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Plasma Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm located in the New York City metropolitan area, founded by Burhan Jaffer. The firm specializes in private equity and venture capital investments, particularly in social impact ventures and public-private collaborations. Plasma Ventures is known for its selective investment strategy, typically making 4-5 investments per year from a pool of over 100 screened startups. This disciplined approach allows the firm to focus on high-conviction investments in disruptive technologies.
Currently, Plasma Ventures manages a fund size of $100 million and operates with a flexible investment mandate. The firm provides not only capital but also consulting and advisory services aimed at enhancing board governance and operational efficiency for its portfolio companies. Plasma Ventures has established itself as a notable player in the venture capital space, particularly in sectors that drive social change.
In addition to its New York City headquarters, Plasma Ventures has a presence in Jersey City, NJ, and Seminole, FL. The firm is actively building partnerships with global innovation hubs, particularly through its upcoming Aleph Venture Platform, which targets Food/AgTech and Circular Economy initiatives.
Plasma Ventures invests in a diverse range of sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), fintech, healthcare, food-agtech, climate, consumer products, and Software as a Service (SaaS). The firm emphasizes disruptive and exponential technologies, particularly in transformative industries such as B2B Enterprise Software, Smart Cities, and ESG Solutions. Plasma Ventures employs a flexible investment strategy, allowing for various instruments including equity, convertible preferred, and debt.
The firm seeks to provide patient capital and strategic consulting to help portfolio companies scale effectively. Plasma Ventures focuses on high-conviction investments that align with its social impact lens, particularly in areas like blockchain, sustainability, and public safety. The firm values founders who demonstrate a commitment to social change and innovation, and it looks for opportunities that can create significant societal benefits.
Plasma Ventures has a notable portfolio that includes both active and past investments. Current active investments include:
Past investments showcase the firm's diverse interests and include:
Burhan Jaffer - Founder and Managing Partner. Burhan has a background in operational roles within Fortune 500 companies and serves as a Venture Partner at MIT Solve, focusing on social impact technology.
John Roberts - Director of Business Development. John brings extensive experience in business development and strategic partnerships, enhancing the firm's outreach and investment opportunities.
Kamelia Dari - Financial Advisor. Kamelia provides financial insights and guidance, ensuring that investment strategies align with market trends.
Dr. Masooma Ali - Technical Advisor. Dr. Ali offers expertise in technology and innovation, helping to assess the technical viability of potential investments.
Saquib Kothawala - Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Technical Advisor. Saquib supports portfolio companies with technical guidance and entrepreneurial insights.
Shokhrukh Rakhmanov - Analyst Intern. Shokhrukh assists in research and analysis, contributing to the firm's investment decision-making process.
To pitch Plasma Ventures, founders should send their proposals via email to info@plasmaventures.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and social impact potential. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, but timelines may vary based on the volume of applications.
Warm introductions are preferred, as they can enhance the likelihood of receiving attention from the investment team. Clear articulation of the startup's mission and its alignment with Plasma Ventures' focus on social impact will be beneficial.
In recent months, Plasma Ventures has made several notable investments, including justicetext, Inveniam.io, and Sesh, all of which align with the firm's focus on disruptive technologies and social impact. The firm is also in the process of launching the Aleph Venture Platform, a new $100 million fund targeting Food/AgTech and Circular Economy initiatives.
Additionally, Plasma Ventures continues to build partnerships with global innovation hubs to enhance its investment strategy and expand its reach within the social impact sector.
What are Plasma Ventures' investment criteria?
Plasma Ventures focuses on high-conviction investments in disruptive technologies with a social impact lens. They target sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, and food-agtech, among others. The firm typically makes 4-5 investments per year from a large pool of screened startups.
How can I apply or pitch to Plasma Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Plasma Ventures by sending an email to info@plasmaventures.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and social impact potential.
What makes Plasma Ventures different from other venture firms?
Plasma Ventures differentiates itself through its commitment to social impact and its full-stack advisory services. Beyond providing capital, the firm offers operational guidance, talent acquisition support, and go-to-market strategies to ensure portfolio companies succeed.
What is the geographic scope of Plasma Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America, focusing on startups that are positioned to make a significant social impact within this region.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Plasma Ventures operates with a flexible investment mandate, indicating that they can adjust their investment amounts based on the needs of the portfolio company.
What is Plasma Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Plasma Ventures is known for its active involvement post-investment, providing advisory services that include technology development, operational guidance, and strategic consulting to help portfolio companies scale effectively.
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