Fundraising Fox
Kern Venture Group
Venture capitalBakersfield · Pre-Seed–Series B · 24 people tracked
Not to be confused with Kern Venture Group (Venture capital · Kern County, US)
Find your way into Kern Venture Group
Sign up to see every warm intro you have to Kern Venture Group
- Paths you didn't know you had: your email and LinkedIn already hold routes to the Kern Venture Group team. We find them for you
- 2nd- and 3rd-degree connections: the friend-of-a-friend routes that take hours to manually find through your inbox or LinkedIn
- Answers now, not in days: momentum is everything in a raise. Skip asking around whether someone knows someone
Days of research, done the moment you sign in, with every route ranked by how warm it is.
Investment thesis
KVG invests in early-stage startups through Series B across all industries, believing great companies can emerge from any sector. Based in Kern County in California's Central Valley, the firm leverages the region's strengths in agriculture, renewable energy, oil, aerospace and defense, transportation, and advanced manufacturing to support its portfolio companies with capital, network access, and experience. KVG emphasizes investments that positively impact its surrounding community while connecting startups to resources uniquely available in the region.
Source: firm website, verified Sep 20, 2026.
Team · 24 people
from the firm's website & public directories
John-Paul Lake is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Kern Venture Group. His background spans general management, with experience in finance, marketing, and sales, and his work includes involvement in education and the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Bakersfield City Council member and cofounder of Sage Equities.
Former President of Aera Energy LLC and founder of Valley Republic Bank.
Principal at Cornerstone Engineering and Managing Partner at TJ Cross Engineering.
President and CEO of Premier Equipment Rental and Fleet Services Towing.
Founder of Tel-Tec Security Systems and Chairman of the Board of Dignity Hospital Bakersfield.
President and CEO of Valley Strong Credit Union.
Founder and CEO of CBCC and CBCC Global Research.
Former Vice President and Manager at Security Pacific Commercial Loan Center and former CFO of Coleman Homes, Inc.
Works on strategic projects at Cambium; formerly an engineer at Stratolaunch, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and The Spaceship Company.
VP at Alpine Investors Software Group.
Founder and CEO of Akadeum Life Sciences.
Managing Shareholder at Barbich Hooper King Dill Hoffman Accountancy Corporation.
Founder and CEO of M8 Systems and former VP of Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing & Operations on Amazon's Go project.
Joshua Gutierrez is an Associate at Kern Venture Group, where he works on identifying and supporting early-stage startups. He has prior experience in corporate finance and accounting.
Founder mafia
2 people who came through Kern Venture Group went on to found or lead other companies.
What they invest in
from 37 of 47 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×12Hardware ×11Consumer ×9Healthtech ×7Medical Devices ×7Deep Tech ×6Media & Entertainment ×6SaaS ×6
HQs:United States×24Canada×2United Kingdom×2
Who they back
founder profiles across 25 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×132 founders×93 founders×24+ founders×1
Where their founders studiedfrom 13 founders with education data
University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business ×2
What their founders studiedfrom 17 founders with field-of-study data
Engineering ×8Business & Management ×6Economics ×2
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
Investments · 47 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2025 · 12022 · 12021 · 32018 · 16 dated
Akadeum manufactures GMP-compliant ancillary materials for cell and gene therapy applications, specializing in microbubble-based negative selection products.
Advanced ManufacturingBiotechDeep TechHealthtechMedical DevicesAnn Arbor, US
Kalyan Handique(Executive Officer, Director)John Younger(Executive Officer, Director)inJames Militello(Executive Officer)
BoardJeffrey S. Williams(Director)Paul D'Amato(Director)inDan Kidle(Director)in
Co-investorsArboretum VenturesBeringeaBerkeley CatalystBlueStone Venture PartnersCANTILEVER INVESTORSeLab Ventures+7 more
Auriga develops electromagnetic launch technology used for ground-based hypersonic testing, deployment of unmanned systems and effectors, missile defense interceptors without rocket motors, and responsive launch to low Earth orbit.
Deep TechDefense TechSpace Tech
Winnie Lai(Founder)in
Co-investorsAtas VCAutomotive Ventures MobilityNew North VenturesOTB VenturesSeraphim SpaceTrucks VC+6 more
Autio is a location-based audio app that automatically plays short, professionally narrated stories about the history, culture, geology, and people of nearby places as users travel.
