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Holly Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in December 2025, based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses exclusively on seed-stage investments in the cybersecurity sector, aiming to support founders from the earliest stages of company building. Holly Ventures launched with a debut fund size of $33 million, positioning itself as a Day Zero partner for cybersecurity entrepreneurs.
The firm emphasizes a global investment strategy, with a particular focus on the United States and Israel. Holly Ventures seeks to engage with founders at the ideation stage, providing both tactical and strategic support throughout their journey. This approach allows the firm to address significant challenges in the cybersecurity industry effectively.
Holly Ventures is led by John Brennan, who has a background in venture capital with previous roles at YL Ventures, DCVC, OCA Ventures, and Horsley Bridge Partners. The firm aims to preserve cap-table optionality for founders while offering direct engagement and access to a network of customers and security leaders.
Holly Ventures invests exclusively in seed-stage cybersecurity startups, particularly those addressing critical issues in exposure management, privileged access management, and security infrastructure. The firm typically participates in funding rounds ranging from $5 million to $10 million, investing alongside larger lead investors. This strategy allows Holly Ventures to maintain a focused check size while providing substantial support to its portfolio companies.
The firm looks for founders who possess technical expertise, ambition, humility, and execution discipline. Holly Ventures emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with founders, starting from the ideation phase and evolving to support in areas such as executive hiring and follow-on financing. This hands-on approach helps founders navigate the complexities of building successful cybersecurity companies.
Holly Ventures has made notable investments in the following cybersecurity startups:
These investments reflect Holly Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the cybersecurity sector, particularly those that address pressing challenges faced by organizations today.
John Brennan - Founder & Managing Partner. John Brennan founded Holly Ventures and manages the $33 million seed-stage cybersecurity fund. He has previously held roles at YL Ventures, DCVC, OCA Ventures, and Horsley Bridge Partners. Brennan focuses on providing tactical and strategic support for cybersecurity founders, leveraging his extensive experience in the venture capital space.
To pitch Holly Ventures, founders should send an email to info@hollyventures.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, and team background. Founders should also be prepared to discuss their product's technical aspects and how it addresses critical cybersecurity challenges.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can help establish credibility and facilitate the initial conversation.
In December 2025, Holly Ventures announced the launch of its $33 million debut fund, specifically targeting seed-stage cybersecurity investments. This fund aims to support early-stage founders in addressing significant challenges within the cybersecurity sector.
In February 2026, Astelia, a portfolio company of Holly Ventures, announced it had raised $35 million in combined seed and Series A funding, with Holly Ventures participating in this financing round. This investment highlights Holly Ventures' active role in supporting innovative cybersecurity startups.
What are Holly Ventures' investment criteria?
Holly Ventures focuses on seed-stage cybersecurity startups that tackle critical issues in exposure management, privileged access management, and security infrastructure. The firm seeks founders with technical expertise, ambition, humility, and execution discipline.
How can I apply or pitch to Holly Ventures?
Founders can reach out to Holly Ventures via email at info@hollyventures.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Holly Ventures different from other investors?
Holly Ventures differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on seed-stage investments in cybersecurity. The firm emphasizes direct engagement from the General Partner and provides access to a network of customers and security leaders, which is crucial for early-stage companies.
What is the geographic scope of Holly Ventures' investments?
The firm invests globally, with a particular emphasis on the United States and Israel. This geographic focus allows Holly Ventures to tap into some of the most innovative cybersecurity ecosystems.
What kind of support can portfolio founders expect?
Founders working with Holly Ventures can expect tactical and strategic support throughout their journey. This includes assistance with ideation, customer interaction, initial product direction, executive hiring, and follow-on financing.
What is the typical check size for Holly Ventures?
Holly Ventures typically invests between $5 million and $10 million in seed-stage funding rounds, often alongside larger lead investors.
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