Emerging Tech Ventures

Emerging Ventures is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups. The firm focuses on capital-efficient, Seed-stage, B2B technology companies based in the United States and Canada, with a particular emphasis on those utilizing emerging technologies to address business challenges. Emerging Ventures typically deploys capital ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per investment. Their investment strategy involves an approximate 80/20 split, targeting 80% of companies that leverage current technologies to solve existing problems or improve processes, and 20% dedicated to the invention of next-generation new technologies, often referred to as deep tech.

Founded in 2019, Emerging Ventures seeks out startups that demonstrate strong execution capabilities, nimble founding teams, solid traction, and a repeatable, scalable sales process. While the firm is open to participating in priced seed rounds led by other credible investors, they also occasionally take the lead in investment rounds when it aligns with their strategic objectives and the company's needs. The fund aims to invest in companies that show a strong potential for raising larger institutional venture-backed rounds within 12-24 months at significantly higher valuations.

The firm's portfolio includes companies such as Axle AI, which focuses on AI-powered media organization software; Automotus, recognized for a significant funding round; and YBVR, involved in the future of music. Other notable investments include GridMatrix, which optimizes infrastructure with AI; PlaidCloud, providing financial data insights; and ROOK, an API platform for wearable health data. Emerging Ventures has a geographic focus on Southern California but has funded companies across the United States, Canada, and Israel, with over 50% of its Fund 1 portfolio located outside of California.

Emerging Ventures is led by Managing Partner David Mandel and Partner Benett Cole. David Mandel brings extensive entrepreneurial experience, having built, operated, and successfully exited four businesses in the insurance and finance industries over 28 years. He has been an active angel investor in the technology startup ecosystem since 2014, with investments in over 500 early-stage technology startups. Benett Cole is a seasoned financial services veteran with three decades of experience in investment banking, capital markets, and investment management, including founding FalconBridge Capital Markets, LLC and holding leadership roles at major financial institutions. Both partners contribute their deep industry knowledge and investment acumen to guide Emerging Ventures' strategy and support its portfolio companies.