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Okapi Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and based in Southern California. The firm specializes in providing long-term capital and management support to technology startups, primarily in the seed and pre-seed stages. Okapi manages six funds and has a portfolio of 30 active companies, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing early-stage ventures.
The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach to investment, often taking lead or co-lead roles in their investments. This strategy allows Okapi to actively engage with portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational support.
Okapi Venture Capital invests primarily in seed stage technology startups, with a particular emphasis on the consumer and enterprise technology sectors. The firm has a notable history of investing in medical device and diagnostic startups, showcasing its versatility within the tech landscape. Okapi targets capital-efficient companies that possess a sustainable competitive advantage in large, growing markets.
Investment sizes typically range from $750,000 to $3 million, reflecting the firm's commitment to supporting startups with significant growth potential. The firm focuses on opportunities within Southern California, leveraging its regional expertise to identify promising ventures.
Okapi Venture Capital's active portfolio includes a diverse range of technology startups. Notable companies include:
Okapi has also successfully exited several companies, including CLI Studios, CloudKeyz, and CrowdStrike, highlighting its ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
Marc Averitt - Co-Founder, Managing Director. Marc has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in technology startups.
Jeff Bocan - Managing Director. Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has a strong track record of supporting early-stage companies.
John Waller - Managing Director, Venture Partner. John has a background in both entrepreneurship and venture capital, providing valuable insights to portfolio companies.
Sharon Stevenson, DVM, PhD - Co-Founder, Managing Director, Venture Partner. Sharon combines her expertise in medical technology with venture capital, focusing on investments in the healthcare sector.
To pitch Okapi Venture Capital, founders should reach out via email to the appropriate investment professional. A comprehensive pitch deck should include details about the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
In recent months, Okapi Venture Capital has continued to actively manage its portfolio, which includes 30 technology startups. The firm has made several new investments in seed stage companies, particularly within the consumer and enterprise sectors. Notable exits include CLI Studios and CrowdStrike, showcasing Okapi's ability to identify high-potential ventures.
Okapi's hands-on investment approach has been a key factor in the success of its portfolio companies, with the firm often taking lead or co-lead roles in funding rounds. The firm remains focused on opportunities within Southern California, leveraging its regional expertise to support emerging technology startups.
What are Okapi Venture Capital's investment criteria?
Okapi focuses on seed stage technology startups, particularly in the consumer and enterprise sectors. They seek capital-efficient companies with a sustainable competitive advantage in large, growing markets.
How can I apply or pitch to Okapi Venture Capital?
Interested parties can contact the appropriate investment professional via email for pitch or application inquiries. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team is recommended.
What makes Okapi Venture Capital different from other firms?
Okapi emphasizes a hands-on investment approach, often taking lead or co-lead roles in their investments. This allows them to provide not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to their portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Okapi's investments?
Okapi primarily focuses on opportunities within Southern California, leveraging its regional expertise to identify promising technology startups.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Okapi?
While the specific fund size is not disclosed, Okapi typically invests between $750,000 and $3 million in each startup over the life of the company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Okapi have?
Okapi takes an active role in its portfolio companies, providing mentorship, strategic guidance, and operational support to help them achieve their growth objectives.
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