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Boulder · Seed–Series A · 3 people tracked
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Investment thesis
Firebrand Ventures invests early in exceptional founders, prioritizing trusted relationships and shared values such as integrity, transparency, and authentic leadership. Emerging from a Techstars background, the firm focuses on startups outside the coastal hubs, having backed companies in cities like Austin, Boulder, Denver, Chicago, Des Moines, and Kansas City. Now investing from its Firebrand II fund, the firm positions itself as a hands-on, responsive, long-term partner throughout the startup journey, seeking entrepreneurs who aspire to be self-aware, humble, and courageous leaders.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 3 people
from public directories
Founder mafia
2 people who came through Firebrand Ventures went on to found or lead other companies.
What they invest in
from 42 of 53 portfolio companiesSaaS ×12Consumer ×11AI & Machine Learning ×10Enterprise Software ×10Fintech ×7Advanced Manufacturing ×6B2B Marketplaces ×6Climate Tech ×5
HQs:United States×39Vietnam×1
Who they back
founder profiles across 18 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×132 founders×33 founders×2
Where their founders studiedfrom 14 founders with education data
Penn State University ×2
What their founders studiedfrom 17 founders with field-of-study data
Business & Management ×4Engineering ×4Finance & Accounting ×3Computer Science ×2Economics ×2Social Sciences ×2
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
Investments · 53 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2025 · 12024 · 12023 · 22022 · 32021 · 22020 · 52019 · 12018 · 12017 · 22016 · 12014 · 120 dated
HData is an AI-native operating system that helps utilities, regulators, and energy companies manage regulatory compliance and business intelligence through centralized data and standardized reporting.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnergyEnterprise SoftwareFintechGovTechJoliet, US
Hudson Hollister(Founder)inYuval Lubowich(Co-Founder)in
BoardJohn Fein(Director)inAmy Francetic(Director)inAnthony Mealey(Director)Mithun Banarjee(Director)
Co-investorsBuoyant Ventures Management, LlcHyde Park Venture PartnersTechstarsBlueTree Venture CapitalFrontier Venture CapitalInnovation Depot+8 more
Trelora is a real estate platform that connects homebuyers and sellers with agent specialists and provides closing services through its Newfound Title & Escrow subsidiary.
B2B MarketplacesMarketplacesPropTechSaaSDenver, US
Joshua Hunt(Founder)Rod Ward(Chief Executive Officer)inSteffany Ayala(Chief Financial Officer)inGarrett O. Kearbey(Director, Chief Marketing Officer)David L. Workman(Director, Chief Operating Officer)Keith Hunniford(Chief Technology Officer)
Co-investorsMatchstick VenturesRoyal Street Ventures Management Company, LlcService Provider CapitalTechstars
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Videate provides AI-driven video automation software that automatically updates product videos whenever software changes occur.
AdTechAI & Machine LearningEdTechMarketing TechSaaSAustin, US
Dave Gullo(Co-founder)Ryan Arnett(CEO)
Co-investorsS3 VenturesNavigate VenturesTensility Venture PartnersAiSprouts VC
8base is a backend-as-a-service platform that turns text prompts into application blueprints, generating a data model, test data, custom backend functions, and a GraphQL API for software developers.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingDeveloper ToolsSaaSCoral Gables, US
Albert Santalo(Founder and CEO)in
Board seatJohn Fein· per SEC Form D
Co-investorsAlumni VenturesBasecamp FundBeresford VenturesStrawberry Creek VenturesTechstarsArgonautic Ventures+3 more
Detroit, US
Raffaele Mautone(Executive Officer, Director)inThomas Lazay(Director)Julie Cullivan(Director)
Co-investors645 VenturesCompanyon VenturesGaingelsGutbrain VenturesInvest DetroitLeft Lane Capital+1 more
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Assemble provides a platform for managing changes across enterprise systems, allowing developers to scope dependencies, modify logic, and validate changes across multiple platforms from a single interface.
AI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareSaaSSan Francisco, US
Aliyan Ishfaq(CEO)inShaurnav Ghosh(CTO)inShrish Janarthanan(CPO)in
Co-investorsVela PartnersY CombinatorAndreessen HorowitzFounders FactoryGoldcrest CapitalSusa Ventures
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Automox provides an IT automation platform that helps modern organizations manage and automate their IT operations.
CybersecurityDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareSaaSBoulder, US
John Prassl(Executive Officer, Director)Justin TalericoinRajat Bhargava(Executive Officer, Director)Jay Prassl(Founder)Mark Manes(Founder)
BoardChris Marks(Director)in
Co-investorsCRV (Charles River Ventures)Ergo CapitalGula Tech AdventuresKoch Disruptive TechnologiesService Provider CapitalTechOperators Venture Capital+6 more
Choice Digital provides digital payout solutions that let organizations offer consumers multiple ways to receive payments such as claims settlements, rebates, and deposit returns.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechInsurTechSaaS
Crafty provides workplace pantry management services, combining expert-led food and beverage delivery with a proprietary platform to manage office snacking programs across multiple locations.
B2B MarketplacesFuture of WorkSaaSChicago, US
Cameron Lawrence(Executive Officer)James Paul(Executive Officer)Christopher Ritter(Executive Officer, Director)Nathan Rosenstock(Executive Officer, Director)inIshan Daya(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)
BoardBrian Hirsch(Director)
Co-investors7BC Venture CapitalBluestein VenturesGreycroftJLL Spark Global VenturesInterplay Ventures Early Stage Management LlcJLL Spark
Drop is a gaming collaboration hub under CORSAIR that partners with video game titles to create branded hardware and merchandise, including gaming peripherals, streaming equipment, and accessories for gamers and esports enthusiasts.
ConsumerGamingHardware
Nelson Wu(Founder)inJasper Chan(Founder)Steve El-Hage(Founder)
Co-investorsCowboy VenturesMultiplier CapitalRunway Growth CapitalWestern Technology InvestmentAream & Co.Autochrome Ventures+2 more
Drop is an urban micromobility company that builds internet-connected, app-based small electric vehicles — including e-bikes, retrofit kits, scooters, cargo, and adaptive vehicles — along with rider apps, a cloud monitoring platform, and turn-key bike-share operations.
HardwareIoTMobility & Transportation
Qiming Weng(Cofounder)in
Co-investorsExpansion Venture CapitalGrand VenturesTrucks VCDecathlon Capital Partners
Dwolla provides a modern API platform that enables businesses to connect to US payment networks and facilitate fast bank transfers.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSDes Moines, US
Ben Milne(Founder)in
BoardCraig Ibsen(Director)inJonathon Triest(Director)inAlbert Wenger(Director)inJeff Russell(Director)Jospeh D Geneser(Director)
Co-investorsAndreessen HorowitzHigh AlphaNext Level VenturesUnion Square Ventures (USV)FoundryLudlow Ventures
Edlink provides Single Sign On (SSO) functionality supporting over a dozen authentication providers, enabling education technology products to integrate seamlessly with school systems via LTI, Clever, Classlink, and other platforms.
Data & InfrastructureDeveloper ToolsEdTechSaaSSan Francisco, US
Dakota Gordon(CEO & Co-Founder)inAmanda Goodson(COO & Co-Founder)in
Co-investorsAllied Venture PartnersPath VenturesWorkshop Venture Partners
Ephemeral produces semi-permanent tattoo ink formulated to fade naturally over 2 years, offering an alternative to permanent tattoos that do not require laser removal.
ConsumerHealthtechWellness & FitnessNew York City, US
Jeffrey Liu(Executive Officer, Director)Brennal Pierre(Director)inJoshua Sakhai(Cofounder)in
BoardBenjamin Sun(Director)
Co-investorsKima VenturesTechstars
FitBark makes GPS trackers and health monitoring devices for pets that provide real-time location tracking, activity metrics, and sleep monitoring.
ConsumerHardwareInsurTechIoTForest Hills, US
Davide Rossi(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)inSara Rossi(Founder)in
Co-investorsMissouri Technology CorporationTechstars
Fleetzero designs and retrofits commercial vessels with battery-electric propulsion systems to decarbonize ocean shipping.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechClimate TechEnergyHardwareRoboticsHouston, US
Steven Henderson(Founder)inMike Carter(Founder)inSteven H(Founder)Steven Henderson Michael Carter(Founder)Thomas Smillie(Vice President Engineering)Maggie Belshe(Marketing)
Co-investorsObvious VenturesBreakthrough Energy VenturesCantos VenturesDarco CapitalMaersk GrowthPioneer+10 more
Fluent Forever is a language-learning app based on a best-selling book, using images, sound, and spaced-repetition flashcards to build speaking and pronunciation skills rather than relying on translations.
