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Matchstick Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2015 by Nathaniel Zola and Ryan Broshar. The firm is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, focusing on technology companies in underserved startup ecosystems, particularly in regions between the coasts of the United States. Matchstick Ventures aims to act as a catalyst for founders by providing capital, connections, and community support.
Since its inception, Matchstick Ventures has raised a total of $90 million across three funds, with Fund I at $5 million, Fund II at $30 million, and Fund III at $55 million. The firm has built a portfolio of over 100 companies, emphasizing a founder-first approach that prioritizes relationships and support for entrepreneurs. Notable milestones include a commitment to diversity, with 54% of their last fund's portfolio led by at least one underrepresented founder.
Matchstick Ventures specializes in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, providing capital ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million. The firm emphasizes backing diverse founders and innovative ideas across various sectors, particularly in technology. Their investment strategy is rooted in a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in underserved ecosystems, specifically in the Rockies and Northern regions of the United States.
The firm actively seeks to build strong relationships with founders, offering hands-on support, mentorship, and access to a network of over 400 successful entrepreneurs and investors. Matchstick Ventures prioritizes diversity in its investment decisions, with a significant portion of its portfolio comprising companies led by underrepresented founders, including 31% female and 37% non-white leaders.
Matchstick Ventures has invested in over 100 companies since its founding. Notable portfolio companies include:
Nathaniel Zola: Co-Founder and General Partner at Matchstick Ventures, Nathaniel has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has led investments in numerous successful startups and is committed to supporting diverse founders.
Ryan Broshar: Co-Founder and General Partner, Ryan has extensive experience in early-stage investing and has been instrumental in building Matchstick's portfolio. He focuses on fostering strong relationships with entrepreneurs.
Nicole Glaros: Venture Partner, Nicole brings a wealth of experience in technology and startup growth. She has a strong track record of mentoring founders and guiding companies through their early stages.
Shannon Shroyer: Head of Network, Shannon oversees the firm's community initiatives and ensures that portfolio companies have access to valuable resources and connections.
To pitch Matchstick Ventures, founders should utilize the preferred channel of their website at matchstick.vc or email Ryan Broshar directly at ryan@matchstick.vc. A comprehensive pitch deck should include information about the team, market opportunity, product, and financial projections. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are encouraged to facilitate the process.
In recent months, Matchstick Ventures has continued to expand its portfolio, investing in a variety of technology companies. The firm remains committed to supporting diverse founders and innovative ideas, particularly in underserved markets. Notable investments include companies like Automate.Clinic and Paperstack, which exemplify their focus on technology and community impact.
Matchstick Ventures has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity, with a significant portion of its portfolio comprising companies led by underrepresented founders. This focus aligns with their mission to foster entrepreneurial growth in regions historically underserved by venture capital.
What are Matchstick Ventures' investment criteria?
Matchstick Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups, focusing on diverse founders and innovative ideas. They provide capital ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
How can I apply or pitch to Matchstick Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at matchstick.vc or by emailing Ryan Broshar at ryan@matchstick.vc. A well-prepared pitch deck should include details about the team, market opportunity, and product.
What makes Matchstick Ventures different from other firms?
Matchstick Ventures emphasizes a founder-first approach, prioritizing relationships and support for entrepreneurs. They focus on underserved startup ecosystems and have a strong commitment to diversity, with a significant portion of their portfolio led by underrepresented founders.
What is the geographic scope of Matchstick Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in North America, particularly in the Rockies and Northern regions, which have historically been underserved by coastal venture capital.
What type of post-investment involvement does Matchstick Ventures have?
Matchstick Ventures provides hands-on support, mentorship, and access to a network of successful entrepreneurs and investors to help portfolio companies grow and succeed.
What is the size of Matchstick Ventures' funds?
Matchstick Ventures has raised a total of $90 million across three funds, with Fund I at $5 million, Fund II at $30 million, and Fund III at $55 million.
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