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Off the Grid Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2016 by five co-founders: Ben Orthlieb, Christopher Haire, David Mes, Mat Peyron, and Olivier Poissonnier. The firm emerged with a mission to support foreign and women founders who often encounter funding disparities in the venture capital landscape. Off the Grid Ventures believes in the potential of these entrepreneurs and aims to provide not only capital but also access to deep tech and venture capital networks to accelerate their success.
As of now, Off the Grid Ventures has made over 22 investments, focusing primarily on pre-seed and seed stage companies. The firm has a strong commitment to enhancing the success of its portfolio companies through strategic guidance and support beyond financial investment. Although the firm’s website currently returns a 404 error, its previous activities indicate a focus on empowering overlooked communities within the startup ecosystem.
Off the Grid Ventures primarily invests in pre-seed and seed stage companies, concentrating on sectors such as fintech and enterprise tech (B2B SaaS). The firm is particularly dedicated to supporting immigrant and women-led companies, recognizing the unique challenges these founders face in securing funding. This focus aligns with their investment thesis, which emphasizes backing 'off the grid' entrepreneurs who are systematically under-funded by traditional investors despite comparable or superior success rates.
The firm seeks to provide not just capital but also extensive support to enhance the success of its portfolio companies. Off the Grid Ventures leverages its deep tech and venture capital networks to offer strategic guidance, ensuring that the founders receive the necessary resources to thrive in a competitive market. This dual approach of financial backing and operational support distinguishes Off the Grid Ventures in the venture capital landscape.
Off the Grid Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 22 companies, with notable investments including:
These companies exemplify the firm’s commitment to investing in sectors that not only have high growth potential but also address the needs of underrepresented communities. The focus on fintech and SaaS aligns with current market trends, providing a solid foundation for future growth.
Ben Orthlieb - Co-founder and Partner. Ben has a background in venture capital and has led several successful investments in the tech sector.
Christopher Haire - Co-founder and Partner. Christopher brings expertise in financial services and has a track record of supporting early-stage companies.
David Mes - Co-founder. David has experience in technology startups and focuses on operational support for portfolio companies.
Mat Peyron - Co-founder. Mat has a background in finance and venture capital, contributing to the firm’s investment strategy.
Olivier Poissonnier - Co-founder. Olivier has extensive experience in international markets, aligning with the firm’s focus on immigrant founders.
As of now, Off the Grid Ventures has not published any recent updates or announcements. The firm appears to be in the process of establishing its online presence, with no public blog activity detected. The last documented public activity was around 2019-2020, suggesting that the firm may have wound down operations or is in the process of rebranding.
What are Off the Grid Ventures' investment criteria?
Off the Grid Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments in fintech and enterprise tech (B2B SaaS). They specifically target foreign and women founders who often face funding disparities.
How can I apply or pitch to Off the Grid Ventures?
While specific application details are not publicly available, founders are encouraged to reach out through professional networks or connections to the firm’s partners for introductions.
What makes Off the Grid Ventures different from other VC firms?
The firm is dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders, particularly immigrant and women-led companies, which are often overlooked by traditional investors. Their focus on providing both capital and access to deep tech networks sets them apart.
What is the geographic scope of Off the Grid Ventures?
Off the Grid Ventures is based in San Francisco but invests in companies globally, particularly those led by foreign founders.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, the firm primarily invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, which typically involves smaller initial investments compared to later-stage funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Off the Grid Ventures provides strategic guidance and support beyond financial investment, leveraging their networks to help portfolio companies succeed.
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