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Motivate Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2019 by David Wieland and Lauren DeLuca, based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed and seed stage companies. With a strong commitment to supporting ambitious founders, Motivate provides not only capital but also valuable experience and connections to help realize their visions. The firm has quickly established a reputation for its focus on addressing significant and durable problems in large and growing markets, particularly in sectors such as fintech, AI, and marketplaces. Although the specific fund size is not disclosed, Motivate has successfully built a diverse portfolio of innovative companies, demonstrating its ability to identify and nurture promising startups. The leadership team, consisting of experienced professionals in the venture capital space, is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages growth and innovation.
Motivate Venture Capital primarily invests in the earliest stages of a company's lifecycle, targeting investments of $250,000 to $1 million in pre-seed opportunities and $1.5 million to $3 million in seed stage opportunities. The firm focuses on sectors such as fintech, enterprise software, AI/ML, and marketplaces, with a keen interest in companies that tackle significant and durable problems in large and growing markets. This strategic focus allows Motivate to identify startups that not only have innovative solutions but also possess the potential for substantial market impact. The firm seeks founders who are passionate about their ideas and demonstrate a strong commitment to executing their vision. By concentrating on these specific sectors and stages, Motivate positions itself as a valuable partner for startups looking to make a meaningful difference in their industries.
Motivate Venture Capital boasts a diverse portfolio of notable companies that exemplify its investment strategy. Key portfolio companies include **Chime**, a mobile-only bank that offers no monthly fees and no minimum deposit; **Public.com**, a social investing platform that democratizes access to financial markets; and **Home Chef**, a provider of fresh, customized weekly meal kits, which was acquired by Kroger for approximately $700 million. Other significant investments include **Hallow**, a Catholic meditation and guided prayer app; **Trading View**, a social network and technology platform for investors; **Mesh**, a crypto network enabling businesses to offer secure and compliant crypto payment solutions; **Thrive Financial**, which provides expansive credit coverage with a single application; **Clyr**, an expense management platform for companies with on-the-go employees; and **Privacy Lock**, a privacy solution that does not collect or process customer data. This varied portfolio reflects Motivate's commitment to supporting innovative solutions across multiple sectors.
David Wieland - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. David brings extensive experience in venture capital and a passion for supporting innovative startups.
Lauren DeLuca - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Lauren has a strong background in early-stage investments and is dedicated to empowering founders.
To pitch Motivate Venture Capital, founders should visit their contact page at motivate.vc/contact/. They welcome both warm introductions and cold applications, but pitches should clearly outline the company's vision, market potential, and how it aligns with Motivate's investment focus.
Motivate Venture Capital primarily invests in the pre-seed and seed stages of a company's lifecycle. They focus on early-stage investments to support ambitious founders in bringing their ideas to fruition.
Founders can pitch Motivate Venture Capital by visiting their contact page at motivate.vc/contact/. They welcome pitches that align with their investment focus in fintech, AI, and marketplaces.
Motivate Venture Capital focuses on sectors such as fintech, enterprise software, AI/ML, and marketplaces. They are particularly interested in companies that address significant and durable problems in large and growing markets.
Motivate Venture Capital typically invests between $250,000 and $3 million, with specific allocations of $250,000 to $1 million for pre-seed opportunities and $1.5 million to $3 million for seed stage investments.
Motivate Venture Capital primarily invests in the United States, focusing on early-stage companies that demonstrate potential for significant growth and impact.
Motivate Venture Capital adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational support. This comprehensive approach helps founders navigate the challenges of building their businesses.
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