Okapi Venture Capital
Venture capitalSouthern California · Pre-Seed–Series A · 4 people tracked
Investment thesis
Okapi VC targets companies in information technology and life sciences at seed and early stages of development. The firm draws its name from the okapi animal, using the creature's characteristics—long gestation periods and precociousness at birth—as a metaphor for portfolio companies that develop and mature into successful ventures while navigating the competitive landscape of venture capital.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 4 people
from the firm's website
Seasoned startup founder and managing partner of multiple Okapi funds (OV1, OV2, OV3, OV4, OV Opp Fund, and OV5). Brings extensive experience in executive roles, law, strategy, operations, and business development across the tech industry. Holds a BA from USC and JD from Pepperdine University School of Law, with prior involvement in numerous portfolio and board roles.
Co-founder of Okapi in 2005 responsible for life science investments across the firm's funds. Brings extensive venture capital and industry experience, including prior roles as Senior Vice President at SkinMedica and Principal at Domain Associates. Tenured Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine with over 132 publications and 57+ professional presentations. Holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson, PhD in Comparative Pathology from UC Davis, and DVM from The Ohio State University.
Venture capital professional with over two decades of experience, having made 50+ investments deploying $150+ million in early-stage funding with 3.5x realized returns. Previously served as Senior Vice President at Mophie, leading growth from $10 million to over $250 million. As an angel investor, achieved a 120x return with Duo Security and invested in companies including Acorns and Archer Education. Holds a BA from Notre Dame and MBA from the University of Virginia.
Serial entrepreneur who founded and led 24/7 Media (Nasdaq: TFSM), Resume.com (acquired by Adecco), and X1 Technologies as CEO. Held executive roles in business development, strategy, and corporate development at Idealab and Mattel. Active angel investor in early-stage startups. Holds a BS from USC and MBA from UCLA.
What they invest in
from 2 of 42 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×1Data & Infrastructure ×1Defense Tech ×1Enterprise Software ×1Future of Work ×1SaaS ×1Space Tech ×1
HQs:United States×2
Investments · 42 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathSlingshot provides real-time operational intelligence and autonomous coordination software for space operations, serving defense, commercial, and sovereign operators. The company transforms sensor data into actionable intelligence to enable faster decision-making and autonomous action in space.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureDefense TechSpace TechEl Segundo, US
Ubiq provides a wireless presentation solution for conference rooms that eliminates cable management and reduces IT support overhead. The platform enables wireless projection, remote management, and calendar integration for enterprise meeting spaces.
Enterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkSaaSBoston, US
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Okapi Venture Capital invest at?
- Okapi Venture Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Okapi Venture Capital's typical check size?
- Okapi Venture Capital typically writes checks of $750K – $3M.
- What sectors does Okapi Venture Capital focus on?
- Okapi Venture Capital focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Consumer, Digital Health, Enterprise Software, Future of Work, Healthtech, SaaS.
- Where is Okapi Venture Capital located?
- Okapi Venture Capital is headquartered in Southern California, US.
- Does Okapi Venture Capital lead rounds?
- Yes, Okapi Venture Capital leads investment rounds.
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