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Stone Ridge Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2018, with roots tracing back to 2001. Headquartered in Joondalup, Western Australia, the firm focuses on providing capital and operational support to early-stage companies. The firm has invested over $50 million across four funds, emphasizing technology-driven sectors such as biotech, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.
The firm was co-founded by Dr. Rob Newman and Matt Callahan, both of whom are serial entrepreneurs with extensive experience in commercializing technologies developed at Western Australian universities. Their backgrounds include successful exits in telecommunications and pharmaceuticals, which inform the firm’s investment strategy.
Stone Ridge Ventures has a strong commitment to identifying disruptive technologies, particularly those emerging from Australian research institutions. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including successful exits from companies like Scanalyse and Harmoney, showcasing its ability to guide startups toward profitable outcomes.
Stone Ridge Ventures primarily targets early-stage investments, specifically in the seed, Series A, and Series B stages. The firm focuses on technology-driven sectors, including biotech, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. Their investment strategy emphasizes identifying opportunities in diverse geographies, particularly innovations stemming from Australian research institutions.
The firm seeks to invest in companies that demonstrate potential for high growth and profitability. Stone Ridge Ventures prefers to engage with startups at the proof-of-concept stage, providing initial capital to de-risk technology and establish a capable management team. This approach enhances the likelihood of attracting follow-on investments from other venture capital firms and corporate investors.
Stone Ridge Ventures values hands-on operational involvement, actively participating in the formation, growth, and exit strategies of its portfolio companies. This operational management expertise is a key component of their investment thesis, which aims to build high-growth companies capable of achieving successful exits.
Stone Ridge Ventures has a diverse portfolio that includes several notable companies across various sectors. Key portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Stone Ridge Ventures' commitment to deep tech and life sciences, demonstrating a consistent execution of their investment thesis.
Dr. Rob Newman — Co-founder and Managing Director. Dr. Newman has a background in telecommunications, having built and exited companies such as QPSX and Atmosphere Networks. His expertise lies in IT&T and technology commercialization from Western Australian universities.
Matt Callahan — Co-founder and Managing Director. Callahan has experience in pharmaceuticals and mining services, having built and exited iCeutica and Scanalyse, respectively. His focus is on identifying and developing technologies that can lead to successful exits.
Sofie De Wolf — Finance Director and Back Office. Sofie is a finance professional and serves as the primary contact for pitches at Stone Ridge Ventures. She plays a crucial role in managing the firm's financial operations.
Andrew Hall — Venture Partner. Andrew previously served as an investment manager at Stone Ridge Ventures and brings valuable experience in venture capital and startup growth.
To pitch Stone Ridge Ventures, founders should visit their contact page at stoneridgeventures.com. The preferred method of communication is via email at sofie@stoneridgeventures.com. Founders should include a concise overview of their business, the problem they are solving, and their unique value proposition in their pitch.
While there is no formal application form, a well-structured pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections is recommended. Response times may vary, and founders should be prepared for a thorough evaluation process.
As of 2017, Stone Ridge Ventures has been in portfolio management mode, with the SRV Tech Fund closed to new investments. The firm continues to support its existing portfolio companies as they work towards profitability and exit.
Notable exits from the firm include Scanalyse, acquired by Outotec in 2013, and Harmoney, a consumer finance platform. These exits highlight the firm's ability to guide startups to successful outcomes.
What are Stone Ridge Ventures' investment criteria?
Stone Ridge Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in technology-driven sectors, particularly biotech, healthcare, and AI. They seek companies that demonstrate potential for high growth and profitability, often targeting the proof-of-concept stage.
How can I pitch to Stone Ridge Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Stone Ridge Ventures by visiting their contact page at stoneridgeventures.com. The preferred email for pitches is sofie@stoneridgeventures.com.
What makes Stone Ridge Ventures different from other investors?
Stone Ridge Ventures emphasizes hands-on operational involvement, actively participating in the growth and exit strategies of its portfolio companies. This operational management expertise enhances the potential for successful outcomes.
What is the geographic focus of Stone Ridge Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in Oceania, with a particular interest in innovations from Australian research institutions, especially those in Western Australia.
What is the fund size of Stone Ridge Ventures?
Stone Ridge Ventures has invested over $50 million across four separate funds, focusing on early-stage investments in technology-driven sectors.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Specific check sizes are not disclosed, but the firm typically invests in early-stage companies at the seed and Series A stages.
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