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Lavrock Ventures is a venture capital firm located in Arlington, Virginia, founded in 2015. The firm was established to support entrepreneurs tackling critical national issues, particularly in the technology sector. Lavrock Ventures emphasizes providing strategic, operational, and financial support to early-stage companies, focusing on dual-use technologies that serve both commercial and national security needs.
As of now, Lavrock Ventures manages a diverse portfolio of 60 companies, with a significant emphasis on B2B enterprises. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $4 million in financing rounds that range from $3 million to $12 million. This investment strategy allows Lavrock to lead rounds and engage deeply with its portfolio companies.
Lavrock Ventures operates primarily in North America and Europe, positioning itself at the intersection of commercial technology and defense. The firm has been recognized for its unique approach to identifying and filtering investment opportunities through the lens of national security.
Lavrock Ventures invests primarily in early-stage technology companies across several sectors, including enterprise software, data, deep tech, and national security. The firm targets B2B companies that demonstrate potential for supplementary public sector revenue. Investments typically range from $2 million to $4 million, with financing rounds between $3 million and $12 million.
The firm prefers to lead investment rounds, allowing it to take a proactive role in shaping the direction of its portfolio companies. Lavrock Ventures seeks companies that not only address commercial needs but also contribute to national security challenges, aligning with its investment thesis focused on dual-use technologies.
Lavrock Ventures looks for founders who are committed to solving significant problems and who possess a clear vision for their companies. The firm values operational expertise and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, particularly in sectors related to national security.
Lavrock Ventures has built a notable portfolio of 60 companies, including several that have achieved unicorn status. Key portfolio companies include:
Steve Smoot - Managing Partner. Steve has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in technology companies. He has a strong background in national security and defense.
Daniel Hanks - Managing Partner. Daniel specializes in early-stage investments and has a proven track record of supporting B2B technology startups. His expertise includes operational strategy and market positioning.
Jim Hunt - General Partner. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge in technology commercialization and has been instrumental in guiding portfolio companies through growth phases.
Alex Poulin - Partner. Alex focuses on identifying innovative startups and has a strong background in enterprise software and data analytics.
Juliane Gallina - Partner. Juliane has experience in operational support and strategic planning, helping portfolio companies navigate complex challenges.
George Hoyem - Venture Partner. George provides insights into the defense sector and helps connect portfolio companies with government clients.
To pitch Lavrock Ventures, founders should use the contact form on their website or email them directly at contact@lavrockvc.com. A well-structured pitch deck should include an overview of the technology, market analysis, and a clear explanation of how the startup addresses national security challenges.
Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not required. It is crucial to highlight the dual-use nature of the technology and its potential for public sector revenue in the pitch.
In February 2026, Lavrock Ventures co-led a $9.75 million Series A round for Urban Sky, a company specializing in stratospheric balloons for remote sensing applications. This investment aligns with their focus on dual-use technologies.
Additionally, Lavrock Ventures co-led a $7.5 million Seed round for PteroDynamics, which develops autonomous VTOL aircraft. This investment reflects the firm's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the aerospace sector.
As of now, Lavrock Ventures has made a total of 60 investments, with a significant number in the national security and technology sectors. Their portfolio includes three unicorns and several companies that have achieved notable exits.
What are Lavrock Ventures' investment criteria?
Lavrock Ventures focuses on early-stage technology companies in sectors such as enterprise software, data, deep tech, and national security. They prefer B2B companies that have the potential for supplementary public sector revenue.
How can I apply or pitch to Lavrock Ventures?
Founders can pitch Lavrock Ventures through their website at lavrockvc.com or via email at contact@lavrockvc.com. A clear business plan and understanding of the national security implications of the technology are essential.
What makes Lavrock Ventures different from other VC firms?
Lavrock Ventures uniquely combines a focus on dual-use technologies with a commitment to addressing national security challenges. Their expertise in navigating regulatory environments provides added value to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Lavrock Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in companies located in North America and Europe, focusing on those that align with their national security investment thesis.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Lavrock Ventures?
Lavrock Ventures typically invests between $2 million and $4 million in financing rounds that range from $3 million to $12 million. They prefer to lead investment rounds to maintain a significant influence over their portfolio companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Lavrock Ventures have?
Lavrock Ventures provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a network of industry experts to help portfolio companies navigate complex challenges and connect with potential government clients.
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