Karlani Capital
Venture capitalSeed–Late Stage · 6 people tracked
Investment thesis
Karlani seeks technology-enabled companies with products, active users, or sales traction across sectors including fintech, adtech, ecommerce, and enterprise software. The firm emphasizes ethical business models that improve lives and democratize access, backed by a team of seasoned operators with expertise spanning entrepreneurship, sales, product development, and multiple industries. Investments typically range from $100K to $2M+ per round, with flexibility for follow-on funding and creative financing structures.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 6 people
from the firm's websiteCo-founder of Karlani Capital with a track record in founding and developing multiple startups in technology, retail, and hospitality sectors. Brings experience in finance, governance, and startup operations with a commitment to supporting founders building socially impactful businesses.
Founder and Managing Partner of Karlani Capital with extensive entrepreneurial background, including founding Kenexa (an enterprise HR SaaS company taken public in 2005 and sold to IBM in 2012). Recognized for entrepreneurial and humanitarian achievements and authored a New York Times bestselling book on employee engagement.
CPA with over 30 years of accounting experience who managed Kenexa's finances from 1996 to 2013 and contributed significantly to the company's growth through systematic financial stewardship. Prior to Kenexa, he was a partner at an accounting firm.
Managing Partner at Karlani Capital with over 15 years of technical leadership across software startups in search, e-learning, and data analytics. Previously led product and research teams at IBM's Smarter Workforce organization applying AI and behavioral data to workplace outcomes.
Serial entrepreneur who founded Performance Agency (a performance-based online advertising company) and Plugged Inc. (a premium headphone brand). Joined Karlani Capital in April 2014 following the acquisition of Blue Track Media and serves as Managing Partner.
Former life insurance industry executive with experience across the U.S., Canada, and U.K. Formed Mannik Advisory upon retirement in 2016 to pursue ventures in the InsureTech and FinTech space, supporting startup innovation.
What they invest in
from 5 of 26 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×3Cloud Computing ×2HR Tech ×2SaaS ×2Developer Tools ×1Direct to Consumer ×1E-commerce ×1Enterprise Software ×1
HQs:United Kingdom×1United States×1
Investments · 26 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathAccela provides cloud-based software and IT management solutions for government agencies and communities to deliver digital services, streamline operations, and improve resident engagement. The platform serves modern local and regional governments seeking to offer efficient, transparent online service delivery.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingGovTechSaaS
Eloquii is a fashion retailer specializing in plus-size clothing, offering everyday wear, workwear, bridal, and occasion wear. The company designs and sells apparel tailored to the plus-size customer.
Direct to ConsumerE-commerce
Harri provides a frontline employee experience platform designed for restaurants, hotels, and service businesses to improve operational efficiency and employee engagement.
AI & Machine LearningHR Tech
Founder opened first Burger King in Australia
Phenom provides applied AI infrastructure and agents for enterprise human resources functions, enabling faster hiring, accelerated onboarding, and improved employee retention through automation and data-driven insights. The platform delivers personalized candidate and employee experiences while automating manual HR processes across talent acquisition and management.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareHR Tech
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Karlani Capital invest at?
- Karlani Capital invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B, Late Stage stages.
- What is Karlani Capital's typical check size?
- Karlani Capital typically writes checks of $100K – $2M.
- What sectors does Karlani Capital focus on?
- Karlani Capital focuses on AdTech, E-commerce, Enterprise Software, Fintech, SaaS.
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