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Romulus Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2008 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The firm was established by Krishna K. Gupta at the age of 22, initially starting with a seed fund of approximately $850,000. Over the years, Romulus Capital has evolved into a significant player in the venture capital space, closing its third fund at $75 million in June 2016, bringing its total assets under management to around $150 million.
The firm primarily invests in early-stage technology companies across North America, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, consumer products, AI, and fintech. Romulus Capital has built a strong reputation for sourcing deals through its extensive networks at prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Yale. This network not only aids in deal flow but also provides valuable resources for portfolio companies.
Romulus Capital emphasizes its commitment to supporting innovative startups, particularly those led by first-time entrepreneurs. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including successful exits with companies like ClassPass and Veracode, showcasing its ability to identify and nurture high-potential ventures.
Romulus Capital primarily targets early-stage investments in North America, focusing on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. The firm is particularly interested in B2B technology solutions that address challenges in traditional industries. Its investment strategy encompasses sectors such as healthcare, consumer products, AI, and fintech, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven companies.
The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who have transformative ideas, especially those affiliated with top universities and incubators. Romulus Capital's thesis revolves around investing in companies that apply technology to large, traditional industries and deep tech spun out of leading research institutions. The firm typically leads investments and provides strategic guidance to help portfolio companies navigate their growth trajectories.
Romulus Capital's check sizes generally align with early-stage funding rounds, allowing them to support startups through critical phases of development. The firm values strong founder-market fit and innovative approaches to solving industry problems, which are key criteria in their investment decisions.
Romulus Capital has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies across various sectors. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies illustrate Romulus Capital's focus on technology-driven solutions across various industries, highlighting its commitment to supporting innovative startups.
Krishna K. Gupta: Founder and Managing Partner. Gupta is an MIT alum who started Romulus Capital in 2008 at the age of 22. He has a strong background in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments, including ClassPass and Veracode.
Neil Chheda: Co-founder and Partner. Chheda has a background from Yale and Harvard Business School. He previously worked at Zynga and has experience in startup sales, having sold a startup prior to joining Romulus Capital.
To pitch Romulus Capital, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at romuluscap.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Founders are encouraged to provide data supporting their market analysis and growth projections.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, especially from individuals within the firm's network, which includes alumni from MIT, Harvard, and Yale.
In June 2016, Romulus Capital closed its $75 million Fund III, bringing its total assets under management to approximately $150 million. This fund focuses on early-stage technology companies primarily in North America.
While there have been no recent deal announcements post-2020, the firm remains active in the venture capital space, as indicated by aggregator listings such as Parsers.vc and OpenVC.
What are Romulus Capital's investment criteria?
Romulus Capital primarily invests in early-stage B2B technology companies that apply innovative solutions to traditional industries. The firm looks for startups that demonstrate strong founder-market fit and have transformative ideas, particularly those affiliated with top universities.
How can I apply or pitch to Romulus Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups through the firm's website at romuluscap.com. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details about the founding team in the pitch deck.
What makes Romulus Capital different from other VC firms?
Romulus Capital leverages its strong networks from MIT, Harvard, and Yale to source deals and provide resources to portfolio companies. This unique access to top-tier talent and research institutions sets it apart in the venture capital landscape.
What is the geographic scope of Romulus Capital's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on early-stage technology companies located in North America, allowing it to maintain close relationships with its portfolio companies and provide hands-on support.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Romulus Capital typically invests in the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes that align with early-stage funding rounds. This allows the firm to support startups through critical phases of their development.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Romulus Capital have?
Romulus Capital provides strategic guidance and access to its extensive network to help portfolio companies grow. The firm emphasizes company-building alongside financial investment, ensuring that founders receive the support they need to succeed.
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