ConsumerMedia & EntertainmentTravel & HospitalitySan Francisco, US
Kevin Costner(Co-founder)Woody Sears(Founder)in
Co-investorsAllied Venture Partnersblue 9 capitalGaingels
__Twitter.png)
AI-powered verticalized SaaS platform providing real-time data and insights for MedTech companies.
HealthtechSan Diego, US
Jim Hinrichs(Director)Aroon Krishna(Executive Officer, Director)Jon Phillips(Director)Jim Flynn(Director)
Co-investorsTwo Lanterns Venture Partners
BIOS develops neural digital therapy technology to deliver treatments for neurological conditions.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesCambridge, GB
Oliver Armitage(Founder)inEmil Hewage(Director)in
Co-investorsFifty YearsFOUNDER.orgHeuristic Capital PartnersThe Venture CollectiveY CombinatorAgrolimen Ventures+6 more
Cambium develops high-performance advanced materials using AI-driven molecular design and agile domestic manufacturing for extreme-condition applications across aerospace, space, industrial, and defense sectors.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechNew Materials
Simon Waddington(Founder)in
Co-investors8VCAlumni VenturesGaingelsJ17 CapitalMana VenturesMVP Ventures+5 more
Compression Works develops medical devices for emergency and critical care settings, specifically in hemorrhage control and trauma management.
Defense TechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices
John Croushorn(Founder)inDr. Richard Schwartz(Co-Founder | Clinical Advisor)Scott Dodson(President and CEO)in
Co-investorsAtlanta Technology AngelsNorth Texas Angel NetworkRockies Venture Club
NexStride makes a small device that attaches to canes, walkers, or trekking poles and provides adjustable laser light and audible metronome cues to help people with gait disorders walk more steadily and reduce falls.
Digital HealthHardwareMedical Devices
Jack Brill(Co-founder)Sidney Collin(Co-founder)
Co-investorsRockies Venture ClubTrue Wealth Ventures
DermaSensor develops healthcare technology for skin cancer detection, serving physicians and patients in the medtech sector.
AI & Machine LearningHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesBoston, US
Dr. Maurice Ferre(Co-founder and Chairman)Christopher Dewey(Co-founder and Director)Cody Simmons(CEO, Director, Co-Founder)in
BoardDavid Matlin(Director)Dr. Irving Bigio(Original inventor (patent holder for Elastic Scattering Spectroscopy))
Co-investorsHarmonix FundMiami Angels
Diesel Labs uses synthetic focus groups and AI-driven conversation analysis to provide real-time audience intelligence, feeding curated data into models for consumer research, marketing, and content strategy.
AI & Machine LearningMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentBoston, US
Anjali Midha(CEO)in
Co-investorsBeacon AngelsCentral Texas Angel NetworkExcelestar VenturesGolden Seeds
Drop Water builds smart refill stations that dispense fresh, customizable beverages to reduce single-use plastic waste.
CleantechConsumerHardwareIoTSan Luis Obispo, US
Scott E(Founder)Scott Edwards(CEO)
Co-investorsCardinia Ventures
EarthSense develops AI and robotics solutions for agriculture to address sustainability and productivity challenges.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningRobotics
Chinmay Soman(Founder)in
Co-investorsADB VenturesAg Ventures AllianceAgLaunch AcceleratorAurum Venture PartnersBread And Butter Ventures, LlcGen Capital+2 more
Edge Sound Research builds intelligent audio infrastructure based on patented technologies that capture, separate, and enhance sound, transform physical surfaces into sound emitters, and map audio into spatial experiences.
AI & Machine LearningCrypto & Web3Deep TechGamingHardwareMedia & EntertainmentRiverside, US
Co-investorsCartan CapitalElevate VenturesTechstarsPotential Capital
Everyset provides a digital platform for managing background performers in film and television production, handling tasks from start work and extras breakdowns to payroll processing.
Enterprise SoftwareSaaS
Rumala Sheikhani(Founder)inEbrahim Bhaiji(Founder)in
Co-investorsCrosslink CapitalEmerging VenturesHAVEN VENTURESBlumberg CapitalFoundersX VenturesGradient Ventures+1 more
Evitado develops autonomous systems for airside operations at commercial airports and defense applications, addressing collision prevention, visibility, and labor shortages.
