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AJ Smith

Investor

Junior Partner at Outlander VC · Venture Partner at LvlUp Ventures

New York, New York, United States

Writes $500K – $2.5M checks

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About

Multi-time founder AJ Smith uses his failed startup and songwriting—having opened for the Eagles under mentor Glenn Frey—to coach founders with a 90‑second headline test and boxing/sweat-equity events.

Invests in

AI & Machine LearningClimate TechDeep TechDefense TechHardwareMobility & TransportationRoboticsSaaSSpace Tech

Experience

  1. Outlander VCJr Partnercurrent2025 — presentNew York, NY
  2. Outlander VCDirector of Community2024 — 2025
  3. LvlUp VenturesVenture Partnercurrent2024 — present
  4. LvlUp VenturesCo-Founder2019 — 2024
  5. AJ Smith MusicOwnercurrent2016 — presentNew York, NY
  6. INVESTMENT POD, LLCVice President Of Technology2017 — 2022Washington D.C. Metro Area
  7. INVESTMENT POD, LLCLead Developer2016 — 2017Washington DC-Baltimore Area
  8. JoziiChief Technology Officer2013 — 2016New York City Metropolitan Area
  9. BitInstantFrontend Developer2013New York, NY
  10. New York UniversityResident Assistant2011 — 2013NEW YORK, NY
  11. VERISIGNQA Engineer Intern2011
  12. Naval Research LaboratoryOptical Hardware & Software Engineer2007 — 2011

Skills & more

Early-Stage Startups3Early Stage Investment2Startup Development2Due Diligence2Growth Strategies7Media Production6Organizational Consulting6Digital Strategy2Grant Writing2Entrepreneurial Organizations2Business Development2Strategy2
+12 morePitch DevelopmentFundraisingStrategic PlanningCommunicationEntrepreneurshipFinTechAnalyticsStartupsRisk ManagementOperations ManagementBusiness PlanningPublic Speaking

From AJ's professional profile.

Colleagues at Outlander VC

Deepika Jonnalagadda
Analyst at Blu Venture Investors
Jeremy Johnson
Founder at Andela
Jordan Kretchmer
Senior Partner at Outlander VC
Leura Craig
Managing Partner at Outlander VC
Lucas Hoffmann
Investor at Outlander VC
Paige Craig
Managing Partner at Outlander VC
Paige Craig
General Partner at Arena Ventures

Frequently asked questions

Who is AJ Smith?
Multi-time founder AJ Smith uses his failed startup and songwriting—having opened for the Eagles under mentor Glenn Frey—to coach founders with a 90‑second headline test and boxing/sweat-equity events.
Where does AJ Smith work?
AJ Smith is Junior Partner at Outlander VC.
What does AJ Smith invest in?
AJ Smith invests in AI & Machine Learning, Climate Tech, Deep Tech, Defense Tech, Hardware, Mobility & Transportation, Robotics, SaaS, Space Tech.
What check size does AJ Smith write?
AJ Smith typically writes checks of $500K – $2.5M.
Where did AJ Smith go to school?
AJ Smith studied at New York University (Master’s Degree); New York University (Bachelor's degree); Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Same school

Shared employers