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January Ventures is a pre-seed venture capital firm founded by Maren Thomas Bannon and Jennifer Keiser Neundorfer. Established in the United States, the firm focuses on investing in early-stage B2B startups that are digitally transforming traditional industries. The firm has a current fund size of $200 million and has invested in a total of 60 companies across various sectors.
January Ventures has evolved significantly since its inception, with a notable increase in its fund size from $21 million in Fund II to over $200 million in Fund III, launched in 2025. This growth reflects the firm’s commitment to supporting visionary founders and its reputation as a first institutional check for many startups. The firm operates primarily in the United States and Europe, emphasizing its dedication to backing outlier founders who often lack access to traditional funding sources.
January Ventures primarily targets pre-seed and seed stage companies, investing between $150,000 and $500,000. The firm focuses on sectors such as SaaS, healthcare, climate, and commerce, with a strong emphasis on B2B startups that are innovating within these areas. Their investment strategy prioritizes exceptional founders who are transforming traditional industries and processes, often before they have a product, customers, or revenue.
The firm seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate unique perspectives and determination, valuing industry expertise and ambition over traditional pedigree. January Ventures is known for being the first institutional check, which allows them to support startups at their earliest stages. Their investment thesis centers on digitally transforming legacy industries, with a particular focus on the future of work, digital health, and climate solutions.
January Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 60 companies, showcasing its commitment to early-stage investments across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects January Ventures' focus on B2B solutions that address significant challenges in various industries, particularly in healthcare, climate, and commerce.
Maren Thomas Bannon: Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Prior to founding January Ventures, Maren held various roles in the startup ecosystem, focusing on early-stage investments and operational support.
Jennifer Keiser Neundorfer: Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Jennifer has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in supporting underrepresented founders in the startup community.
Andrew Brown: CFO. Andrew brings financial expertise to the firm, managing fund operations and financial strategy.
Bobbi-Jo O'Gilvie: Community Manager. Bobbi-Jo focuses on building relationships within the startup community and supporting portfolio companies.
Brianna Uhrig: Operations. Brianna oversees the operational aspects of the firm, ensuring efficient processes and support for the team.
To pitch to January Ventures, founders should visit their website and complete the pitch application form. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
January Ventures has been actively deploying its Fund III, which launched in 2025 with a size of over $200 million. The firm has made a total of 60 investments, focusing on pre-seed and seed stage companies across the United States and Europe.
Recent highlights include notable investments in companies such as M7 Health, Ethena, and Treefera, which align with their focus on B2B solutions in healthcare and climate sectors. January Ventures continues to emphasize its commitment to supporting visionary founders and transforming traditional industries.
What are the investment criteria for January Ventures?
January Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed stage B2B startups, focusing on companies that are digitally transforming traditional industries. They prioritize exceptional founders with industry expertise and ambition.
How can I apply or pitch to January Ventures?
Founders can pitch to January Ventures through their website at www.january.ventures. They also provide a pitch application form for interested startups.
What makes January Ventures different from other VC firms?
January Ventures is known for being the first institutional check for many startups, emphasizing support for underrepresented founders and those often overlooked by traditional funding sources.
What is the geographic scope of January Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in the United States and Europe, focusing on early-stage companies in these regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
January Ventures typically invests between $150,000 and $500,000 in their portfolio companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
January Ventures provides post-investment support, including go-to-market strategies and customer introductions, to help their portfolio companies succeed.
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