Schematic Ventures

Schematic Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, specializing in investments in technology companies that advance supply chain operations, manufacturing processes, and software infrastructure. The firm targets pre-seed and seed-stage startups, typically leading rounds with check sizes between $1 million and $2 million, while also participating as co-investors. It focuses on US- and Canada-based teams developing innovative solutions in areas like AI, robotics, logistics, and industrial automation, aiming to support technologies that transform how goods are made and moved globally. Founded in 2017, Schematic Ventures was established by partners with deep expertise in industrial technology and supply chain sectors. General Partner Julian Counihan brings experience as a software developer at Fortna on warehouse automation systems, followed by investment banking and venture investing in New York; he holds a BSc in systems engineering from UVA and an MBA from MIT. Partner Alex Freed contributes a technology background from Google, where he worked on ecommerce product launches and international growth strategies for media and advertising; he earned an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in Economics from NYU. The team also includes Associate Ananya Vasagiri and Office Administrator Gina Andre, emphasizing hands-on support for founders through hiring, sales introductions, and fundraising assistance. The firm's portfolio features over 40 companies, showcasing a strong track record in industrial tech. Notable investments include Airspace (time-critical shipping, Seed 2017), Altana (supply chain intelligence, Seed 2021), Outrider (autonomous terminal trucks, Seed 2018), Platform Science (vehicle telematics, Series A 2018), and Plus One Robotics (warehouse robotics, Seed 2017). Recent bets highlight emerging trends like AI-driven solutions, such as CVector (real-time industrial data, Pre-Seed 2025), Chassy (robot software infrastructure, Pre-Seed 2024), and Neurocad (electronics design AI, Pre-Seed 2025). Schematic Ventures actively fosters the industrial technology ecosystem through events like the reSupply and reForge series in San Francisco, which feature expert panels, startup showcases, and networking for entrepreneurs and operators. The firm's investment process involves multiple founder meetings, product demos, and market references to validate opportunities, ensuring alignment with its thesis on high-impact industrial innovations.