AI & Machine LearningDefense TechRobotics
Alex(Co-founder & CEO)Andrew(Co-founder, Head of Product & Operations)
Co-investorsDEPO VenturesTechNexus Venture Collaborative
Fabalish makes plant-based dips and sauces using aquafaba, originally created for clients with dietary restrictions.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWallington, US
Jessica GebelinPaul Majcherczyk(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investors37 AngelsDynabrand Ventures
FanUp is a fantasy contest and gaming platform where users enter free-to-play, daily, weekly, and season-long contests across sports and pop-culture events such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, FIFA, F1, IPL, and reality TV shows.
ConsumerGamingSports Tech
Ryan Rickert(Founder)in
Co-investorsAlumni VenturesAtland VenturesGaingelsReno Seed FundService Provider Capital
Flume offers a home water monitoring system that tracks indoor and outdoor water usage around the clock and sends instant leak alerts to help homeowners prevent water damage.
ConsumerHardwareIoTSan Luis Obispo, US
Eric Adler(Founder)inJames Fazio(Founder)in
Co-investorsAllied Venture PartnersAugment VenturesMilkbox PartnersSand Hill Angels
Greenjets is a company drawing on aerospace and automotive engineering expertise to develop technology in the aviation sector.
CleantechDeep TechHardwareMobility & TransportationLondon, GB
Anmol Manohar(Founder)Guido Monterzino(Founder)in
Co-investors7percent VenturesBlossom CapitalCoalitionExcellis HoldingMD One VenturesTanglin Venture Partners+4 more
Lumentra provides standards-based photometric, thermal, environmental, and electrical characterization and testing services for LED lighting manufacturers, along with standards compliance consulting for certification programs such as Energy Star and DesignLights Consortium.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechHardwareMississauga, CA
M8 Systems builds AI-driven irrigation automation combining proprietary hardware (its FarmLink controller), software, and a cloud platform to optimize water usage for growers, golf courses, and municipalities.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningIoTSan Juan Capistrano, US
Thomas Dewey(Executive Officer)Doug DeNardo(Director)
BoardMax Safai(Founder)in
Market Wagon operates an online marketplace connecting independent local and regional food producers with consumers, delivering their products directly to customers.
E-commerceFoodTechMarketplacesIndianapolis, US
Nick Carter(Executive Officer, Director)inDan Brunner(Executive Officer)inRob Eldridge(Director)in
BoardGuy Turner(Director)in
Co-investorsElevate Venturesgener8torHyde Park Venture PartnersNew Stack VenturesService Provider CapitalHyde Park Angels+4 more
Measure is a social media analytics platform for brand teams managing accounts across markets, agencies, and product lines.
AdTechAI & Machine LearningMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentSaaSChalfont, US
Thomas Kramer(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardJames Creech(Director)inDan Zitting(Director)
Co-investors37 AngelsDelaware Crossing Investor GroupRobin Hood Ventures
Mill It Farms produces plant-based buttermilk and salad dressings for use in smoothies, baking, sauces, and as condiments.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechBakersfield, US
William Myers(Executive Officer)
Co-investorsReno Seed Fund
MIMOSA Diagnostics develops medical devices and technology to improve healthcare equity through diagnostic solutions.
BiotechDeep TechDigital HealthHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesToronto, CA
Dr. Cross(Founder/Leader)Dr. Leung(Founder/Leader)Dr. Karen Cross(Co-founder)Dr. General Leung(Co-founder)
Co-investorsFundersClubMaple Leaf AngelsWomen's Equity LabSpring Impact CapitalTidal Venture Partners
Molten Cloud builds software infrastructure for digital media rightsholders to manage content licensing, royalty distribution, and intellectual property across global markets.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareMedia & EntertainmentSaaS
ArjunMehdiArjun Mendhiin
Co-investorsAshton KutcherMichael OvitzStartX
NeoCharge provides plug-and-play devices and software for home EV charging that leverage existing electrical infrastructure without requiring expensive electrical panel upgrades.
CleantechEnergyHardwareIoTMobility & TransportationCalifornia, US
Spencer Harrison(Cofounder)Akhil Veluru(Cofounder)inSpencer H.(Founder)in
NIRA develops at-home laser devices for skincare that deliver professional-grade results without pain or downtime, using patented semiconductor laser technology originally developed for dermatological clinics.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesWellness & Fitness
David Bean(Founder)
Co-investorsBeacon Angels
PadSplit is a U.S. coliving marketplace connecting property owners with renters seeking furnished private rooms on all-inclusive weekly terms.
