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Pilatus Capital is a venture capital fund founded in 2019-2020, based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage enterprises that develop high-impact technologies, particularly in sectors such as biotech, healthcare, CleanTech, and Retail Tech. Pilatus Capital partners with companies to help them perfect, protect, and commercialize their innovations, emphasizing transformative technology with large addressable markets and high barriers to entry.
The firm operates with a team of experts in various fields, including chemistry, nanotechnology, MEMS sensors, and life sciences. Pilatus Capital's investment philosophy is rooted in the innovation-value capture model developed by co-founder David Teece, which prioritizes building trust and value while ensuring acceptable valuations and capital protection. The firm has a modest public profile, with a focus on leading initial and follow-on rounds, typically committing between $1 million and $3 million in early-stage investments.
Pilatus Capital invests primarily in the sectors of biotech, healthcare, CleanTech, and Retail Tech. The firm targets early-stage companies at various stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A. Their investment strategy emphasizes transformative technologies that possess large addressable markets and high barriers to entry. Pilatus Capital's selection criteria include a solid R&D foundation, groundbreaking technology, protectable intellectual property, and extraordinary commercial potential.
The firm operates mainly in North America, specifically the United States, and prefers to lead investment rounds while also participating in follow-on investments. Their approach is guided by the innovation-value capture model, which focuses on building trust and value in partnerships with portfolio companies. This model aims to ensure that investments are made at acceptable valuations while protecting capital.
Pilatus Capital's portfolio includes notable companies such as:
These companies represent a diverse range of sectors, showcasing Pilatus Capital's commitment to investing in high-impact technologies with significant commercial potential.
David Teece - Executive Chairman & Co-Founder. Teece is a recognized authority in innovation and value capture, bringing extensive experience in venture capital and technology commercialization.
Sebastien Belanger - CEO & Co-Founder. Belanger has a strong background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting early-stage companies.
Lucien Zeigler - Principal. Zeigler specializes in investment analysis and portfolio management, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Adam Krotman - General Counsel. Krotman provides legal expertise and guidance on regulatory matters affecting portfolio companies.
Claire Liou - Marketing & Fund Operations. Liou manages marketing strategies and operational functions within the firm.
Ben Glenney - Investment & Operations Analyst. Glenney supports investment analysis and operational efficiency.
Joe Bohling - Senior Advisor. Bohling offers strategic insights and guidance based on his extensive industry experience.
Kalyana Sivagnanam - Commercialization & Operations. Sivagnanam focuses on helping portfolio companies navigate commercialization challenges.
Stephen Thompson - Human Capital. Thompson manages talent acquisition and organizational development.
Jean Fréchet - Technical Advisor (Chemistry & Nanotechnology). Fréchet provides expertise in chemistry and nanotechnology to support portfolio companies.
Al Pisano - Technical Advisor (MEMS Sensors & Technology). Pisano offers insights into MEMS sensors and related technologies.
Sonya Kim - Technical Advisor (Life Sciences). Kim brings expertise in life sciences to assist portfolio companies in navigating their respective markets.
To pitch Pilatus Capital, founders should send an email to info@pilatus.capital. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and technology. The firm prefers to receive pitches via email rather than through other channels.
Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries. A warm introduction is beneficial but not mandatory.
In June 2024, Pilatus Capital disclosed an investment in Granuband, a company focused on commercial products. This investment highlights the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative technologies.
In 2021, Pilatus Capital led a Series C investment in Prieto Battery, a company specializing in solid-state battery technology, alongside Stanley Ventures as a participating investor. This deal underscores the firm's focus on high-impact technologies in the energy sector.
What are Pilatus Capital's investment criteria?
Pilatus Capital seeks early-stage companies with a solid R&D foundation, groundbreaking technology, protectable intellectual property, and extraordinary commercial potential. They focus on sectors such as biotech, healthcare, CleanTech, and Retail Tech.
How can I pitch to Pilatus Capital?
Founders can reach out via email at info@pilatus.capital. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and technology.
What makes Pilatus Capital different from other VCs?
Pilatus Capital emphasizes the innovation-value capture model, which focuses on building trust and value in partnerships. Their commitment to leading investment rounds and providing strategic guidance sets them apart.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Pilatus Capital typically commits between $1 million and $3 million in initial investments, with a preference for leading rounds and participating in follow-on investments.
What is the geographic focus of Pilatus Capital?
The firm primarily invests in North America, specifically within the United States, but also has interests in Europe and Asia Pacific.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Pilatus Capital provides strategic guidance, industry connections, and expertise in technology commercialization to help portfolio companies succeed in their respective markets.
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