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Revolution is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 by AOL co-founder Steve Case, headquartered in Washington, D.C. The firm has invested nearly $2 billion across various strategies, including the Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Revolution Ventures, and Revolution Growth. Revolution's unique investment thesis emphasizes backing startups located outside of traditional coastal tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, and Boston. This approach aims to tap into emerging venture communities where companies can operate more capital efficiently.
Revolution has established a significant presence in the investment landscape, with a focus on fostering innovation in diverse locations. The firm has a notable backing from high-profile investors, including Jeff Bezos and the Walton family, which adds credibility to its initiatives. Over the years, Revolution has supported over 200 startups through its Rise of the Rest initiative, which includes bus tours and pitch competitions across more than 100 U.S. cities.
Revolution invests across multiple sectors, including consumer, fintech, healthcare, and SaaS. The firm targets startups at various stages, from seed to growth equity, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $100 million. Revolution's investment strategy is particularly focused on non-coastal U.S. startups, believing that great companies can start and scale anywhere. This belief is encapsulated in their motto, 'Talent is well distributed, opportunity is not.'
The Rise of the Rest Seed Fund has been instrumental in Revolution's strategy, having invested in over 200 startups across more than 100 U.S. cities. This initiative not only provides capital but also fosters community engagement through bus tours and pitch competitions. Revolution's approach emphasizes the importance of place and policy in driving economic growth, making it a distinctive player in the venture capital space.
Revolution has invested nearly $2 billion across its various strategies, with a notable portfolio that includes:
Additionally, the Rise of the Rest initiative has funded over 200 startups across more than 100 U.S. cities, showcasing Revolution's commitment to supporting innovation outside traditional tech hubs.
Steve Case - Chairman & CEO. Co-founder of AOL, Steve brings extensive experience in technology and entrepreneurship.
Ted Leonsis - Co-Founder. Owner of Monumental Sports, Ted has a strong background in media and sports.
David Golden - Managing Partner, Revolution Ventures. David has a wealth of experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments.
David Hall - Managing Partner, Rise of the Rest. David focuses on supporting startups outside traditional tech hubs.
Mahati Sridhar - Partner, Rise of the Rest. Mahati specializes in identifying and nurturing emerging companies.
Clint Myers - Partner, Rise of the Rest Real Estate. Clint has expertise in real estate investments and community development.
Hark Ahluwalia - Associate, Revolution Ventures. Hark supports early-stage investments and portfolio management.
Andy Cloyd - Venture Partner, Rise of the Rest. Andy brings experience in scaling startups and operational support.
Marissa Hopkins Secreto - Chief of Staff & Policy Director. Marissa focuses on policy initiatives and community engagement.
To pitch Revolution, founders should use the contact form available at revolution.com/contact-us. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and team background. Revolution prefers detailed information that showcases the startup's potential for growth.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, especially from individuals within Revolution's network, as they can enhance the likelihood of a favorable review.
Revolution runs the Rise of the Rest initiative, which includes bus tours and pitch competitions aimed at supporting startups in non-coastal regions. This program has invested in over 200 startups and emphasizes community engagement and visibility for entrepreneurs.
In December 2025, Revolution made its last investment, continuing its active engagement with entrepreneurs. The firm has invested in 15 companies over the past 12 months, demonstrating its commitment to supporting startups across various sectors.
Recent reports indicate that non-coastal seed and early-stage VC investments have doubled from $7.5 billion in 2013 to $16.8 billion in 2024, highlighting the growing importance of Revolution's focus on non-coastal startups.
Revolution's Rise of the Rest initiative remains active, with ongoing bus tours and pitch competitions aimed at identifying and supporting innovative companies in emerging markets.
What are Revolution's investment criteria?
Revolution focuses on startups in consumer, fintech, healthcare, and SaaS sectors. They invest in companies at various stages, from seed to growth equity, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $100 million. The firm particularly targets non-coastal U.S. startups, believing that great companies can emerge from anywhere.
How can founders apply or pitch to Revolution?
Founders can pitch to Revolution through their website at revolution.com/contact-us. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan, market analysis, and information about the founding team in the pitch deck.
What makes Revolution different from other venture capital firms?
Revolution's unique focus on non-coastal startups sets it apart. The firm emphasizes community-driven economic growth and has a strong backing from notable investors like Jeff Bezos and the Walton family. Their Rise of the Rest initiative actively engages with entrepreneurs through bus tours and pitch competitions.
What is Revolution's geographic scope?
Revolution primarily invests in startups located outside of traditional tech hubs such as Silicon Valley, New York City, and Boston. They have funded companies in over 100 U.S. cities, demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation in diverse locations.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Revolution have?
Revolution provides full lifecycle support from seed through growth, leveraging Steve Case's extensive network and policy expertise. The firm actively engages with portfolio companies to help them scale and succeed in their respective markets.
What is the size of Revolution's funds?
Revolution has invested nearly $2 billion across its various funds, including the Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Revolution Ventures, and Revolution Growth. The firm has a multi-stage investment approach, allowing them to support companies at different growth phases.
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