AI & Machine LearningConsumerEdTechChicago, US
Gabriel Wyner(Executive Officer, Director)in
Co-investors37 AngelsAllied Venture PartnersBrighter CapitalChicago Early Growth Ventures (CEGV)Insta VenturesLofty Ventures+5 more
Handraise builds a real-time reputation intelligence platform that unifies narrative intelligence, media signals, and AI interpretation to help enterprise brands monitor, understand, and shape their reputation.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareMarketing TechAustin, US
Matt Allison(Founder)inDavid Perdue(Chief Technology Officer)inNathan Walker(Head of Customer Success & Measurement)inJustin Papermaster(Head of Revenue & Growth Strategy)in
BoardMorgan Flager(Director)in
Co-investorsFloodgateService Provider CapitalSilverton PartnersAperiam Ventures
inKind operates a consumer dining app that lets diners pay their restaurant bills by phone and earn up to 20% back at over 8,000 restaurants, bars, and cafés nationwide.
ConsumerFintechFoodTechAustin, US
Johann Edmund Moonesinghe(Executive Officer, Director)Andrew Richard Harris(Executive Officer)Miles G Matthias(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsFJ Labs
Judy is a cybersecurity platform designed for MSPs and SMBs that combines AI threat detection with human security expertise to protect endpoints, emails, and networks.
CybersecurityReston, US
Raffaele Mautone(Founder)in
Co-investorsCompanyon VenturesID VenturesLeft Lane CapitalMichigan RiseNext Coast VenturesSpringTime Ventures+1 more
Living Carbon develops precision-bred tree varieties and reforestation techniques to convert marginal land into carbon-sequestering ecosystems.
Advanced ManufacturingAgTechBiotechClimate TechSan Francisco, US
Maddie Hall(Founder)inMadeline Hall(Founder)Patrick Mellor(Founder)Laurel Mills(Chief of Staff)Maxx Echt(Ops Manager)Jennifer Everett(Ops director)
Co-investorsC3 VenturesCapital B Private HoldingsCongruent VenturesConstructor Capital USDarco CapitalFloodgate+27 more
Minnesota-based meal-kit delivery company shipping locally sourced, chef-designed recipes by growing region.
Climate TechChanhassen, US
Co-investorsTechstarsM25Matchstick VenturesROUTER VENTURES
Localcrate.com publishes curated best-of lists, product reviews, and verified sales and deals across consumer product categories.
ConsumerE-commerceMedia & Entertainment
Co-investorsMatchstick Ventures
LODAS Securities is a brokerage firm regulated under the Securities Investor Protection Corporation framework for investor asset protection.
B2B MarketplacesFintechMarketplacesPropTechWashington, US
Brian King(CEO)in
Co-investorsService Provider Capital
Nivati is an employee mental health and wellbeing platform that combines an AI-powered companion app with access to licensed therapists, dietitians, financial coaches, group workshops, self-guided content, and 24/7 call and chat therapy.
Digital HealthHealthtechHR TechMental HealthWellness & FitnessSouth Jordan, US
Amelia Wilcox(Founder)Pamela Stevenson(Director)Cydni Tetro(Director)Dan Tyre(Director)Adam Slovik(Director)
Co-investorsAccess Venture PartnersReno Seed FundService Provider CapitalAccess VenturesPeak
Omelas builds Atreus, an agentic AI intelligence workbench that synthesizes multilingual, multidomain intelligence to uncover patterns across datasets and generate reports and presentations from prompts.
AI & Machine LearningDefense TechGovTech
Benjamin D.in
Co-investorsThe Players' Impact
PathSpot provides a health and safety operating system for restaurants, commercial kitchens, food manufacturers, and foodservice operations.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechEnterprise SoftwareFoodTechHR TechIoTSaaSNew York City, US
Christine Schindler(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)inTaylor Waanders(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)
BoardTianxiang Zhuo(Director)in
Co-investors2045 Ventures2048 VenturesAlumni VenturesBAM VenturesFikaRenegade Partners+5 more
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PreFix offers a membership-based home maintenance service that coordinates repairs, preventive maintenance, and contractor access for homeowners.
