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Riot Ventures is a deep-technology venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Venice, California, with a secondary office in Boston. The firm was co-founded by Will Coffield and Steve Marcus, who bring extensive experience in technology and investment. Riot Ventures focuses on early-to-growth stage companies that apply advanced technology to traditionally underserved physical industries.
As of now, Riot Ventures manages over $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) and has raised multiple funds, including a $75 million fund reported in February 2020 and a target of $160 million for Fund III, which has raised $152 million as of November 2025. The firm has a portfolio of 24 companies, reflecting its commitment to investing in sectors that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital.
Riot Ventures invests across a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, logistics, energy, defense, healthcare, climate, and frontier technologies. The firm targets companies at various stages of development, from pre-seed to Series C, with investments ranging from $500,000 in early rounds to $100 million in growth stages. This broad investment strategy allows Riot Ventures to support companies that are innovating in critical industries.
The firm emphasizes sectors that receive minimal venture funding but present significant modernization opportunities, such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and industrial automation. Riot Ventures deliberately avoids crowded software and consumer tech markets, focusing instead on deep technologies that can drive substantial change in physical industries.
Riot Ventures has built a notable portfolio of companies that exemplify its investment thesis. Key portfolio companies include:
Will Coffield: Co-founder of Riot Ventures, Will has a background in technology investment and has been featured in interviews discussing the firm's vision and strategy.
Steve Marcus: Co-founder, Steve brings extensive experience in venture capital and technology sectors, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Meghan Moreland: A key team member involved in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Collier Bern: Focuses on operational support for portfolio companies, leveraging industry expertise.
Breanne Turner: Engages with startups to provide strategic guidance and support.
Pauline Kress: Works on investment sourcing and relationship management.
Sarang Shah: Involved in technology evaluation and due diligence processes.
Nolan Van Nortwick: Supports portfolio companies with operational insights and growth strategies.
Kiko: Contributes to the firm's investment strategy and market analysis.
To pitch Riot Ventures, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website or seek a warm introduction from existing connections. A comprehensive pitch deck should include details about the technology, market opportunity, and team. Response times can vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks.
In October 2025, Riot Ventures led a $104 million Series B-II investment in Endurosat, alongside notable co-investors such as Google Ventures and Lux Capital. This investment highlights Riot's commitment to supporting companies in the satellite technology sector.
As of February 2026, Riot Ventures is actively deploying capital from its Fund III, which has a target of $160 million and has already raised $152 million. This fund aims to continue the firm's focus on deep technology investments across critical industries.
Q?
What are Riot Ventures' investment criteria?
A Riot Ventures invests in early-to-growth stage companies across sectors such as AI, robotics, logistics, and energy, focusing on those that apply advanced technology to underserved industries.
Q?
How can startups apply or pitch to Riot Ventures?
A startups can reach out through their website or connect with team members for introductions. A well-prepared pitch deck highlighting the technology and market opportunity is essential.
Q?
What makes Riot Ventures different from other VC firms?
A Riot Ventures focuses on deep technology sectors that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital, providing operational support and strategic guidance to help companies navigate modernization challenges.
Q?
What is the geographic scope of Riot Ventures?
A Riot Ventures primarily invests in North America, leveraging its dual-coast presence in Venice, California, and Boston.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
A Riot Ventures typically invests between $500,000 in pre-seed rounds and up to $100 million in growth rounds.
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