Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Lightship Capital is a venture capital fund based in Cincinnati, Ohio, founded with the mission to empower underrepresented, early-stage businesses. Established to support founders of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and innovators with disabilities, Lightship Capital aims to provide essential resources for startup success and wealth building in typically excluded economic ecosystems. With a fund size of $50 million, Lightship Capital is recognized as one of the largest VC funds dedicated to minority-led startups in the Midwest. The firm has garnered a reputation for its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the entrepreneurial landscape.
Co-founded by Candice Matthews Brackeen and Brian Brackeen, Lightship Capital has positioned itself as a leader in promoting equity in the startup ecosystem. The firm primarily invests in the United States, with a particular focus on the Midwest and South regions. It encourages companies to consider relocating to Ohio, Tulsa, OK, or Arkansas, thereby enhancing the local entrepreneurial environment. Lightship Capital's approach is not only about providing capital but also about building a supportive community for its portfolio companies, ensuring they have the necessary tools and networks to thrive.
Lightship Capital invests across a diverse range of sectors, including Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), E-Commerce, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, and Health Tech. The firm primarily targets early-stage companies at the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $2 million. Lightship Capital specifically seeks businesses that are post-product and post-revenue, indicating a preference for companies that have already demonstrated some level of market traction.
Geographically, Lightship Capital focuses on the United States, with a strong emphasis on the Midwest and South. The firm actively encourages startups to relocate to areas such as Ohio, Tulsa, OK, or Arkansas, where they can benefit from a supportive ecosystem. Lightship Capital is particularly interested in backing founders from underrepresented communities, including those of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and innovators with disabilities. This focus on diversity not only aligns with the firm’s mission but also enhances the potential for innovation and growth within its portfolio.
Lightship Capital boasts a diverse portfolio of innovative companies that reflect its commitment to supporting underrepresented founders. Notable investments include FreshFry, which offers a safer method for replenishing frying oil; Haute Hijab, a brand dedicated to empowering women through fashion; Allergy Amulet, which provides a fast food allergen sensor; and Proov, a company focused on helping women understand their menstrual health. These companies exemplify the fund's focus on technology-driven startups that address real-world problems and cater to diverse consumer needs.
The portfolio also includes businesses in personalized education, dental treatment, tech career launches, and various innovative consumer products. By investing in these sectors, Lightship Capital not only supports economic growth but also contributes to creating a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape. The firm’s strategic approach ensures that its portfolio companies receive not just financial backing but also the mentorship and resources necessary for sustainable success.
Candice Matthews Brackeen - Co-founder of Lightship Capital, Candice is dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders and fostering diversity in the startup ecosystem.
Brian Brackeen - Co-founder of Lightship Capital, Brian is known for his work with Kairos and is focused on supporting technology-driven startups with existing revenue traction.
To pitch Lightship Capital, founders should email info@lightship.capital with a detailed overview of their business. The pitch should include information about the company's mission, market potential, and alignment with Lightship's focus on empowering underrepresented founders. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold applications are also accepted.
Lightship Capital invests in early-stage businesses at the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages. The firm focuses on companies that have reached post-product and post-revenue stages, indicating some level of market traction.
Founders interested in pitching to Lightship Capital can reach out via email at info@lightship.capital. It is advisable to provide a clear overview of the business, including its mission, market potential, and how it aligns with Lightship's focus on underrepresented founders.
Lightship Capital invests in a variety of sectors, including Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), E-Commerce, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, and Health Tech. The firm is particularly interested in companies that address significant challenges and cater to diverse consumer needs.
The typical check size for Lightship Capital ranges from $100,000 to $2 million. This range allows the firm to support companies at various stages of their growth journey.
Lightship Capital primarily invests in the United States, with a strong emphasis on the Midwest and South. The firm encourages companies to consider relocating to areas such as Ohio, Tulsa, OK, or Arkansas to benefit from a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In addition to capital, Lightship Capital provides strategic resources, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts. The firm is committed to fostering growth and success for underrepresented founders, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive in competitive markets.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.