Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Redbud VC is a venture capital firm founded in 2023 by serial entrepreneurs in Columbia, Missouri. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies, particularly those led by founders who have faced and overcome significant challenges. Redbud VC aims to support these founders by providing not only capital but also access to valuable networks and resources that can help them succeed in their ventures.
As of 2026, Redbud VC has successfully closed its second fund at $25 million, which is five times larger than its initial fund. This growth reflects the firm’s commitment to backing 'outsider founders' who demonstrate resilience and possess unique insights into their markets. The firm has a diverse portfolio of 38 companies across various sectors, including AI, SaaS, fintech, and healthcare, and operates with a generalist investment thesis.
Redbud VC is anchored by notable investors such as the University of Missouri Endowment and Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square. The firm is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the venture capital space, particularly in supporting first-time and immigrant founders across North America.
Redbud VC primarily invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies across various sectors, including AI, SaaS, fintech, and healthcare. The firm emphasizes backing resilient founders who possess unique insights into their markets. Redbud VC operates with a generalist investment thesis, seeking to identify and support innovative companies that address pressing problems and create new markets.
The firm typically writes checks ranging from $150,000 to $150,000, focusing on providing fast first-check capital to its portfolio companies. Redbud VC is particularly interested in 'outsider founders' who have overcome significant challenges, including first-time entrepreneurs and immigrant founders. This focus on resilience and problem-solving capabilities allows the firm to optimize for founder-market fit and early distribution advantages.
Geographically, Redbud VC has a national investment scope across North America, with a strong emphasis on supporting founders rooted in the Midwest. The firm operates a Technology Venture Studio in collaboration with the University of Missouri, further enhancing its ability to support early-stage ventures.
Redbud VC has built a diverse portfolio of 38 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Redbud VC's strategy of investing in resilient founders who are building generational tech companies that address significant problems. The firm’s generalist approach allows it to support a wide range of innovative companies, ensuring a diverse investment strategy.
Brett Calhoun - General Partner & Co-Founder. Brett serves as the lead operator and public face of Redbud VC, bringing extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Willy Schlacks - Founding Partner. Willy co-founded EquipmentShare, a top 25 Y Combinator company that went public in January 2026 at a $7.2 billion valuation.
Jabbok Schlacks - Founding Partner. Jabbok is also a co-founder of EquipmentShare, contributing to the firm’s strong credibility in the Midwest.
Maria Heyen - Investor. Maria focuses on sourcing and evaluating potential investments, leveraging her background in technology and finance.
Collin Hickey - Investor. Collin brings experience in early-stage investing and works closely with portfolio companies to drive growth.
Amy Susán - Head of Investor Relations. Amy manages relationships with limited partners and oversees fundraising efforts.
Jai Malik - Venture Partner. Jai provides strategic guidance and support to portfolio companies, drawing on his extensive industry experience.
Jim McKelvey - Operator Advisor. Jim, co-founder of Square, offers operational insights and mentorship to portfolio founders.
Wade Foster - Operator Advisor. Wade, co-founder of Zapier, provides guidance on scaling operations and product development.
Lori Coulter - Operator Advisor. Lori brings expertise in business strategy and operations to support portfolio companies.
Jordan Lewis - General Counsel. Jordan oversees legal matters and compliance for Redbud VC and its portfolio companies.
Hemkesh Agrawal - Head of Engineering. Hemkesh leads technical due diligence and supports portfolio companies in technology development.
Levi Malott - Venture Partner. Levi provides additional support and mentorship to portfolio companies, leveraging his industry connections.
Bruno Ostarcevic - Venture Partner. Bruno offers strategic insights and guidance to help portfolio companies navigate challenges.
Dylan Kurt - Content & Media. Dylan manages Redbud VC's content strategy and communications, including their newsletter.
To pitch Redbud VC, founders should visit their pitch page at https://redbud.vc/pitch. The firm prefers pitches that clearly outline the problem being addressed, the solution offered, and the unique insights of the founding team. A well-structured deck that includes market analysis, competitive landscape, and financial projections is essential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. Redbud VC encourages warm introductions, but they also accept pitches from founders without prior connections.
Redbud VC is involved in several initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, including:
In March 2026, Redbud VC successfully closed its second fund at $25 million, which is five times larger than its initial fund. This fund is anchored by the University of Missouri Endowment, Jim McKelvey, and AngelList Fund of Funds.
Redbud VC has been actively investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on supporting 'outsider founders' who have overcome significant challenges. The firm has already deployed capital into seven companies from its second fund, spanning various sectors including AI, hardware, and software.
What are Redbud VC's investment criteria?
Redbud VC primarily invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies across sectors such as AI, SaaS, fintech, and healthcare. The firm looks for resilient founders who have unique insights into their markets and are capable of addressing pressing problems.
How can I pitch to Redbud VC?
Interested founders can pitch their ideas through the Redbud VC website at https://redbud.vc/pitch. The firm encourages pitches from founders regardless of their introduction path.
What makes Redbud VC different from other investors?
Redbud VC focuses on backing 'outsider founders' who have overcome significant challenges. The firm provides not only capital but also access to a robust network of industry connections and resources to help founders succeed.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Redbud VC typically writes checks in the range of $150,000 to $150,000 for pre-seed and seed-stage investments.
What is Redbud VC's geographic focus?
While Redbud VC is based in Columbia, Missouri, it has a national investment scope across North America, with a particular emphasis on supporting Midwest-rooted founders.
What kind of support can portfolio companies expect?
Redbud VC provides operational support, access to valuable networks, and resources to help portfolio companies expedite their time to market and navigate challenges in building successful businesses.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.