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SmartGateVC is a venture capital firm founded in 2018, with offices in Southern California and Armenia. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in technology companies innovating in the field of Physical AI. With a strong connection to the Armenian tech diaspora, SmartGateVC aims to bridge the gap between Eastern European tech talent and Silicon Valley capital. The firm has successfully raised two funds, with a total of 42 portfolio companies since its inception. SmartGateVC is known for its strategic approach to investing, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, biotech, SaaS, security, and infrastructure. The firm has established a reputation for identifying high-potential startups and providing them with the necessary resources to scale and succeed in competitive markets. The leadership team, including founder Hovakim Etyemezian, is committed to nurturing innovative startups and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages growth and development.
SmartGateVC primarily targets pre-seed to seed stage investments across various sectors, including healthcare, biotech, SaaS, security, and infrastructure. The firm is dedicated to supporting technology leaders and innovative startups that are pushing the boundaries of science and technology. SmartGateVC's investment strategy emphasizes the intersection of science and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on pioneering advancements in Physical AI, secure edge computing, and brain-computer interfaces. The firm typically invests between $25,000 and $100,000 in each startup, allowing them to support a diverse range of companies at the earliest stages of their development. SmartGateVC looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision, technical expertise, and a commitment to solving real-world problems through innovative solutions. By leveraging its extensive network in the tech industry, SmartGateVC provides strategic guidance and facilitates connections with potential partners and follow-on investors, ensuring that its portfolio companies have the resources they need to thrive.
SmartGateVC has built a diverse portfolio of 42 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in innovative technology startups. Notable investments include **SuperAnnotate**, an AI data platform for end-to-end model building; **Perceptron AI**, which develops perception software for real-world applications; and **Krisp**, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance meetings and calls. Other significant portfolio companies include **Grovf**, a silicon design company focused on memory scaling; **Deep Origin**, an AI-powered drug discovery platform; and **Ladder Bio**, which specializes in targeted drug discovery. Additionally, SmartGateVC has invested in **ActiveLoop**, a scalable database for machine learning; **Britive**, a cloud-native Privileged Access Management platform; and **Fleak**, which provides adaptive AI solutions for security. The firm has a strong track record of helping its portfolio companies achieve significant milestones, with 16 companies having raised seed, Series A, or Series B funding after receiving initial investments from SmartGateVC.
Hovakim Etyemezian - Founder/General Partner, with a strong background in technology and venture capital, leading SmartGateVC's investment strategy and operations.
To pitch SmartGateVC, founders should visit their website at smartgate.vc or email their pitch to info@smartgate.vc. The firm is open to both warm introductions and cold applications, and pitches should clearly outline the startup's vision, technology, and market potential.
SmartGateVC has recently added **Pinsight** to its portfolio, continuing its trend of investing in innovative technology companies. The firm is currently deploying capital from its second fund, which has attracted notable limited partners, including Tim Draper and One Way Ventures. With a remarkable follow-on ratio of 65x, SmartGateVC demonstrates its ability to identify high-potential startups that achieve significant funding milestones.
SmartGateVC primarily invests in pre-seed and seed stages, focusing on early-stage technology companies that are innovating in various sectors.
Founders can pitch SmartGateVC by visiting their website at smartgate.vc or by emailing their pitch to info@smartgate.vc. The firm welcomes both warm introductions and cold applications.
SmartGateVC focuses on several sectors, including healthcare, biotech, SaaS, security, and infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on advancements in Physical AI and related technologies.
The typical check size for SmartGateVC ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, allowing them to support a variety of early-stage startups.
SmartGateVC invests primarily in North America and Asia, leveraging its connections within the Armenian tech diaspora to identify promising startups.
SmartGateVC adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its extensive network, providing strategic guidance, and facilitating connections with potential partners and follow-on investors.
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