Vela Partners
Venture capitalPre-SeedβGrowth
Investment thesis
Vela Partners believes that early-stage venture capital should be data-driven and transparent rather than dependent on pattern matching and gut feel. Using AI and peer-reviewed research developed with Oxford, the firm quantifies founder quality, market potential, and business model viability before revenue exists. The firm aims to make entrepreneurial capital as accessible as mortgage capital by providing founders with honest, rapid funding assessments and free operational tools, regardless of investment outcome.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
What they invest in
from 20 of 50 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning Γ13Enterprise Software Γ10SaaS Γ7Data & Infrastructure Γ4Cybersecurity Γ3Marketing Tech Γ3Marketplaces Γ3Media & Entertainment Γ3
HQs:United StatesΓ5GermanyΓ1TΓΌrkiyeΓ1
Investments Β· 50 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathLightup provides enterprise data observability software that monitors and validates production data pipelines using AI-powered anomaly detection. The platform serves data engineering teams and enterprise organizations managing large-scale data operations.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise Software
A platform that converts text into mobile apps, websites, tools, and products using code generation and integrations including GPT-5 and 40+ third-party services.
AI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsSaaS
Arena is a real-time engagement platform that enables organizations to create immersive interactive experiences, engage audiences through live updates, and personalize customer interactions across news, gaming, and ecommerce industries.
Marketing TechMedia & EntertainmentSaaSSan Francisco, US
Axiom Cloud develops software solutions for cooling systems to improve their economic, environmental, and operational sustainability. The company serves businesses that operate refrigeration and cooling equipment.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechEnterprise SoftwareIoTSaaS
Cerby is an identity automation platform that extends identity and access management coverage to applications that lack support for standard identity protocols like SAML, SCIM, or APIs. The platform securely manages user credentials, automates access provisioning and deprovisioning workflows, and integrates with existing identity stacks for organizations.
CybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Firefly operates a network of digital advertising screens on vehicles including car top displays and branded wraps on taxis and rideshare vehicles, delivering geo-targeted and contextually relevant messages to urban audiences across 60,000+ screens in the U.S. and 7 countries globally.
AdTechMarketing TechMarketplacesMobility & Transportation<UNKNOWN>, US
Golden builds a self-constructing knowledge graph that combines artificial and human intelligence to automatically map and reconcile human knowledge from millions of disparate sources. The platform serves organizations requiring accurate, up-to-date knowledge bases, including financial crime intelligence applications.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareSan Francisco, US
Jude Gomila(Founder)
Interviewing.io provides technical interview preparation services, helping candidates practice coding, system design, machine learning, and behavioral interviews with real interviewers from top tech companies. It serves professionals seeking roles at leading companies like FAANG, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
EdTechSaaS
Jobox provides a marketplace platform that connects skilled home service professionals with customer demand through retailers, franchises, and small businesses across the US. The platform automates workflows, payment processing, and administrative tasks to help independent professionals find work while maintaining autonomy.
B2B MarketplacesFintechFuture of WorkSaaSSan Francisco, US
<UNKNOWN>
Kunduz provides personalized tutoring to students through a combination of vetted tutors and AI, available 24/7. The platform serves students seeking individualized learning support across any course subject.
AI & Machine LearningEdTechMarketplacesIstanbul, TR
Basar Basaran(Founder)inBaris Bilgic(Founder)inMelih Sener(Founder)in<UNKNOWN>
LeakSignal provides data governance and protection solutions for securing sensitive data in motion, including classification, policy enforcement, and compliance monitoring across AI applications, APIs, and endpoints.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityData & Infrastructure
Kunal Anand(Chief Innovation Officer (at F5); formerly co-founder of Prevoty)
Limitless creates AI tools designed to augment human intelligence and overcome cognitive limitations by improving memory and focus. The company serves knowledge workers seeking to enhance their mental capabilities.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkHardware
Base Operations provides threat intelligence and risk assessment software for corporate security teams, delivering standardized risk metrics (BaseScore) and location-specific security data at sub-mile granularity for global portfolios. The platform enables security professionals to complete threat assessments faster, benchmark risk across locations, and present quantified security value to executives and boards.
CybersecurityData & InfrastructureEnterprise Software
Mirelo develops generative AI models for audio processing in video production, serving both individual creators and large-scale production studios. The company builds audio intelligence systems that understand motion, timing, and texture to automate sound design workflows.
AI & Machine LearningMedia & EntertainmentBerlin, DE
Phaidra develops an AI control platform that uses reinforcement learning to optimize energy efficiency and operational performance in data centers and AI factories. The platform enables autonomous, self-learning systems to manage complex interconnected infrastructure like cooling systems, power management, and workload distribution.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingDeep TechEnergy
Jim Gao(Chief Executive Officer)Veda Panneershelvam(Chief Technology Officer)Katie Hoffman(President and Chief Operating Officer)
Promise is an entertainment studio that uses generative AI to help filmmakers and artists create films, series, and storytelling content. The company provides AI-driven production tools, visual effects services, and educational programs for creators worldwide.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyMedia & Entertainment
George Strompolos(Co-Founder & CEO)Jamie Byrne(Co-Founder, President & COO)Dave Clark(Co-Founder & CCO)
Promoted.ai provides ranking and search infrastructure for online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms, using machine learning to optimize relevance across search results, ads, and feed content.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareMarketplacesSeattle, US
Dan Hill(Cofounder and CTO)in
ReFiBuy provides a platform for optimizing product data and visibility across AI-driven shopping environments and agents. The platform serves brands, retailers, and agencies managing product catalogs in an increasingly agent-led commerce ecosystem.
AI & Machine LearningE-commerceEnterprise SoftwareMarketing Tech
Simular builds AI agents that automate repetitive computer work for knowledge workers using a neuro-symbolic approach combining large language models with symbolic code. The company aims to achieve artificial general intelligence by creating agents that work autonomously like humans.
AI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsEnterprise Software
AlanAlexAngChenchen
Copper is a CRM platform designed to prioritize relationship management and collaboration, integrating natively with Google Workspace for seamless workflow. It serves businesses of all types across over 100 countries seeking to reduce manual data entry and build enduring customer relationships.
Enterprise SoftwareSaaS
Steve Holm(CEO)
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Vela Partners invest at?
- Vela Partners invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What is Vela Partners's typical check size?
- Vela Partners typically writes checks of $100K β $500K.
- What sectors does Vela Partners focus on?
- Vela Partners focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Sector Agnostic.
- Does Vela Partners lead rounds?
- Vela Partners typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
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