Unorthodox Ventures
Venture capitalAustin · Pre-Seed–Growth · 15 people tracked
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.
Team · 15 people
from the firm's website & public directoriesWhat they invest in
from 1 of 1 portfolio companiesDigital Health ×1Healthtech ×1Medical Devices ×1
HQs:United States×1
Investments · 1 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathVibrant 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
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 teamFireside 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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