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Origin Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 1999 by Steve Miller and Bruce Barron. The firm is headquartered in multiple locations across the United States, including San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles. With over 25 years of experience, Origin Ventures has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital space, particularly in the Midwest, and is known for its deep connections within the Chicago startup ecosystem.
Currently, Origin Ventures manages approximately $500 million in assets under management (AUM) across multiple funds, including their latest, Fund VI, which closed in 2025 at $140 million. This fund is the largest in the firm's history and reflects a strategic pivot towards investments in artificial intelligence and frontier technology. The firm has a strong track record of notable exits, including Grubhub, Tock, and Cameo, which have solidified its reputation in the venture capital community.
Origin Ventures invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically targeting Seed and Series A funding rounds. The firm emphasizes sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, and defense, with a particular focus on AI infrastructure, AI-native software, and frontier technology. Their investment themes include AI infrastructure, which covers compute, power, language models, security, and quantum technologies, as well as AI-native software that focuses on logistics, supply chain, sales, operations, and consumer applications.
In addition to these themes, Origin Ventures is also interested in robotics, electrification, space, materials, and manufacturing. The firm seeks to partner with founders who are leveraging these technologies to transform productivity and automation across various industries. Their deal structure typically involves early-stage investments, and they are known for providing strategic guidance and access to a broad network of industry contacts to help their portfolio companies scale effectively.
Origin Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of innovative companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Origin Ventures' commitment to investing in technologies that drive productivity and automation. The firm has also achieved notable exits, including Grubhub, which was acquired for $7.3 billion, Tock, acquired for $400 million, and Cameo, a prominent consumer brand.
Brent Hill: Managing Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and technology investments.
Jason Heltzer: Managing Partner who has led Fund V and VI, focusing on AI and frontier technology investments.
Alex Meyer: Managing Partner with a background in scaling technology companies.
Linda Watchmaker: CFO responsible for financial strategy and operations at Origin Ventures.
Scott Stern: Partner with expertise in early-stage investments and operational support.
Prashant Shukla: Partner focusing on technology-driven startups.
Jacquie Marshall Siegmund: Partner with a strong background in venture capital.
Carolina Galdiz: Investor with a focus on early-stage technology companies.
Steve Miller: Founding Partner with over 25 years of experience in venture capital.
Bruce Barron: Founding Partner known for his contributions to the Chicago startup ecosystem.
Startups interested in pitching to Origin Ventures should submit their pitch decks through the contact form on their website. The pitch deck should include key information such as the business model, market analysis, competitive landscape, and financial projections. Origin Ventures typically responds within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Origin Ventures has established the Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Illinois. This program aims to promote entrepreneurship across various academic disciplines and provides resources and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs.
In 2025, Origin Ventures closed its largest fund to date, Fund VI, at $140 million, reflecting a strategic shift towards AI and frontier technology investments. This fund aims to capitalize on emerging trends in productivity and automation.
Origin Ventures has maintained an active presence in the venture capital space, focusing on investments that leverage artificial intelligence. The firm continues to expand its portfolio with companies that align with its investment thesis, particularly in sectors such as robotics and energy.
What are Origin Ventures' investment criteria?
Origin Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in companies leveraging artificial intelligence and frontier technology. They primarily invest in Seed and Series A funding rounds across sectors such as AI, robotics, energy, and defense.
How can startups apply or pitch to Origin Ventures?
Startups interested in pitching to Origin Ventures should prepare a detailed pitch deck that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and technology. They can reach out via the contact information provided on their website.
What makes Origin Ventures different from other VC firms?
Origin Ventures has a strong focus on AI and frontier technologies, with a proven track record of successful exits. Their deep roots in the Midwest startup ecosystem and extensive network provide unique advantages for portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Origin Ventures?
Origin Ventures primarily invests in North America, with a strong presence in major U.S. cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, New York, and Washington D.C.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Origin Ventures typically invests in early-stage companies, with check sizes varying based on the funding round and specific company needs, primarily focusing on Seed and Series A rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Origin Ventures have?
Origin Ventures provides strategic guidance, access to a broad network of industry contacts, and expertise in scaling businesses to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and accelerate growth.
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