Shepherd Ventures
Venture capitalSan Diego · Series A–Late Stage · 6 people tracked
Investment thesis
Shepherd Ventures focuses its investment activity primarily on the San Diego region within Southern California's Tech Coast, an area it views as rich in information technology and life science industries yet underserved by venture capital relative to its market potential. The firm believes its local presence, plus the collective operating experience and personal networks of its team of managing directors, venture partners and advisors, gives it a competitive edge in this geography. It adds value through hands-on 'shepherding,' offering extensive operating expertise, advisory connections and strategic partnerships to help its portfolio companies succeed.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 6 people
from the firm's website & public directories
What they invest in
from 6 of 19 portfolio companiesHardware ×4Deep Tech ×2Advanced Manufacturing ×1Biotech ×1Construction Tech ×1Cybersecurity ×1Defense Tech ×1Enterprise Software ×1
HQs:United States×3
Investments · 19 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBiotechMinneapolis, US
David J. Wambeke(Executive Officer)Lorianne Masuoka(Executive Officer)Rick Pauls(Executive Officer, Director)Scott Kellen(Executive Officer)Paul Papi(Executive Officer)Zhenyu (Jerry) Xiao(Director)
Board seatRichard P. Kuntz· per SEC Form D · $37.5M raise · filed Jun 2023
Lucix designs, manufactures, and tests active and passive RF payload hardware and integrated subsystems for satellite communications across GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits, serving space and defense/commercial customers.
Defense TechHardwareSpace TechCamarillo, US
NP Photonics is a manufacturer of single-frequency fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, multi-laser systems, high-energy lasers, and specialty glass and mid-IR transport fiber, offered as OEM, R&D, or custom laser solutions.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardwareTucson, US
Sendio provides email security software that filters spam, phishing, and ransomware threats to give organizations control over their inboxes.
CybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Skylight offers advanced skylight systems with pre-installed shades and controls to bring natural light and fresh air into homes.
Construction TechHardware
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.
Exits · 1
IPOs and acquisitions across the tracked portfolioDiaMedica TherapeuticsNASDAQ: DMAC
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Shepherd Ventures invest at?
- Shepherd Ventures invests at the Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage stages.
- What is Shepherd Ventures's typical check size?
- Shepherd Ventures typically writes checks of $750K – $3M.
- What sectors does Shepherd Ventures focus on?
- Shepherd Ventures focuses on Biotech, Data & Infrastructure, Deep Tech, Enterprise Software, Hardware, Healthtech, Media & Entertainment, Medical Devices, SaaS.
- Where is Shepherd Ventures located?
- Shepherd Ventures is headquartered in San Diego, US.
- Does Shepherd Ventures lead rounds?
- Yes, Shepherd Ventures leads investment rounds.
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