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The CXO Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, based in San Jose, California. It serves as a strategic investment vehicle for CxOs of Fortune 500 companies, focusing on early and pre-Series A technology-driven startups. The fund was established to address the specific needs of these startups, emphasizing collaboration with founders, strategic partners, and universities to drive innovation and growth.
Currently, The CXO Fund manages a portfolio of 9 companies and leverages a unique model where over 100 Fortune 500 CxOs act as both capital providers and active mentors. This dual role enhances the growth trajectory of portfolio companies by providing critical insights and access to potential customers. The fund's investment strategy is centered around sectors such as FinTech, DeepTech, HealthTech, and FoodTech, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven solutions.
The CXO Fund targets early-stage technology startups, specifically in the sectors of FinTech, DeepTech, HealthTech, and FoodTech. The fund invests in companies at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, providing capital ranging from initial funding to more substantial investments as companies grow. In FinTech, the fund focuses on areas such as insurance automation, process automation, and alternative lending. DeepTech investments include machine learning, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
HealthTech investments target drug development automation and advanced diagnostics, while FoodTech focuses on robotic automation and vertical farming. The CXO Fund's investment thesis emphasizes backing disruptive early-stage tech companies and pairing them with senior enterprise buyers who can validate products and become design-partner customers. This approach is particularly beneficial for B2B startups seeking to establish credibility and market presence.
The CXO Fund's portfolio includes 9 notable companies, each contributing to various sectors:
Among these, Uniphore stands out as a notable exit, having achieved unicorn status and establishing itself as a leader in the conversational AI space.
Gary Gauba: Managing Director and Founder of The CXO Fund. Gauba is a three-time exited entrepreneur, having founded Cognilytics, which was acquired by CenturyLink, and Systech, acquired by ACS/Xerox. He has a strong background in AI and big data and is a recognized speaker at industry events.
Atul Kapadia: Managing Director and Investment Committee Member. Kapadia brings extensive experience in venture capital and technology investments.
Vic Bhagat: Former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Verizon Enterprise Solutions. Bhagat has a wealth of experience in technology and operations.
Clark Golestani: Former President of Emerging Businesses and Global CIO at Merck. Golestani has a strong background in healthcare technology and innovation.
Cuong Do: President of Samsung's Global Strategy Group. Do has significant experience in corporate strategy and technology development.
R Todd Ruppert: Former CEO and President of T. Rowe Price Global and CEO of Ruppert International. Ruppert has a deep understanding of financial markets and investment strategies.
To pitch The CXO Fund, founders should visit their website at thecxofund.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with the fund's focus areas. The fund prefers pitches that clearly demonstrate the potential for growth and the ability to leverage the expertise of its Fortune 500 CxO network. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
As of April 2026, The CXO Fund has maintained a portfolio of 9 companies, with notable investments in sectors such as FinTech and HealthTech. The fund's most prominent exit is Uniphore, which has achieved unicorn status and is recognized as a leader in the conversational AI space. The fund continues to focus on early-stage investments, leveraging its network of Fortune 500 CxOs to support portfolio companies.
Recent activity includes the fund's involvement in the Series A round for Cogni, a lifestyle banking platform, which received $1.1 million with co-investment from Unilever Ventures. This investment aligns with the fund's strategy of backing disruptive technology companies that can benefit from enterprise validation.
What are The CXO Fund's investment criteria?
The CXO Fund invests in early-stage technology startups, particularly in FinTech, DeepTech, HealthTech, and FoodTech. They focus on companies at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, emphasizing technology-driven solutions that can benefit from mentorship and strategic connections.
How can I pitch to The CXO Fund?
Founders can submit their pitches through the fund's website at thecxofund.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and how the startup aligns with the fund's focus areas.
What makes The CXO Fund different from other VCs?
The CXO Fund's unique model involves over 100 Fortune 500 CxOs who serve as both capital providers and active mentors. This dual role allows portfolio companies to gain critical insights and access to potential customers, enhancing their growth trajectory.
What is the geographic scope of The CXO Fund?
The CXO Fund operates globally, focusing on technology-driven startups that can leverage the expertise and networks of its Fortune 500 CxO base.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, The CXO Fund invests at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, indicating a range that typically aligns with early-stage funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment support does The CXO Fund provide?
Portfolio companies benefit from mentorship and strategic connections through the fund's network of Fortune 500 CxOs, which can help in product validation and customer acquisition.
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