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Sixty8 Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2021 by Kelli Jones, with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Los Angeles, California. The firm was established to support undercapitalized founders, particularly those from Black, Brown, women, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds. Sixty8 Capital aims to address the disparities in venture capital distribution that often favor a homogenous group of founders, thereby creating a more equitable startup environment.
The firm has a target fund size of $20 million and aims to support 25-30 companies per fund cycle. As of mid-2023, Sixty8 Capital has made approximately 12 investments. The firm is backed by a strong institutional limited partner base, including notable entities such as Bank of America and Eli Lilly and Company. This support enhances their ability to provide resources and connections to portfolio companies.
Sixty8 Capital invests primarily in seed-stage companies across various sectors, with a strong emphasis on technology, tech-enabled, and Direct-To-Consumer startups. The firm specifically targets undercapitalized founders who face barriers to accessing capital due to race, gender, sexual orientation, or geographic location. This focus on diversity is central to their investment thesis, which seeks to shine a light on high-potential entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional venture capital.
The fund typically makes initial equity investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, with reserves for follow-on investments. Sixty8 Capital's investment strategy is designed to support founders who are shaping the future of commerce, culture, and community, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Sixty8 Capital's portfolio includes notable companies such as:
While the full portfolio is not publicly listed, the firm aims to support a total of 25-30 companies per fund cycle, indicating a strong commitment to backing diverse startups. The focus on technology and Direct-To-Consumer sectors aligns with the firm's mission to empower underrepresented founders.
Kelli Jones - Managing Partner. Kelli co-founded Sixty8 Capital and has a background in technology and venture capital, having worked in both New York and Los Angeles before returning to Indianapolis in 2016. She is also a co-founder of the Be Nimble Foundation, a nonprofit focused on tech training.
Nassir Criss - Partner. Nassir brings experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, contributing to the firm's mission of supporting underrepresented founders. His background includes working with various startups and investment firms.
To pitch Sixty8 Capital, founders should send their pitch deck via email to weare@sixty8.capital. The pitch should include a clear overview of the business, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders are encouraged to highlight their unique backgrounds and the challenges they face in accessing capital.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are not required but can enhance the chances of a favorable review.
In May 2021, Sixty8 Capital announced the first close of its $20 million fund aimed at supporting diverse founders. The firm has been featured in various media outlets, including TechCrunch and Forbes, highlighting its commitment to addressing disparities in venture capital distribution.
As of mid-2023, Sixty8 Capital has made approximately 12 investments, focusing on seed-stage companies that align with its mission of supporting undercapitalized founders.
What are Sixty8 Capital's investment criteria?
Sixty8 Capital focuses on seed-stage investments in technology, tech-enabled, and Direct-To-Consumer startups. The firm specifically targets undercapitalized founders from diverse backgrounds, including those limited by race, gender, sexual orientation, or geographic location.
How can I apply or pitch to Sixty8 Capital?
Founders can pitch to Sixty8 Capital by emailing their pitch deck to weare@sixty8.capital. It is advisable to include details about the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch.
What makes Sixty8 Capital different from other venture firms?
Sixty8 Capital is distinct in its commitment to supporting underrepresented founders who often face barriers to capital access. The firm aims to create a more equitable startup ecosystem by focusing on diversity and inclusion in its investment strategy.
What is the geographic scope of Sixty8 Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, with a particular focus on supporting founders in the Midwest and other regions that may be overlooked by traditional venture capital.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Sixty8 Capital typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000 in initial equity checks, with additional reserves for follow-on investments as needed.
What kind of post-investment support does Sixty8 Capital provide?
Sixty8 Capital offers access to a robust network of institutional partners, including major corporations and community foundations, to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and scale effectively.
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