B2B MarketplacesConsumerIoTMarketplacesPropTechAustin, US
James Bilodeau(Founder and CEO)in
Co-investorsAllied Venture PartnersCentral Texas Angel NetworkChicago VenturesForefront VentureMatchstick VenturesMoonshots Capital+3 more
Remora Carbon provides strategic advisory services to transportation, logistics, infrastructure, and geospatial sectors, with focus on transformational technologies.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechClimate TechEnterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainDetroit, US
Paul Gross(CEO)inDean Wise(Founder)Christina Reynolds(Founder)Eric Harding(Founder)Naomi Hyun(Director of People and Culture)Tiff McGuire(Head of Talent Acquisition)
Co-investorsFirst Round CapitalJuniperLowercarbon CapitalRusheen Capital PartnersUnion Square Ventures (USV)Valor Equity Partners+10 more
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Replica builds a privacy-preserving synthetic model of the real world, combining datasets on mobility, driver behavior, demographics, land use, and economic activity, along with analytical applications for cities and transportation planners.
Data & InfrastructureGovTechMobility & Transportation
Co-investorsRevolutionWestern Technology Investment
Graylog is a SIEM and log management platform for security, IT, and audit teams that collects and correlates log data on one timeline, groups related alerts into weighted incidents, and uses AI agents to assemble investigations and draft reports.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityData & InfrastructureBoulder, US
Matt Anderson(Executive Officer)V. Frank Mendicino III(Director)Andrew Grolnick(Executive Officer, Director)Robert A. Dickinson(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Christine Bottagaro(Executive Officer)Patrick J. Clawson(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsAccess Venture PartnersService Provider CapitalAccess VenturesAlerion VenturesFirstMile VenturesVillage Global
RevOps Co-op runs an online community for revenue operations professionals and offers partner programs — including workshops, digital events, sponsored content, and co-branded campaigns — that let companies build brand awareness and generate demand among that audience.
EdTechFuture of WorkMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentSales Tech
Co-investorsAscend Venture CapitalFrontures
Austin fintech that sold automated accounting software to SMBs, raised ~$103M, and wound down operations in 2020.
FintechAustin, US
Kurt Rathmann(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Kurt Rathmann, CPA(Founder)inWilliam Siegel(Director)Gary Forni(Executive Officer, Promoter)David Loia(Executive Officer, Promoter)
BoardAmos Schwartzfarb(Director)
Co-investorsMatchstick VenturesTechstarsAbstract VenturesACME CapitalBessemer Venture PartnersBroadhaven Capital Partners+12 more
Sheets & Giggles manufactures sustainable lyocell bedding made from eucalyptus wood pulp, using significantly less water and energy than conventional cotton production.
Circular EconomyCleantechClimate TechConsumerDirect to ConsumerDenver, US
Colin McIntosh(Executive Officer)in
Co-investorsKokopelli CapitalMatchstick VenturesOssian CapitalRockies Venture ClubTechstarsThe Fund
Skiptown provides professional pet care services for dogs.
Advanced ManufacturingB2B MarketplacesConsumerSaaSCharlotte, US
Meggie Williams(Founder)inMike Rotondo(CEO)in
Co-investorsCharlotte Angel FundTechstars
Super Dispatch runs a cloud auto-transport platform with a load board, carrier TMS and mobile eBOL apps for carriers, brokers and shippers.
Advanced ManufacturingFintechInsurTechKansas City, US
Bek Dispatch Abdullayev(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardPat Matthews(Director)in
Co-investorsKCRise FundSilicon BadiaTamarind HillTechstarsActive Capital
Returnmates operates a tech-enabled delivery and returns network for retail brands, offering premium same-day and next-day deliveries, box-less at-home return pickups, and doorstep exchanges.
E-commerceLogistics & Supply ChainRetail TechVenice, US
Eric Wimer(Founder)inKristian Zak(Director)
Co-investors7GC & CoBlackhorn VenturesYes VCLightShed VenturesThe Fund
The Hill Fund is a venture capital firm that invests in startups connected to the University of Kansas, backing companies with Jayhawk founders, executives, or KU affiliations.
