Tensility Venture Partners
Venture capitalChicago · Pre-Seed–Series A · 17 people tracked
Investment thesis
Tensility Venture Partners focuses exclusively on early-stage AI-first software and services companies, a mandate it has pursued since 2017 with more than 50 AI and data-driven investments. The firm backs domain-expert founders building startups with strong margins and attractive scaling potential in deep tech areas including agentic AI and LLM-driven workflows, human-AI text and voice interfaces, physical/robotic AI, quantum, space, and dual-use technologies. Drawing on over two decades of venture and technical experience across market cycles, the firm prioritizes solutions requiring accuracy and proprietary data, and emphasizes transparency and adaptability while supporting resilient, mission-driven founders in both product and services sectors.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 17 people
from the firm's website & public directories
What they invest in
from 27 of 48 portfolio companiesSaaS ×15Enterprise Software ×14AI & Machine Learning ×11Data & Infrastructure ×4Digital Health ×4Fintech ×4Healthtech ×4Cloud Computing ×3
HQs:United States×14
Investments · 48 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2020 · 12015 · 12 dated
Implicit is an AI-powered knowledge platform that aggregates technical content from manuals, tickets, and procedures to provide cited answers to both human workers and AI agents.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Backstop provides a multi-asset-class research and portfolio management platform with CRM, due diligence, document management, and reporting tools for institutional investors, LPs, private fund managers (GPs), consultants, advisors, and OCIOs.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechSaaS
BrainCheck provides digital cognitive assessment and care planning tools that help healthcare providers screen for and monitor cognitive decline, supporting patients and caregivers.
Digital HealthHealthtechSaaSHouston, US
Yael Katz(Executive Officer, Director)David Eagleman(Executive Officer, Director)
Bushel offers farm management software (formerly FarmLogs) that combines machine data, grain contracts, and input costs so farmers can track field-level profitability, manage grain marketing positions, and monitor rainfall.
AgTechFintechSaaS
Pega provides an AI-powered enterprise platform for process automation, customer service, customer engagement, and legacy system modernization.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
ConverseNow provides customizable voice AI for hospitality and service businesses to automate customer interactions, improve satisfaction, and reduce staffing needs.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise Software
Culina Health connects patients with registered dietitians for personalized, virtual nutrition care that is in-network with major insurance plans.
Digital HealthHealthtechWellness & FitnessNew Jersey, US
Vanessa Rissetto(Co-founder)Tamar Samuels(Co-founder)
DataRobot develops an AI and machine learning platform that automates model development and deployment for enterprises.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareBoston, US
Jeremy Achin(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Thomas de Godoy(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Christopher Lynch(Director)
BoardHarry Weller(Director)
Invoca provides AI-powered software that connects online and offline customer touchpoints—including calls—to revenue, tracking the buyer or patient journey.
AI & Machine LearningMarketing TechSaaSChicago, US
William M. Conroy(Director)Robert Burns(Executive Officer)Bruce Barron(Director)Martin Pankau(Executive Officer)Hunter Witherington(Director)Irvin M Shapiro(Director)
DIRTT provides prefabricated, customizable interior construction systems that use software-driven 3D design connected to manufacturing, allowing spaces to be adapted and reconfigured over time.
Advanced ManufacturingConstruction TechPropTech
Cisco provides networking devices and infrastructure software for data centers, workplaces, and security operations.
Cloud ComputingCybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSan Jose, US
Field + Farmer was a fresh food brand that produced clean-label bars, fresh dips, cold-pressed juices, and dressings made with produce from partner farms.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTech
FourKites provides supply chain visibility software across multiple transportation modes including trucking, rail, and ocean freight.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainSaaSChicago, US
Matt Elenjickal(Founder & CEO)
Impossible Objects develops composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) technology and machines that combine long-fiber carbon or fiberglass fabrics with high-performance polymer powders like PEEK to produce carbon fiber composite parts.
Advanced ManufacturingHardwareNew MaterialsNorthbrook, US
Lawrence Kaplan(Executive Officer, Director)Robert Swartz(Executive Officer, Director)Ian Drury(Director)
Chicago, US
MARK DONNELLY(Director)MARK HARDY(CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER)RICHARD SCAMEHORN(EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF RESEARCH OFFICER)GUY TURNER(Director)GREGG KAPLAN(Director)MARTIN JOHNSON(EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER)
Mosaic is an AI-powered planning and resource management platform that helps professional services firms optimize project timelines, team assignments, and workload allocation.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
A financial technology provider offering deposits, payments, and card solutions that community banks, fintechs, and B2B payments providers use to deliver embedded finance and commercial banking experiences.
FintechSaaS
IBM is a multinational technology company offering enterprise software, AI, hybrid cloud, automation, and data solutions to support business transformation across various industries.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingEnterprise Software
Jit Saxena(Founder)
Qorvo develops radio frequency (RF) and power technologies, including design and manufacturing advancements for communications applications.
