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RallyCry Ventures is a venture capital firm based in the United States, founded to support entrepreneurs at the idea stage. The firm positions itself as the first institutional investor for startups, providing not only capital but also expertise to help founders develop their business concepts. RallyCry Ventures operates with a team of five members, including co-founders and partners, and emphasizes a hands-on approach to investment.
The firm has a unique focus on technology-enabled solutions that create new markets. RallyCry Ventures employs a 'Rally to MVP' process, which assists founders in developing their minimum viable products (MVPs) and preparing for subsequent seed funding. This approach reflects the firm’s commitment to being more than just a financial backer; it aims to be a true partner in the entrepreneurial journey.
RallyCry Ventures has not publicly disclosed its fund size or specific portfolio companies, but it actively promotes its mission and investment strategy through its website. The firm has been involved in initiatives such as a $2.5 million forgivable loan program for pre-product startups during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its dedication to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.
RallyCry Ventures invests in early-stage companies that have not yet raised outside capital or participated in incubators or accelerators. The firm emphasizes direct revenue models, focusing on businesses that generate income from customers rather than relying on advertising or media-dependent strategies. This focus aligns with their investment thesis of supporting idea-stage companies, acting as the first institutional investor to help entrepreneurs develop their business ideas.
The sectors of interest for RallyCry Ventures include SaaS, fintech, commerce, AI, gaming, cloud infrastructure, and IoT. The firm employs a structured process called 'Rally to MVP,' which assists founders in refining their business models and preparing for future funding rounds. Check sizes typically range from $50,000 to $250,000, with a sweet spot around $150,000, allowing the firm to provide meaningful support to startups at their earliest stages.
Shakir Husain - Co-Founder and Managing Director. Shakir has a background as the CEO of Creative Chaos, a digital firm with over 350 employees. He has led multiple successful exits and brings extensive experience in managing and scaling businesses.
Umair Aziz - Founder and Managing Director. Umair previously served as CITO at Creative Chaos and is a member of the Forbes Technology Council. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the College of Wooster and has studied private equity and venture capital at Harvard Business School.
Arjun Bhatnagar - Partner, Product Development. Arjun has over 11 years of experience in software development and has had a startup acquired. He is a graduate of Babson College and Olin College and has been featured on CNBC for his insights in the tech industry.
Michael Abbate - Partner, Customer Experience. Michael has over 10 years of experience in brand strategy and product design, with a Master of Architecture from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. He has worked with notable clients such as Bank of America, Fidelity, Nike, and Under Armour.
Per Heistad - Venture Partner. Per's background includes extensive experience in venture capital and startup advisory, contributing to the firm's strategic direction and investment decisions.
To pitch RallyCry Ventures, founders should visit their pitch page for detailed instructions. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear business model, revenue generation strategy, and a well-defined plan for developing a minimum viable product (MVP).
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to receive feedback within a few weeks. Warm introductions are not explicitly required, but they can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In 2020, RallyCry Ventures partnered with Creative Chaos to announce a $2.5 million forgivable loan program aimed at pre-product startups during the COVID-19 cash crunch. This initiative highlighted the firm's commitment to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs during challenging times.
RallyCry Ventures continues to promote its mission and investment strategy through its website, focusing on the importance of supporting idea-stage companies in the United States.
What are RallyCry Ventures' investment criteria?
RallyCry Ventures focuses on idea-stage companies that have not yet raised outside capital or participated in incubators or accelerators. They prioritize businesses with direct revenue models and technology-enabled solutions.
How can I pitch to RallyCry Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to RallyCry Ventures can visit their pitch page for more information on the application process.
What makes RallyCry Ventures different from other VCs?
RallyCry Ventures positions itself as a hands-on partner, providing not only capital but also assigning a revenue architect, technology architect, and customer experience architect to each founder. This comprehensive support system is designed to help startups refine their business models and prepare for future funding rounds.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The typical check size for RallyCry Ventures ranges from $50,000 to $250,000, with a sweet spot around $150,000, allowing them to provide substantial support to early-stage startups.
What is the geographic focus of RallyCry Ventures?
RallyCry Ventures primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on the domestic market for their early-stage investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Founders can expect significant post-investment involvement from RallyCry Ventures, including mentorship and support from assigned architects who assist in various aspects of business development, including revenue generation and customer experience.
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