Enterprise SoftwareSaaSKansas City, US
Hotel-style housekeeping at the push of a button
Co-investorsSandalphon CapitalDundee Venture CapitalRise of the Rest Seed
The Regis Company develops AI-powered simulation software for practice-based learning, helping organizations create training experiences that develop real skills.
AI & Machine LearningEdTechEnterprise SoftwareHR TechGolden, US
Co-investorsFirstMile VenturesService Provider CapitalAccess Venture Partners
Threatcare provides educational resources about scams and fraud in plain language, covering how scams work, prevention strategies, and recovery steps for people who have been scammed.
ConsumerCybersecurityDigital HealthAustin, US
Co-investorsTechstarsFlyover CapitalMoonshots Capital
Xoilac TV is a Vietnamese free live football streaming site broadcasting matches from over 20 competitions such as the Premier League, Champions League, and V-League in Full HD, with backup links, a mobile app, and multiple mirror channels.
Media & Entertainment
Co-investorsColopl Nextgumi IncAusum Ventures
Zohr provides mobile tire replacement and repair services that come directly to customers at their location.
Advanced ManufacturingB2B MarketplacesConsumerMobility & TransportationKansas City, US
Co-investorsExpansion Venture CapitalKCRise FundM25TechstarsTrucks VC
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
LODAS MarketsMint Apartment CleaningEdlinkMermaid ChartRealtoReplicaReturnmatesSuperdispatch
Rows marked “SEC filing” are inferred from directors named on the company's SEC Form D — public regulatory data, not a portfolio list published by the firm.
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesAssemble · ycombinator.com · Jul 13, 2026
Automox · trysignalbase.com · Mar 25, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Firebrand Ventures made?
- Firebrand Ventures has 53 tracked investments, 1 of which have exited, including 1 dated in the last 24 months.
- What stage does Firebrand Ventures invest at?
- Firebrand Ventures invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Firebrand Ventures's typical check size?
- Firebrand Ventures typically writes checks of $500K – $1M.
- What sectors does Firebrand Ventures focus on?
- Firebrand Ventures focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Firebrand Ventures located?
- Firebrand Ventures is headquartered in Boulder, US.
- Does Firebrand Ventures lead rounds?
- Yes, Firebrand Ventures leads investment rounds.
- Who does Firebrand Ventures co-invest with?
- Firebrand Ventures most often shares deals with Techstars, Service Provider Capital, Allied Venture Partners, among 94 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamThe Journey From Principal to Partner, Seed Diligence Rhythms w/ Claire Hansen of Firebrand Ventures
Valor Ventures · Claire Hansen
#0060 - John Fein Chats About His Seed Stage Venture Fund, Firebrand Ventures
Established · John Fein
Co-investors · 9
Techstars is a global startup accelerator and early-stage investor that funds and mentors ambitious founders, providing $220K in capital, a three-month program, and access to a worldwide network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners.
KCRise Fund is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies with a strategic connection to the Kansas City region (Kansas and the western half of Missouri).
Alumni Ventures (AV) is a venture capital firm that co-invests alongside lead VCs in startups, backing founders with capital and access to a large investor and operator community.
Foundry invests in early-stage startups and venture funds across multiple sectors. The firm builds a portfolio-based network connecting portfolio companies with other investors and entrepreneurs.
Innovation Endeavors is an early-stage venture fund that invests in founders and supports venture creation through pre-team and pre-idea programs. The firm provides portfolio companies with access to mentors, advisors, and an entrepreneur ecosystem.
Hyde Park Venture Partners is an early-stage venture firm backing founding teams with Midwest roots, investing from pre-seed through early Series A.
Ausum Ventures is a venture fund investing at the intersection of blockchain technology and social impact, backing both early-stage startups and cryptoassets.
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General Catalyst is a venture capital firm operating as a partnership focused on company building and accelerating the growth of the businesses it backs.
Chingona Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in founders building businesses in large, rapidly changing markets that are often overlooked.
Firms observed investing alongside Firebrand Ventures, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Firebrand Ventures's recorded portfolio.
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