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Susa Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital fund founded in 2013 and based in the United States. The firm has established itself as a significant player in the early-stage investment landscape, partnering with over 100 startups since its inception. Susa Ventures has achieved a notable 10% unicorn rate among its portfolio companies, significantly higher than the industry average of 1%. The firm focuses on providing not just capital but also valuable connections and community support to entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of development.
As of 2025, Susa Ventures manages a total of $175 million across its funds, having previously raised $375 million across two funds in 2021. The firm operates exclusively in the United States and has built a reputation for its data-centric investment approach. Notable milestones include early investments in companies like Robinhood and Flexport, which have both achieved significant market success.
Susa Ventures invests exclusively at the pre-seed and seed stages, providing capital ranging from $1 million to $5 million. The firm emphasizes a strong focus on sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, energy, and consumer applications. Their investment strategy is centered around identifying data-centric companies with strong competitive advantages, including network effects and proprietary data.
The firm seeks to partner with innovative founders who are building category-defining companies. Susa Ventures does not take board seats, allowing founders to maintain control while benefiting from the firm’s extensive network and community support. Their approach includes providing customer connections and talent acquisition assistance, which are critical for startups looking to scale effectively.
Susa Ventures has invested in a diverse array of companies across multiple sectors, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
Chad Byers: Co-founder and General Partner, Chad focuses on marketplaces, fintech, and healthcare. He led the seed round for Robinhood, contributing to its significant growth.
Derick En’Wezoh, MD: Partner, Derick brings a medical background to the firm, enhancing its focus on healthcare investments.
Misha Gordon-Rowe: Partner, Misha has extensive experience in early-stage investing and supports the firm's portfolio companies with strategic guidance.
Pratyush Buddiga: Partner, Pratyush specializes in technology investments and has a strong background in data analytics.
Shaheer Sandhu: Investor, Shaheer focuses on sourcing new deals and supporting portfolio companies.
Leo Polovets: Founder Emeritus, Leo has a background in data and engineering, contributing to the firm's data-centric investment thesis.
Seth Berman: Founder Emeritus, Seth has been instrumental in building the firm's investment strategy and portfolio.
Courtney Buie Lipkin: Venture Partner, Courtney provides additional support and expertise to the investment team.
Kenny Joo: Head of Finance, Kenny manages the firm's financial operations and fund management.
Paloma Parsons: Chief of Staff, Paloma oversees the firm's operations and administrative functions.
Shannon Kyle: Platform & Operations Manager, Shannon supports the firm's portfolio companies with operational needs.
Elizabeth Fulham: Office & Events Manager, Elizabeth manages the firm's office operations and events.
To pitch Susa Ventures, founders should visit their website at susaventures.com. The pitch deck should include essential information such as the business model, market opportunity, team background, and financial projections. Susa Ventures does not specify a formal application form, but a well-structured deck is crucial.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the investment team.
In Q1 2025, Susa Ventures launched a new $175 million seed fund, marking a significant expansion of its investment capacity. This follows the successful closure of $375 million across two funds in 2021, which included a $125 million seed fund and a $250 million opportunity fund.
Recent investments include notable companies such as Adapt.com and Asymmetric Security, showcasing the firm's commitment to backing innovative startups. Susa Ventures continues to maintain a strong presence in the venture capital space, with over 100 startups in its portfolio since 2013.
What are Susa Ventures' investment criteria?
Susa Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, primarily in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, energy, and consumer applications. They look for data-centric companies with strong competitive advantages, including proprietary data and network effects.
How can I pitch to Susa Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Susa Ventures through their website at susaventures.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Susa Ventures different from other VC firms?
Susa Ventures distinguishes itself by focusing on data-centric companies and providing extensive community support without taking board seats. This allows founders to maintain control while benefiting from the firm's network and resources.
What is the geographic scope of Susa Ventures?
The firm operates exclusively in the United States, focusing on startups that are based within the country.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Susa Ventures typically invests between $1 million and $5 million in each startup, depending on the specific needs and potential of the company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Susa Ventures have?
Susa Ventures provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through access to a robust network of industry connections, customer introductions, and community resources, but does not take board seats.
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