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S3 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and based in Austin, Texas. The firm is backed by a single philanthropic family and manages over $1 billion in assets. S3 Ventures focuses on investing in early-stage companies across the United States, providing them with the necessary support and capital to grow and succeed in their respective markets.
Over its history, S3 Ventures has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape, with a portfolio exceeding 75 companies. The firm has raised a total of over $3.5 billion for its portfolio companies, demonstrating its commitment to fostering growth in the technology sector. S3 Ventures operates with a unique single-LP structure, allowing for patient capital and long-term support without the distractions of fundraising cycles.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, S3 Ventures has made notable strides in the venture capital space, with a focus on technology-driven solutions in business software and healthcare technology. The firm continues to evolve, recently announcing Fund VIII with a size of $250 million in December 2025.
S3 Ventures primarily invests in technology companies, concentrating on two main sectors: Business Software and Healthcare Technology. The firm typically leads Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, with initial investments ranging from $500,000 to over $15 million. Additionally, S3 Ventures has the capacity to invest more than $25 million over time, allowing for significant follow-on investments as portfolio companies grow.
The firm seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a strong vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively. S3 Ventures values companies that are positioned to enhance business operations or improve health outcomes through innovative technology solutions. Their investment strategy emphasizes building long-term relationships with portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and resources to help them scale effectively.
Geographically, S3 Ventures focuses on early-stage companies across the United States, leveraging its Texas roots while expanding its reach to other states. The firm’s unique single-LP structure allows for maximum alignment with portfolio companies, ensuring that they can provide patient capital and support without the pressures of traditional fundraising cycles.
S3 Ventures has made over 75 startup investments, which have collectively raised more than $3.5 billion. The firm’s portfolio includes notable companies such as:
These investments reflect S3 Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative technology solutions that address significant market needs in both business and healthcare sectors.
Brian R. Smith: Managing Director at S3 Ventures, Brian has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in technology companies.
Charlie Plauche: General Partner, Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge in business software and healthcare technology, having worked with various startups throughout his career.
Eric Engineer: General Partner, Eric specializes in early-stage investments and has a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship.
Aaron Perman: General Partner, Aaron has a proven track record in venture capital, focusing on supporting founders in scaling their businesses.
Joe Curry: Principal, Joe plays a key role in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities within the firm's focus sectors.
Nicole Bentz: Vice President, Nicole is involved in managing portfolio companies and providing operational support to founders.
Anthony Marfisi: Associate, Anthony assists in deal sourcing and due diligence processes.
Kevin Haley: Associate, Kevin supports the investment team in evaluating potential startups for investment.
Will Omberg: Associate, Will is involved in research and analysis of market trends relevant to the firm's investment strategy.
Kathryn Deebel: Director of Platform & Network, Kathryn focuses on building relationships with portfolio companies and enhancing their growth potential.
Shelley Graves: Controller, Shelley manages the financial operations of the firm, ensuring compliance and effective resource allocation.
To pitch S3 Ventures, founders should visit their website at s3vc.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, as S3 Ventures reviews pitches thoroughly.
Warm introductions are preferred, but cold outreach through the website is also accepted. Founders should ensure that their pitch clearly articulates the unique value proposition of their startup and how it aligns with S3 Ventures' investment focus.
In December 2025, S3 Ventures announced the launch of Fund VIII, which has a size of $250 million. This fund continues the firm's commitment to investing in early-stage technology companies across the United States.
Since its founding in 2005, S3 Ventures has invested in over 75 startups, with more than 35 exits valued at over $3 billion collectively. Notable exits include Alkami Technology, which went public on NASDAQ, and Levelset, which was acquired by Procore.
As of March 2026, S3 Ventures maintains a portfolio of over 40 active companies across Texas and 12 other states, showcasing its broad geographic reach and commitment to supporting innovative startups.
What are S3 Ventures' investment criteria?
S3 Ventures primarily invests in early-stage technology companies within the sectors of Business Software and Healthcare Technology. The firm typically leads Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, with initial investments ranging from $500,000 to over $15 million. They look for founders with a strong vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively.
How can I apply or pitch to S3 Ventures?
Founders can pitch to S3 Ventures through their website at s3vc.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck to provide a comprehensive overview of the startup.
What makes S3 Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
S3 Ventures operates with a unique single-LP structure, which allows for patient capital and long-term support without the distractions of fundraising cycles. This structure enables the firm to focus solely on building relationships with portfolio companies and providing them with the necessary resources to scale effectively.
What is S3 Ventures' geographic scope?
The firm invests in early-stage companies across the United States, leveraging its Texas roots while expanding its reach to other states. This broad geographic focus allows S3 Ventures to tap into a diverse range of innovative startups.
What is S3 Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
S3 Ventures emphasizes building strong relationships with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and resources to help them grow. The firm is actively involved in supporting its companies through various stages of development, ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed.
What is the typical check size for investments?
S3 Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $15 million in initial funding rounds, with the capacity to invest more than $25 million over time as companies grow and require additional capital.
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