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Ocean Ventures, also known as Cross Ocean Ventures, is an early-stage investment fund founded in 2022 in San Diego, California. The firm focuses on supporting international founders with global ambitions, particularly those looking to expand into the US market. Ocean Ventures aims to bridge the gap for European and Israeli startups seeking to establish a foothold in the competitive US landscape.
The firm has built a team of 11 professionals, including five general partners, and emphasizes a collaborative approach to investment. Ocean Ventures has a portfolio of 11 companies, showcasing its commitment to early-stage technology investments. The firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing resources and connections to facilitate successful market entry and growth.
Notable milestones include the establishment of a robust network for deal-sharing and follow-on syndication, which enhances the potential for portfolio companies to secure additional funding. Ocean Ventures is strategically positioned to leverage its expertise in navigating the complexities of the US market, making it a valuable partner for startups aiming for expansion.
Ocean Ventures primarily invests in technology sectors, including B2B SaaS, digital identity, and digital health. The firm targets companies that have a minimum viable product (MVP) and are post-revenue, with some product-market fit or use case validation. Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus, with a focus on early-stage companies that demonstrate potential for growth.
The geographical focus encompasses Europe, particularly the Benelux, Nordics, Baltics, Switzerland, and the UK, as well as the United States. Ocean Ventures also considers investments in Eastern Europe, Portugal, the Balkans, Turkey, and Cyprus. The firm’s investment strategy is designed to support startups in their journey to enter the US market, providing them with the necessary resources and connections to thrive.
Ocean Ventures emphasizes sectors such as data security, diagnostics, and customer engagement, aligning its investment thesis with the evolving needs of the technology landscape. The firm actively seeks out companies that can benefit from its extensive network and expertise in cross-border market entry.
Ocean Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 11 companies, each contributing to its investment thesis in technology sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Ocean Ventures' commitment to investing in innovative technology solutions that address real-world challenges and enhance user experiences.
Zeynep Ilgaz - General Partner and Co-founder. Zeynep is a former entrepreneur who successfully sold Confirm Biosciences. She brings extensive operational experience and a strong network in the San Diego startup ecosystem.
Serhat Pala - General Partner. Serhat has a background in venture capital and technology investments, focusing on early-stage companies with high growth potential.
Milan Saes - General Partner. Milan specializes in technology investments and has a keen interest in supporting startups in the digital health sector.
Alex Altomare - Venture Partner. Alex has experience in scaling technology companies and provides valuable insights into market entry strategies.
Scott Jablonski - Venture Partner. Scott focuses on business development and strategic partnerships, helping portfolio companies expand their reach.
Qun Xu - Venture Partner. Qun has expertise in data analytics and technology, contributing to the firm's investment decisions in data-driven startups.
Bill Eigner - Board Advisor. Bill provides strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies, leveraging his extensive industry experience.
Haydar Nur - Analyst. Haydar supports the investment team with market research and analysis, helping identify promising investment opportunities.
Kenan Pala - Research Specialist. Kenan conducts in-depth research on potential investments and market trends, contributing to the firm's overall strategy.
To pitch Ocean Ventures, founders should visit their website at crossoceanfund.com for detailed instructions on the application process. The firm prefers pitches that include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy.
Founders should be prepared to provide information on their team, product development status, and any traction achieved to date. Ocean Ventures values clear communication and a well-structured pitch deck that highlights the startup's unique value proposition.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting their pitch. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can enhance the likelihood of a favorable response.
As of April 2026, Ocean Ventures has made significant strides in its investment activities, with a total of 11 portfolio companies. The firm has focused on seed-stage investments, with an average round size of approximately $4.9 million.
Recent additions to the portfolio include notable companies such as Leadsales, Rook, and Houston Bionics, reflecting the firm's commitment to supporting innovative technology solutions. Ocean Ventures continues to emphasize its role as a US landing partner for European and Israeli founders, actively updating its investment focus and portfolio.
The firm has also been enhancing its online presence, with recent blog posts highlighting its investment strategy and notable portfolio companies. This activity signals Ocean Ventures' dedication to helping startups navigate the complexities of entering the US market.
What are Ocean Ventures' investment criteria?
Ocean Ventures primarily invests in early-stage technology companies that have a minimum viable product (MVP) and are post-revenue. The firm looks for startups with some product-market fit or use case validation, focusing on sectors such as B2B SaaS, digital identity, and digital health.
How can I pitch to Ocean Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to Ocean Ventures can visit their website at crossoceanfund.com for more information on the application process. The firm encourages startups to provide detailed information about their business model, market potential, and growth strategy.
What makes Ocean Ventures different from other investors?
Ocean Ventures differentiates itself by serving as a US landing partner for European and Israeli founders. The firm provides active co-investment opportunities and a robust network for deal-sharing and follow-on syndication, which is crucial for startups entering the US market.
What is the geographic scope of Ocean Ventures?
The firm focuses on investments in Europe, particularly the Benelux, Nordics, Baltics, Switzerland, and the UK, as well as the United States. Ocean Ventures also considers opportunities in Eastern Europe, Portugal, the Balkans, Turkey, and Cyprus.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Ocean Ventures primarily targets early-stage investments, which typically range from pre-seed to seed-plus stages. The average round size for seed-stage deals is approximately $4.9 million.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Ocean Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing resources, mentorship, and connections to facilitate successful market entry and growth in the US. The firm emphasizes collaboration and support throughout the investment lifecycle.
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