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SoundBoard Venture Fund is a venture capital organization founded by Richard Magid in 2011, located in Montclair, New Jersey. The fund specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. SoundBoard employs a collaborative investment model that actively engages its investors throughout the investment process, from initial screening to post-investment support. This approach allows the fund to leverage diverse expertise to enhance the growth of its portfolio companies.
As of now, SoundBoard manages a portfolio of 41 companies, focusing on businesses that demonstrate a scalable competitive advantage. The fund's strategy includes targeting entrepreneurs in underserved geographies within the United States, where access to capital is often limited. SoundBoard's commitment to assessing leadership teams and cultural fit is a notable aspect of its investment philosophy.
SoundBoard Venture Fund invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically targeting Pre Seed, Seed, and Series A rounds. The fund's check sizes range from $50,000 to $250,000, allowing for flexibility in supporting various startups. While the fund is relatively industry agnostic, it places a strong emphasis on the IoT sector and other technology-enabled businesses. SoundBoard seeks to invest in 'understandable' businesses that exhibit a scalable competitive advantage, particularly in underserved geographies.
The investment strategy prioritizes companies with strong leadership teams and a clear understanding of their market. SoundBoard evaluates cultural alignment and human capital both before and after investment, ensuring that the companies it supports are well-positioned for growth. This focus on leadership assessment and cultural fit distinguishes SoundBoard from other venture capital firms.
SoundBoard Venture Fund's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies, particularly in the IoT sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these, the portfolio also includes companies like TRIC Robotics, which helps farmers control pests using robotic technology. The fund's focus on scalable, tech-enabled businesses in underserved markets is evident in its diverse investments.
Richard Magid: Co-Founder & General Partner. Richard has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in establishing SoundBoard's collaborative investment approach.
Jonathan Hakakian: Co-Founder & Managing Director. Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge in early-stage investments and has played a key role in shaping the fund's strategy.
Veronica Fey: Operations & Analysis. Veronica oversees operational aspects and ensures efficient management of the fund's activities.
Olu Fajemirokun-Beck: General Partner & Investment Committee Member. Olu contributes to investment decisions and brings expertise in evaluating startups.
Jon Brandt: General Partner & Investment Committee Member. Jon is involved in assessing potential investments and guiding portfolio companies.
Scott Darling: General Partner & Investment Committee Member. Scott provides insights into market trends and investment opportunities.
Michael Hepp: General Partner & Investment Committee Member. Michael focuses on strategic investments and portfolio management.
Phil Samuels: General Partner & Investment Committee Member. Phil's experience in venture capital enhances the fund's decision-making process.
Steven Levy: General Partner. Steven plays a crucial role in guiding the fund's investment strategy and supporting portfolio companies.
When pitching to SoundBoard, founders should clearly articulate their business model, market understanding, and leadership team's strengths. Including details about the competitive advantage and scalability of the business will be crucial for capturing the fund's interest.
As of March 2026, SoundBoard Venture Fund has been actively engaging with its portfolio companies and refining its investment strategy. The fund recently made investments in Tric Robotics and Otonomi, focusing on early-stage companies in the IoT sector. These investments align with SoundBoard's commitment to supporting scalable, tech-enabled businesses in underserved geographies.
Despite the lack of recent blog posts or public updates, the organization continues to emphasize its focus on leadership assessment and cultural fit in its investment process. This ongoing engagement with portfolio companies reflects SoundBoard's dedication to fostering growth and success.
What are SoundBoard Venture Fund's investment criteria?
SoundBoard Venture Fund primarily invests in early-stage companies, specifically in the Pre Seed, Seed, and Series A stages. The fund focuses on businesses that demonstrate a scalable competitive advantage, particularly in the IoT sector and other technology-enabled industries. They prioritize companies located in underserved geographies within the United States.
How can startups apply or pitch to SoundBoard Venture Fund?
Startups interested in pitching to SoundBoard Venture Fund should prepare a detailed presentation that outlines their business model, market understanding, and leadership team. The fund values clarity and a strong competitive advantage in the pitch. Founders can reach out through the contact form on their website for further instructions.
What makes SoundBoard Venture Fund different from other VC firms?
SoundBoard's collaborative investment model distinguishes it from traditional venture capital firms. The fund actively involves its investors in the evaluation and decision-making processes, leveraging diverse expertise to support portfolio companies. This approach emphasizes leadership assessment and cultural fit, which are critical for the success of the startups they invest in.
What is the geographic scope of SoundBoard's investments?
SoundBoard Venture Fund focuses on investments within the United States, particularly in underserved geographies where access to capital is limited. This geographic focus allows the fund to identify unique opportunities that may be overlooked by other investors.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The fund typically invests between $50,000 and $250,000 in its portfolio companies. This range allows SoundBoard to provide meaningful support to early-stage startups while maintaining a collaborative investment approach.
What kind of post-investment involvement does SoundBoard have?
SoundBoard Venture Fund maintains an active role in its portfolio companies post-investment. The fund emphasizes ongoing support in leadership assessment and cultural alignment, ensuring that the companies are well-positioned for growth and success.
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