to the firm.
Josh Bennett - Operating Partner; supports portfolio companies with strategic insights.
Ashleigh Williams - Investor; contributes to deal sourcing and evaluation.
Samir Kumar - Fund Advisor; provides strategic guidance to the firm.
Cat Middleton - Fund Advisor; offers insights based on industry experience.
Gregg Walker - Fund Advisor; supports the firm with financial expertise.
Philip Rosedale - Venture Partner; known for his work in the tech industry.
Rob Lewis - Venture Partner - Creative in Residence; brings creative insights to the investment process.
Alex Dumas - Venture Partner; supports the firm with industry connections.
Keith Clinkscales - Venture Partner; offers expertise in media and entertainment.
Felicia Alston - Coalition Advisor; focuses on community engagement.
Ash Schroeder - Marketing & Public Relations; manages the firm’s communications and outreach.
Good Trouble Ventures prefers to receive pitch decks through their website's contact form. Founders should ensure that their decks include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how their venture aligns with the firm's focus areas. While there are no specific application forms mentioned, a well-structured pitch deck is essential for consideration. Response times may vary, but the firm encourages direct communication for any inquiries.
In March 2024, Good Trouble Ventures was noted as actively raising its first fund, targeting $75 million for investments in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. The firm has not publicly disclosed any portfolio companies as of this date, indicating that it may be in the early stages of deployment.
The firm’s founders, including AJ Thomas and Monica Pool Knox, have backgrounds in major tech and entertainment companies, which positions them well to identify and support high-potential startups in the creative sectors. Their unique approach to collaboration among creatives and technologists is expected to drive significant impact in the entertainment industry.
What are Good Trouble Ventures' investment criteria?
Good Trouble Ventures focuses on tech-enabled creative companies at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and culture. They invest in sectors such as media, AI, the creator economy, and fintech. The firm typically invests in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with average check sizes between $500,000 and $1 million.
How can founders apply or pitch to Good Trouble Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitch decks through the contact form available on the Good Trouble Ventures website. The firm encourages direct communication and is open to inquiries regarding potential collaborations.
What makes Good Trouble Ventures different from other VC firms?
Good Trouble Ventures distinguishes itself through its emphasis on collaboration among creatives and technologists. The firm leverages a unique network of Grammy Award-winning artists, screenwriters, and producers, providing portfolio companies with access to industry expertise and resources.
What is the geographic scope of Good Trouble Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on investments within the United States, targeting innovative companies that are shaping the future of entertainment and creativity.
What is Good Trouble Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Good Trouble Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies by providing access to a network of industry professionals and resources. The team’s extensive backgrounds in technology and entertainment enable them to offer valuable insights and guidance to founders.
What is the expected return on investment for Good Trouble Ventures?
The firm targets a return of 5X on its investments, reflecting its commitment to backing high-potential startups in the entertainment and technology sectors.
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