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MAVA Ventures, founded by David Mortamais six years ago, is based in New York, NY. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly during the pre-seed and seed rounds. MAVA Ventures has cultivated an ecosystem that includes over 30 companies, emphasizing the critical first two to three years in a startup's lifecycle for foundational growth and survival.
The firm operates as a solo-GP vehicle, allowing for quick decision-making and a streamlined investment process. MAVA Ventures has a strong presence in North America, Africa, and South Asia, targeting large emerging markets. The firm has not publicly disclosed its fund size but has been active in developing its portfolio, which includes notable companies like AssemblyAI and CarbonChain.
MAVA Ventures primarily invests in B2B SaaS and Fintech companies, seeking disruptive opportunities across various verticals. The firm does not limit itself to specific sectors but looks for companies entering a vertical due to technological, regulatory, or geographical disruptions. Notable emerging markets of interest include Nigeria, Kenya, and India, where MAVA Ventures aims to capitalize on significant growth potential.
The firm typically invests between $100K and $1M, with a sweet spot around $250K. MAVA Ventures emphasizes a founder-friendly approach, acting as a participating investor that co-invests alongside larger seed leads. This strategy allows the firm to support startups without taking board seats or leading rounds, which aligns with its focus on low governance overhead and speed in decision-making.
MAVA Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 30 companies, including:
David Mortamais - Managing Partner. David founded MAVA Ventures after a successful career as an operator, having previously founded LTI Telecom in 1998, which scaled to over 120 employees and achieved €30M in annual recurring revenue. He exited LTI Telecom through an acquisition by Altice in 2013. David's operator background informs his approach to investing, as he emphasizes the importance of supporting founders during the critical early stages of their startups.
To pitch MAVA Ventures, founders should send an email to info@mavavc.com. The pitch should include a brief overview of the startup, the problem it solves, the target market, and the team’s background. MAVA Ventures prefers concise decks that clearly outline the business model and growth potential. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, but timelines may vary based on the firm's current deal flow.
As of April 2023, MAVA Ventures has been actively expanding its portfolio, now comprising over 30 companies. Recent investments include participation in the $2.5M seed round for Offsight, alongside Flight VC, Foundamental VC, and ICONIQ Capital. The firm continues to focus on B2B SaaS and Fintech sectors, particularly in large emerging markets.
In 2022, MAVA Ventures highlighted its commitment to supporting startups in the climate tech space, with investments in companies like CarbonChain. The firm regularly updates its website to reflect its investment focus and portfolio developments, ensuring transparency and engagement with the startup community.
What are MAVA Ventures' investment criteria?
MAVA Ventures invests in early-stage startups, particularly in the B2B SaaS and Fintech sectors. The firm looks for companies that are addressing disruptive opportunities in large emerging markets, with a market size of at least $1 billion.
How can I pitch MAVA Ventures?
Founders can pitch MAVA Ventures by sending an email to info@mavavc.com. It is advisable to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch.
What makes MAVA Ventures different from other investors?
MAVA Ventures emphasizes a founder-friendly approach, acting as a participating investor rather than leading rounds or taking board seats. This allows for a more collaborative relationship with founders.
What is the typical check size for MAVA Ventures?
The firm typically invests between $100K and $1M, with a sweet spot around $250K. This range allows MAVA Ventures to support startups effectively during their early stages.
What geographic areas does MAVA Ventures focus on?
MAVA Ventures primarily invests in North America, Africa, and South Asia, targeting large emerging markets where significant growth opportunities exist.
What type of support does MAVA Ventures provide to portfolio companies?
The firm provides operational support and resources to its portfolio companies, leveraging David Mortamais's experience as an operator to guide founders through the early stages of their business.
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