Cade Ventures

Cade Ventures is an operator-led early-stage venture capital firm that invests in exceptional founders building category-defining companies in consumer tech, health tech, and connected hardware and robotics. The firm provides more than just capital, offering a curated network of over 50 operators who deliver hands-on support in areas such as marketing, operations, growth, product engineering, and strategy for the first year post-investment. Targeting pre-seed through Series A stages, Cade Ventures focuses on startups reshaping how people live healthier lives and how businesses innovate and scale.

Founded by Ryan Engel, who left Peloton in 2022 after scaling its retail business as the company's fifth employee and generating over $1 billion in gross merchandise value, Cade Ventures was established to leverage operator expertise in supporting early-stage companies. Engel's background as a product-market-fit expert and prolific angel investor informs the firm's approach, emphasizing deep engagement with founders through its operator network. The firm is headquartered in New York and has quickly gained traction, securing allocations in competitive deals.

While specific portfolio companies are not fully detailed on the website, testimonials highlight investments and support for companies like Function Health, with founders praising the firm's introductions to operators even before funding. Past angel investments by founder Ryan Engel include connections to Peloton alumni ventures. The firm positions itself as a high-value partner collaborating with lead funds and providing strategic insights to portfolio companies.

The team combines deep operational experience with investment acumen, led by Managing Partner Ryan Engel and Chief of Staff Isabel Glass, a Wharton MBA with prior roles in venture partnering and healthcare operations. Advisors include Tyler Magura from Rock Creek Capital and Harvard economist, and COL (R) William Capps, a West Point graduate and former Special Forces leader. Venture Fellow Joshua Folarin brings technical expertise from Tesla, Meta, and AWS. The operator network features experts from brands like Peloton in diverse functions including product, sales, engineering, and supply chain.