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Lightship Capital is a venture capital fund based in Cincinnati, Ohio, founded to support underrepresented, early-stage businesses. Established by Candice Matthews Brackeen and Brian Brackeen, the fund focuses on empowering founders of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and innovators with disabilities. The organization aims to provide essential resources for startup success and wealth building in typically excluded economic ecosystems.
Currently, Lightship Capital manages a fund size of $50 million, targeting investments in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South. The firm has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within the startup community. Notable milestones include being recognized as the largest-ever VC fund for Midwest minority-led startups at its launch. The fund has also expanded its reach from Cincinnati to Indianapolis, indicating a growing influence in the region.
Lightship Capital invests across various sectors, including Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), E-Commerce, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, and Health Tech. The fund primarily targets companies in the United States, with a special emphasis on the Midwest and South. Lightship Capital is particularly interested in businesses that are post-product and post-revenue, focusing on stages from Pre-Seed to Series A.
Investment check sizes range from $100,000 to $2 million, allowing for flexibility in supporting diverse startups. The firm encourages companies to consider relocating to Ohio, Tulsa, OK, or Arkansas, enhancing its regional focus. Lightship Capital seeks founders who demonstrate resilience and innovation, particularly those from marginalized communities, aligning with its mission to foster a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.
Lightship Capital's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its commitment to supporting underrepresented founders:
Additionally, the portfolio includes companies in personalized education, dental treatment, tech career launches, and innovative consumer products, showcasing a diverse range of industries and solutions.
Candice Matthews Brackeen - General Partner. Candice co-founded Lightship Capital and has a strong background in supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. She has been instrumental in shaping the fund's mission and strategy.
Brian Brackeen - General Partner. Brian is also a co-founder of Lightship Capital and is known for his previous work with Kairos, a facial recognition company. His expertise in technology and entrepreneurship informs the fund's investment approach.
Alexis Alston - Partner. Alexis brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and startup development, contributing to the fund's focus on diverse founders and innovative solutions.
Marlon Avery - Engineering Director. Marlon oversees technical aspects within the portfolio, ensuring that companies have the necessary support for product development and innovation.
To pitch to Lightship Capital, founders should send an email to info@lightship.capital. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. The fund appreciates clear and concise presentations that demonstrate the startup's potential for growth and impact.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Lightship Capital values warm introductions, so leveraging connections within the network can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In recent months, Lightship Capital has continued to support diverse founders and promote its mission through various initiatives. The fund has highlighted its notable portfolio companies, including FreshFry and Haute Hijab, showcasing its commitment to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs.
As of March 2026, Lightship Capital is actively managing its $50 million Fund I, with ongoing investments in early-stage businesses across the Midwest and South. The firm has been recognized in various media outlets for its efforts to create a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.
What are Lightship Capital's investment criteria?
Lightship Capital focuses on investing in underrepresented founders, particularly those who are people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and innovators with disabilities. The fund targets early-stage businesses in sectors such as CPG, E-Commerce, Sustainability, AI, and Health Tech, with a preference for companies that are post-product and post-revenue.
How can founders apply or pitch to Lightship Capital?
Founders can reach out to Lightship Capital via email at info@lightship.capital. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. The fund is particularly interested in companies willing to relocate to Ohio, Tulsa, OK, or Arkansas.
What makes Lightship Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Lightship Capital is distinct in its commitment to supporting underrepresented founders and promoting diversity within the startup ecosystem. The fund not only provides capital but also offers strategic resources, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts to help founders succeed.
What is the geographic scope of Lightship Capital's investments?
The fund primarily invests in the United States, with a strong emphasis on the Midwest and South. Lightship Capital encourages companies to consider relocating to its target regions, enhancing its focus on local economic development.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Lightship Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $2 million in its portfolio companies, allowing for flexibility in supporting diverse startups at various stages of growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Lightship Capital have?
Lightship Capital is committed to providing ongoing support to its portfolio companies through mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts, ensuring that founders have the resources needed to thrive in competitive markets.
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