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Ground Up Ventures is a venture capital firm founded by David Stark and Cory Moelis. Established in the United States, the firm focuses on supporting early-stage startups by providing capital and resources to help them grow. Ground Up Ventures has built a reputation for its hands-on approach, which includes not only financial investment but also strategic guidance tailored to the unique needs of each portfolio company.
Currently, Ground Up Ventures manages a portfolio of 29 companies across various sectors, including fintech, SaaS, proptech, energy, and e-commerce infrastructure. The firm primarily invests in companies at the pre-seed, seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C stages. Ground Up Ventures is known for its collaborative partnership model, which emphasizes working closely with founders to foster growth and innovation.
Ground Up Ventures operates from its headquarters in the United States and has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including a diverse portfolio that reflects its commitment to supporting innovative startups. Ground Up Ventures is also recognized for its ability to bridge the gap between Israeli tech founders and the U.S. market, enhancing its investment strategy.
Ground Up Ventures invests across a range of sectors, including fintech, SaaS, proptech, energy, and e-commerce infrastructure. The firm targets companies at various stages of development, focusing primarily on pre-seed and seed rounds. This approach allows Ground Up Ventures to engage with startups early in their lifecycle, providing essential support and resources to help them scale effectively.
The firm emphasizes a collaborative partnership model, which is integral to its investment strategy. Ground Up Ventures seeks to empower founders by offering not just capital but also strategic guidance tailored to their specific needs. This hands-on approach is designed to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and seize opportunities in competitive markets.
Ground Up Ventures is particularly interested in startups based in the United States and Israel, leveraging its expertise to connect Israeli founders with the U.S. market. The firm looks for innovative solutions and strong founding teams that demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their business plans. Ground Up Ventures is committed to fostering growth and innovation among its portfolio companies through active involvement and support.
Ground Up Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 29 companies, showcasing its investment across multiple sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Ground Up Ventures' commitment to investing in innovative solutions across various industries, with a focus on companies that demonstrate strong growth potential and a clear market need.
David Stark: Founding Partner at Ground Up Ventures, David has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has a strong track record of supporting early-stage startups and guiding them through their growth phases.
Cory Moelis: Founding Partner, Cory brings a wealth of knowledge in investment strategy and startup development. His expertise lies in identifying promising startups and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed.
Jordan Odinsky: Partner at Ground Up Ventures, Jordan focuses on sourcing new investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Shira Stein: Executive Assistant, Shira plays a crucial role in managing operations and supporting the team in various capacities.
Allie Feuerstein: Head of Value Creation, Allie is responsible for enhancing the value of portfolio companies through strategic initiatives and operational support.
Navot Volk: Venture Partner, Navot brings a unique perspective to the firm, leveraging his experience in both the U.S. and Israeli markets to support cross-border investments.
To pitch Ground Up Ventures, founders should visit their website at groundup.vc and submit their proposals through the contact form. It is advisable to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
As of April 2025, Ground Up Ventures made a notable investment in Pillar Security during its seed round. This investment reflects the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative startups in the technology sector.
Ground Up Ventures has also expanded its portfolio to include companies such as Baba, Nevona IT, and Threefold, further diversifying its investments across fintech, SaaS, proptech, energy, and e-commerce infrastructure.
In recent years, the firm has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, particularly as a bridge between Israeli tech founders and the U.S. market.
What are Ground Up Ventures' investment criteria?
Ground Up Ventures invests in early-stage startups across sectors such as fintech, SaaS, proptech, energy, and e-commerce infrastructure. They focus on companies at pre-seed, seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C stages, primarily in the United States and Israel.
How can founders apply or pitch to Ground Up Ventures?
Founders can reach out to Ground Up Ventures through their website at groundup.vc. They encourage interested parties to submit their pitches via email or through the contact form on their site.
What makes Ground Up Ventures different from other VC firms?
Ground Up Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources to help founders navigate challenges and scale their businesses effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Ground Up Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in the United States and Israel, leveraging its expertise to connect Israeli founders with the U.S. market.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Ground Up Ventures invests across various stages, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Ground Up Ventures is known for its collaborative approach, offering hands-on assistance and strategic guidance to portfolio companies, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth.
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