Fundraising Fox

Unorthodox Ventures

Venture capital

Austin · Pre-Seed–Growth · 15 people tracked

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Investment thesis

Unorthodox Ventures positions itself as a contrarian VC backed by a single limited partner, enabling fast decisions and a focus on long-term success rather than short-term returns. It invests at seed and Series A, with later-stage follow-ons possible, writing checks of $1M-$5M. Rather than coming from a banking background, its team draws on engineering and marketing expertise to help portfolio companies with PR, manufacturing, and go-to-market strategy for pre-revenue startups. The firm invests globally and frequently helps overseas companies establish their first U.S. offices, offering free space at its 30,000-square-foot Austin warehouse for storage, products, and initial staff.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Growth
Check
$1M – $5M
HQ
Austin, Texas, US
Instruments
Equity
Founded
2017
Tracked investments
6

Team · 15 people

from the firm's website & public directories
Adam Kahnin

Member of the marketing and research team.

Brian Smithin

Member of the deal team.

Dan Eastonin

Member of the engineering team.

David Banksin

Member of the engineering team.

Gavin Holidayin

Member of the engineering team.

Isaac Weissin

Member of the deal team.

Rachel Nelsonin

Member of the deal team.

Scott Sloan

Member of the marketing and research team.

Steven Levyin

Member of the deal team.

Tristan Smithin

Member of the marketing and research team.

Yechiel (Ben) Lanzkronin

Member of the deal team.

What they invest in

from 6 of 6 portfolio companies

Healthtech ×4Medical Devices ×4Biotech ×2Digital Health ×2Hardware ×2Robotics ×2AI & Machine Learning ×1Construction Tech ×1

HQs:United States×5

Investments · 6 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2024 · 12023 · 23 dated

Akura Medical

HealthtechCampbell, US

Amr Salahieh(Executive Officer, Director)David Voris(Executive Officer)

BoardMariam Maghribi(Director)Gautam Kainth(Director)Bihua Chen(Director)

Co-investorsAmed VenturesLilly Asia VenturesQatar Investment Authority

Kewazokewazo.comin

KewaZo builds construction automation technology, including robotic systems for material transport at industrial and construction sites, aimed at reducing crane time and improving safety.

Construction TechHardwareRobotics

Ekaterina Grib(Founder)inArtem Kuchukov(Founder)inLeonidas Pozikidis(Founder)in

Co-investorsSchooner CapitalBenson CapitalChevron Technology VenturesCybernetix VenturesFifth WallGaingels+1 more

Laza Medicallazamedical.cominDec 2023 · $36M

Laza Medical develops an AI- and robotics-powered ultrasound imaging system for structural heart, electrophysiology, and diagnostic cardiac procedures, combining real-time 3D heart modeling, procedural guidance, and robotic probe control.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechMedical DevicesRoboticsCampbell, US

Amr Salahieh(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Pablo Garcia Kilroy(General Manager)inCasey Gordon(Director)Mariam Maghribi(Executive Officer)David Voris(Executive Officer)

Co-investors415 CapitalPage One VenturesThe Capital Partnership

Sonavexsonavex.comin𝕏Oct 2024 · $15M

Sonavex develops medical device technologies focused on vascular access and related clinical applications, drawing on ultrasound-based imaging and monitoring products.

BiotechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesBaltimore, US

David Narrow(Executive Officer, Director)Devin O'Brien-Coon(Co-Founder & Chairman)Jerry L. Prince(Co-Founder)John Rappe(Executive Officer)Jerry Prince(Director)Alex Yevzlin(Executive Officer)

Co-investorsFusionJStar Capital InvestmentsKeiretsu ForumMaryland TEDCORembrandt Venture PartnersRiptide Ventures+2 more

Supira Medicalsupiramedical.cominNov 2023 · $40M

Supira Medical develops a next-generation percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) to provide temporary mechanical circulatory support for high-risk patients undergoing coronary interventions and those in cardiogenic shock.

HardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesCampbell, US

Nitin Salunke(President & CEO)Jean Orth(Executive Officer)Mariam Maghribi(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardCasey Gordon(Director)Christopher Shen(Director)Bihua Chen(Director)

Co-investors415 CapitalAmed VenturesThe Capital PartnershipNovo Holdings

Vibrant Gastrovibrantgastro.comin

Vibrant Gastro develops the Vibrant System, a drug-free, FDA-cleared vibrating capsule prescribed to treat chronic idiopathic constipation in adult patients.

Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesItasca, US

PartnerCarey Smith· solo GP

Co-investorsGefen Capital

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

What stage does Unorthodox Ventures invest at?
Unorthodox Ventures invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth stages.
What is Unorthodox Ventures's typical check size?
Unorthodox Ventures typically writes checks of $1M – $5M.
What sectors does Unorthodox Ventures focus on?
Unorthodox Ventures focuses on Construction Tech, Medical Devices, Sector Agnostic.
Where is Unorthodox Ventures located?
Unorthodox Ventures is headquartered in Austin, US.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

featuring the team

Fireside chat with Carey Smith, Unorthodox Ventures hosted by Jan Ameri, ArcticStartup

ArcticStartup · Carey Smith

Carey Smith, Founder Unorthodox Ventures, Chief Big Ass Fans, sold for $500Million

Eliances.com · Carey Smith

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