HardwareHealthtechIoTSemiconductorsPlymouth, US
Brock Siegel(Director)Charlie Goff(Director)Jack Ahrens(Director)Harry Norris(Executive Officer, Director)Paul Knapp(Director)Steve Einhorn(Director)
Science On Call provides IT support and managed services for restaurants, leveraging AI-powered automations to help resolve technology challenges and reduce operational costs.
Enterprise SoftwareFoodTechSaaSOak Park, US
Andy Freivogel(Co-Founder & CEO)Luisa Castellanos(Co-Founder & COO)Ken Tsang(Co-Founder & CTO)
JAGGAER (at sciquest.com) offers an AI-powered source-to-pay and procure-to-pay procurement platform that unifies sourcing, contracts, spend management, eProcurement, invoicing, payments, and supplier intelligence.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
SonarMD is a digital monitoring platform for patients with inflammatory bowel disease that uses validated questionnaires and proprietary algorithms to detect deteriorating gut health between clinical visits.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesChicago, US
LAWRENCE R KOSINSKI(Director)BETH HOUCK(Executive Officer, Director)inJohn Starr(Executive Officer)Devin Gross(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardTHOMAS M SHEHAB(Director)CHARITY TARN(Director)
Exits · 1
IPOs and acquisitions across the tracked portfolioTransunionNYSE: TRU
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesNetezza · pulse2.com · Jul 18, 2026
Data Robot · funderintel.com · Jul 16, 2026
Zendesk · calcalistech.com · May 28, 2026
Science On Call · trysignalbase.com · Mar 24, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Tensility Venture Partners invest at?
- Tensility Venture Partners invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What sectors does Tensility Venture Partners focus on?
- Tensility Venture Partners focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Consumer, Cybersecurity, Data & Infrastructure, Deep Tech, Defense Tech, Digital Health, Enterprise Software, Healthtech, Quantum Computing, Robotics, SaaS, Space Tech.
- Where is Tensility Venture Partners located?
- Tensility Venture Partners is headquartered in Chicago, US.
- Does Tensility Venture Partners lead rounds?
- Tensility Venture Partners typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Co-investors · 18
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm that invests in and provides long-term support to founders building new companies.
Redpoint Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1999 by former partners from leading venture firms, focusing on early-stage technology companies across multiple sectors. The firm leverages its partners' technology investment experience and an extensive network of entrepreneurs and industry contacts to support portfolio company growth.
Streamlined Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that partners with founders and invests at the seed stage to help build large-scale companies.
Hyde Park Venture Partners (HPVP) is an early-stage venture fund investing in AI, software, and tech-enabled services companies connected to the Midwest, Toronto, or the Southeast.
Chicago Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with founders in industries it views as overlooked, writing high-conviction checks and taking board seats.
Indicator Ventures is an early-stage investment firm that backs founders at the idea and pre-Series A stage across fintech, healthcare, commerce, and emerging technology.
S3 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 that invests in technology companies and medical device/health software startups, backed by a single philanthropic limited partner.
Dreamit Ventures is an early-stage venture firm investing in cybersecurity startups, offering customer introductions and access to co-investors to support company growth.
Practical Venture Capital (PVC) is a venture firm focused on the secondary market for private, late-stage technology companies. It acquires stakes in mature companies through its Halftime Fund.
500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is a venture capital firm that invests in startups worldwide and runs programs for founders and investors.
TSV Capital (TSVC), formerly TEEC Angel Fund, is a Silicon Valley seed-stage venture firm that backs technical founders at the earliest stages, having invested in over 200 early-stage companies.
Tribeca Venture Partners is a New York-based venture capital firm that backs early-stage founders using emerging technologies to build category-defining companies.
▶6 more co-investors
High AlphaFf Venture CapitalLocus VenturesScrum VenturesMercury FundCrossbeam Venture Partners
Firms observed investing alongside Tensility Venture Partners, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Tensility Venture Partners's recorded portfolio.
Similar investors
DCVC (Data Collective) is a venture capital firm that backs founders building companies which apply technology to major challenges across areas such as energy, biotech, agriculture, and machine learning.
Alumni Ventures (AV) is a venture firm that gives accredited individual investors access to professionally managed, diversified venture portfolios by co-investing alongside leading lead VC firms. It offers annual funds, syndicate deal-by-deal investing, and various investor clubs.
Everywhere Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that backs founders globally, supported by a community of founders and operators as LPs.
Alpha Edison is an investment firm that partners with entrepreneurs to build category-creating companies that open up new markets.
Sierra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in first-principles founders, backing companies from inception through Series A across AI infrastructure, applied/vertical AI, deep tech, and physical/embodied AI.