Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.)
Venture debtLos Angeles · Series A–Late Stage · 6 people tracked
Investment thesis
A.R.I. runs the Senior Secured Growth Credit Fund, offering minimally-dilutive term loans to U.S. and Canadian startups generating over $5 million in revenue, from Series A through Series E. Loans of up to $30 million feature tailored interest-only periods, flexible amortization, maturities up to five years, and equity warrants. The strategy targets mid-teens income plus equity upside while emphasizing capital security through secured, short-maturity structures. Positioned as an alternative credit asset class with low correlation to traditional markets, the fund focuses on high-growth and recession-resistant industries on an industry-agnostic basis, and is open to Qualified Purchasers on a selective basis.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 2, 2026.
Team · 6 people
from the firm's website
Founder, Managing General Partner and CIO of A.R.I., leading the firm's management and investment activities. Previously Director of U.S. Fixed Income at Sun Life Financial, with prior roles at Deutsche Bank, Scotia Bank, and Thomson Reuters. Holds MBA (Chicago Booth), MS (NYU Stern), CFA and CAIA designations, and writes and hosts a venture debt podcast.
Advisory Committee member; partner at Prospera Law representing venture capital and private equity investors and emerging growth companies across financing and M&A matters.
Advisory Committee member; founder and CEO of Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, former IDEXX executive and venture investor at Allied Minds, and a U.S. Army combat veteran with an MIT Sloan MBA.
Advisory Committee member with a technology, investing, and operations background. He began at Lockheed Martin, co-founded an AI medical device startup, built and exited an IT/cybersecurity business, and became President of Tech Coast Angels, founding its first Los Angeles startup fund.
Advisory Committee member; partner at DLA Piper and recognized venture debt expert leading the firm's Venture & Growth Lending practice.
Advisory Committee member; Chairman of TCA Venture Group with a technology, investing, and operations background, and an active early-stage angel investor.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) invest at?
- Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) invests at the Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage stages.
- What is Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.)'s typical check size?
- Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) typically writes checks of $30M.
- What sectors does Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) focus on?
- Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) focuses on AgTech, AI & Machine Learning, B2B Marketplaces, Cleantech, Fintech, Gaming, Healthtech, InsurTech, Logistics & Supply Chain, Media & Entertainment, SaaS, Sector Agnostic, Sports Tech.
- Where is Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) located?
- Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) is headquartered in Los Angeles, US.
- Does Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) lead rounds?
- Applied Real Intelligence (A.R.I.) typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
from their channel14B: Key Strategies for Venture Capital and Emerging Tech w/ Ken Hall
7 in 7 Show with Zack Ellison
14A: Key Strategies for Venture Capital and Emerging Tech w/ Ken Hall
7 in 7 Show with Zack Ellison
13B: Unlocking Secrets to Early-Stage Startup Success w/ Scott Kelly
7 in 7 Show with Zack Ellison
13A: Unlocking Secrets to Early-Stage Startup Success w/ Scott Kelly
7 in 7 Show with Zack Ellison
12B: Florida's Startup Surge: Insights from UF Innovate Ventures w/ Dr. Jackson Streeter
7 in 7 Show with Zack Ellison
12A: Florida's Startup Surge: Insights from UF Innovate Ventures w/ Dr. Jackson Streeter
7 in 7 Show with Zack Ellison
Images
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