Introduction
Alumni Ventures (AV) is one of America’s leading venture capital firms, distinguished by its focus on providing accredited individuals with access to professional-grade venture capital investments. Founded in 2014, AV leverages a vast network of over 625,000 members to source, evaluate, and invest in high-potential startups across various stages, sectors, and geographies.
Recognized as one of the top 20 venture firms by CB Insights and the most active venture firm in the U.S. by PitchBook, AV’s innovative approach combines deep network connections with rigorous investment strategies to build diversified, high-quality venture portfolios for its investors.
Key Staff Members – Investors
Michael Collins – CEO, Board Chairman
Peter Graham – Board Director
Beth Obermiller – Board Member
Andy Ervin – Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Wesley Yiu – Partner
James Gill – Board Director
David Lang – Board Director
Michael Phillips – Board Secretary
Brian Keil – Managing Partner
Errik Anderson – Board Director
Laura Bordewieck Rippy – Board Director
Mark Edwards – Chief Investment Officer
Jonathan Meltzer – Managing Partner
Key (AEC) Tech Investments
Alumni Ventures has strategically invested in several innovative companies within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) technology sector, focusing on startups that are transforming the industry through advanced technology and sustainable practices. Three notable investments include:
Mighty Buildings
Mighty Buildings is revolutionizing the construction industry with its 3D printing technology, which is used to create modular homes quickly and sustainably. The company uses a unique, proprietary composite material that hardens when exposed to light, allowing for faster production times and reduced construction waste.
Alumni Ventures’ investment in Mighty Buildings supports the firm’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the AEC sector. This investment highlights their focus on companies that are addressing housing challenges through cutting-edge technology.
Petra
Petra is a groundbreaking startup that has developed robotic tunneling technology capable of digging through the hardest geological materials. This technology has significant implications for the construction of infrastructure, such as tunnels for utilities and transportation. Alumni Ventures’ investment in Petra aligns with their strategy to back companies that push the boundaries of what is possible in construction, particularly in projects that require highly specialized, innovative solutions.
Rabbet
Rabbet (formerly known as Contract Simply) offers a cloud-based platform that streamlines the management of construction finances. By automating processes like invoice tracking and payments, Rabbet reduces administrative overhead and enhances transparency in construction projects. Alumni Ventures’ investment in Rabbet is part of their broader strategy to support technology that increases efficiency and reduces costs in the AEC industry.
Focus Area In Construction Tech
Alumni Ventures focuses on diverse sectors including AI & ML, AR/VR, big data, cleantech, consumer, cybersecurity, fintech, food & agtech, healthtech, industrials, IoT, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, marketing tech, mobility, real estate tech, SaaS, and TMT. The firm invests across multiple stages of company development, from early-stage startups to late-stage growth companies, ensuring a broad and balanced portfolio. AV also emphasizes geographical diversity, with investments spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond).
Investment Strategy
Alumni Ventures’ investment strategy is characterized by its network-powered approach, leveraging a vast community of alumni and subscribers to source and vet deals. The firm emphasizes diversification across sector, stage, and geography to mitigate risk and enhance potential returns.
AV’s co-investing strategy involves partnering with established venture firms that lead investment rounds, ensuring robust due diligence and favorable terms. The firm also focuses on impact investments, supporting companies that address critical societal challenges in health, energy, finance, and transportation.
Alumni Ventures provides a unique opportunity for individual accredited investors to participate in high-quality venture capital investments typically accessible only to large institutions, democratizing access to this asset class while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship globally.
Investment Metrics
Correct as of August 2024.
AEC-Tech Activity
Number of early AEC-Tech Unicorns: 0
AEC-Tech Rank: 8
Deal Activity
Number of deals in last 12 months (incl. follow-ons): 68
Number of deals per year in last 3 years (average, incl. follow-ons): 108
Other Resources
- Website: https://www.8vc.com/
- Press Release: Innoviti Initiates Series E Second Close with Alumni Ventures
