Capitalize VC
Venture capitalChicago · Pre-Seed–Seed · 7 people tracked
Also known as Capitalize VC QP
Investment thesis
Capitalize VC invests at the pre-seed and seed stage in commerce-enablement technology and creator economy infrastructure. The firm believes emerging technology and AI are reshaping how brands, retailers, and creators operate — from AI-driven back-office automation and generative engine optimization for discovery, to omni-channel selling through WhatsApp and social platforms. It also targets the circular economy as a new creator monetization and sustainability lever, owned revenue and data streams that let creators control earnings off-platform, and fan engagement and NIL opportunities in sports and entertainment. The firm emphasizes partnering with diverse founding teams and also backs consumer brands with early revenue traction.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 7, 2026.
Team · 7 people
from the firm's website & public directories
What they invest in
from 11 of 20 portfolio companiesSaaS ×6AI & Machine Learning ×4Retail Tech ×4E-commerce ×3Data & Infrastructure ×2Enterprise Software ×2Fintech ×2Marketing Tech ×2
HQs:United States×6
Investments · 20 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathAtronous is an AI-native product data intelligence platform that ingests raw inputs (PDFs, spreadsheets, images, line drawings, CAD files, and APIs), then normalizes, validates, and generates verified, channel-ready product data across 400+ categories.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureRetail Tech
Bump is a financial platform for creators that offers funding, a branded credit card, digital banking services, and income analytics tools to help content creators monetize their audience and manage their finances.
Creator EconomyFintech
Digiphy offers a connected packaging and contextual storytelling platform that uses QR codes and page building to enable brands to communicate product origin, traceability, and sustainability information directly to consumers.
AI & Machine LearningCircular EconomyMarketing TechRetail TechLos Angeles, US
Sarah Wagman Ellenbogen(Co-Founder & CEO)
Fanfare is a Shopify-native platform for running product "drops" and limited launches, providing waitlists, queues, lotteries, bot-resistant access, and fan analytics.
E-commerceRetail TechSaaS
Gildform is an AI-driven, on-demand product creation platform that generates design mockups and connects users with a global network of vetted CAD designers to produce 3D models for manufacturing custom jewelry, fashion hardware, home décor, and collectibles.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningE-commerceDetroit, US
Karissma Yve(Founder)
GUDEA provides narrative intelligence and risk detection solutions that identify emerging narratives and analyze complex signals across digital platforms for organizations.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareGovTechSaaSBaltimore, US
Keith Presley(Founder/Leader)James Thomin(Chief Technology Officer)in
BoardBrett Brohl(Director)Jonathan Sperber(Director)
Eat Omega 3 makes snack foods formulated with omega-3 fatty acids, targeting consumers seeking nutritional foods for brain and heart health.
ConsumerFoodTechWellness & FitnessBethesda, US
Food company applying AI to the extrusion process to create high-protein, low-glycemic snacks; makers of Rivalz Stuffed Snacks.
AI-powered 3D body scanning platform that uses a smartphone camera to accurately determine apparel fit, reducing returns for made-to-measure and ready-to-wear brands.
Waitify offers a no-code platform for building branded virtual waiting rooms and queueing systems for product drops and event launches, with bot protection, fair queueing, and analytics on queued customers.
E-commerceRetail TechSaaS
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesWarrant · tipranks.com · Jul 15, 2026
VOW · martechcube.com · Aug 8, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Capitalize VC invest at?
- Capitalize VC invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What is Capitalize VC's typical check size?
- Capitalize VC typically writes checks of $100K – $200K.
- What sectors does Capitalize VC focus on?
- Capitalize VC focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Circular Economy, Consumer, Creator Economy, Direct to Consumer, E-commerce, Fintech, Impact & Social Good, Retail Tech, Sports Tech.
- Where is Capitalize VC located?
- Capitalize VC is headquartered in Chicago, US.
- Does Capitalize VC lead rounds?
- Capitalize VC typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamImpact Anywhere by Brandolon Barnett with Tessa Flippin Capitalize VC Interview
Brandolon Barnett · Tessa Flippin
Images
Co-investors · 7
Chloe Capital is an impact-focused venture firm that invests in and supports diverse, women and minority-led technology startups, and runs accelerator and ecosystem-building programs.
REFASHIOND Ventures is an early-stage venture fund that invests in startups transforming and modernizing legacy industries, with a focus on industrial and supply chain innovation.
Serac Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that backs founders building innovative technologies aimed at redefining large markets, offering strategic support through its expert network and the Serac Guild.
Everywhere Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that backs founders globally, supported by a community of founders and operators as LPs.
Seae Ventures is an early-stage venture firm investing in healthcare companies that expand access to affordable, personalized care, with a focus on underserved populations and reducing health inequities.
KEC Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City, founded by former entrepreneurs to back startup founders.
Firms observed investing alongside Capitalize VC, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Capitalize VC's recorded portfolio.
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