Elevate Capital

Elevate Capital is an inclusive venture capital firm dedicated to forging great companies by providing capital and mentorship to underserved and overlooked entrepreneurs. The firm specifically targets investments in founders from underrepresented populations, including women, ethnic minorities, veterans, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face a significant gap in accessing investment capital. Elevate Capital believes there is a tremendous opportunity to invest early in these visionaries with disruptive ideas and products, supporting them through various specialized investment vehicles to scale their businesses.

Founded in 2016 by Nitin Rai, who serves as the Founder and Managing Partner, Elevate Capital was established as the nation's first institutional venture capital fund with a specific focus on underrepresented entrepreneurs. Rai, a successful AI software technology leader and entrepreneur, transitioned into venture capital with a mission to address the disparities in funding access. The firm manages several funds, including the Inclusive Fund, Capital Fund II, the Innovation Gap Fund (a program under Business Oregon), and the SSBCI Venture Direct program, which further emphasizes its commitment to fostering innovation and growth within diverse startup communities, particularly in the Portland, Oregon Metro region and nationally.

Elevate Capital invests across a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and sustainability. Notable companies in their portfolio include BlendScore (formerly Blendoor), a diversity analytics and hiring software company; TrueLark, a conversational AI platform that was acquired by Weave Communications; and RFPIO, which secured a significant funding round resulting in an early exit for Elevate Capital. Other investments span areas like bioscience, cleantech, medical devices, and business productivity software, reflecting the firm's broad yet impact-driven investment strategy.

The firm's team comprises experienced investors and entrepreneurs such as General Partner Kumar Sripadam, Partner Ben Nahir, Senior Associate-Analyst Brandon Ross, and Operating Partner Allie Persitz, alongside several executive partners. This team brings a wealth of experience in early-stage investing, technology, and a robust network within business and underserved communities. Their collective expertise and commitment to mentorship are crucial in guiding portfolio companies from startups to thriving, sustainable businesses, reinforcing Elevate Capital's mission to create both financial returns and positive societal impact.