PropTechAtlanta, US
Atticus LeBlanc(Executive Officer, Director)inKathryn Petralia(Director)
BoardArjan Schutte(Director)in
Co-investorsAlate PartnersBase Venture Management, Inc.Core Venture CapitalFlow CapitalKapor CapitalMetaProp+11 more
BiotechBethesda, US
Andrea Barthwell(Director)Behshad Sheldon(Director)Ashanthi Mathai(Executive Officer, Director)Serena Kim(Executive Officer)Kathryn Bowsher(Director)
Co-investorsCatalytic Impact FoundationMedMountain VenturesStartX
Sensate is a wearable device that uses low-frequency sound waves and audio soundscapes to stimulate the vagus nerve and help regulate the nervous system for stress relief, anxiety management, and improved sleep.
ConsumerHardwareMental HealthWellness & Fitness
Anna Gudmundson(Co-founder & CEO)in
Co-investors37 AngelsDangerous VenturesExpert DOJOGeek VenturesMoai CapitalUnlock Venture Partners+1 more
Sigo Seguros is a digital auto insurance agency that lets customers compare quotes from multiple insurers online and buy a policy in Spanish, with or without a US driver's license.
FintechInsurTech
Nestor Hugo Solari(Founder)in
Co-investorsNewlin VenturesRemarkable VenturesRevolutionBlockchain Founders FundChingona VenturesEntrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA)+3 more
Sizzle.gg offers patented technology that generates large numbers of personalized highlight reels from a single broadcast, tailoring clips to individual fans without producing new video files.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyGamingMedia & EntertainmentSports TechSunnyvale, US
Vijay Koduri(Founder)in
Co-investorsAlumni VenturesEterna CapitalID345Mindset VenturePlay VenturesSprint Vc+3 more
Storepass provides trading card game retailers with an automated product catalog management system that prepares inventory for sale without manual data entry, supporting multiple game lines like Magic, Pokemon, and emerging TCGs.
B2B MarketplacesE-commerceRetail TechSaaS
Worksana provides employee time-tracking and California labor-law compliance software, offering a facial-recognition kiosk, offline mobile app, and web clock-in along with meal/rest break documentation, attestations, and payroll exports.
AgTechFuture of WorkHR TechSaaS
David Hergenroeder(Co-Founder / CEO)Trevor Smith(Co-Founder / CFO)in
Co-investorsEntrada Ventures
Zeste Farms grows and sells fresh, live culinary herbs and salad greens packaged in sleeves for home preparation.
AgTechConsumerFoodTechPaso Robles, US
Stan Kaplita(Co-Founder and President)
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
BIOSDosaGohfdJunktheoryReadleeSkoogmusicSparckVinergyincVirtanzaZeste
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesGreenjets · eu-startups.com · Jul 17, 2026
Auriga Space · finsmes.com · Jul 15, 2025
Akadeum Life Sciences · biospace.com · Jun 4, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Kern Venture Group made?
- Kern Venture Group has 47 tracked investments, including 1 dated in the last 24 months.
- What stage does Kern Venture Group invest at?
- Kern Venture Group invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B stages.
- What sectors does Kern Venture Group focus on?
- Kern Venture Group focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, AgTech, Defense Tech, Energy, Logistics & Supply Chain, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Kern Venture Group located?
- Kern Venture Group is headquartered in Bakersfield, US.
- Who does Kern Venture Group co-invest with?
- Kern Venture Group most often shares deals with 37 Angels, Alumni Ventures, Gaingels, among 112 tracked co-investors.
Similar investors
Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm that backs bold, early-stage, technology-driven companies across deep tech and other sectors, providing hands-on 'venture assistance' to help founders build category-defining businesses.
Plug and Play is an innovation platform that connects corporations, governments, startups, investors, and universities, running accelerator programs and venture investing across more than 25 vertical industries.
GVFL Limited is a venture capital firm based in Ahmedabad, India, investing in early- to growth-stage startups across multiple sectors, with a focus on the India market and startups from Gujarat.
Kern Venture Group is an early-stage venture fund based in California's Central Valley that provides capital, network access, and operational experience to portfolio companies while aiming to foster economic growth in rural regions.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a Canadian institution that has supported small and medium-sized businesses for over 80 years, providing financing and advisory services to companies across all industries and growth stages.