Simplex Ventures

Simplex Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Simplex Trading, a leading technology-driven proprietary market-making firm founded in Chicago in 2004. The firm strategically invests in promising, early-stage financial and technology startups, leveraging its extensive experience and expertise in the financial markets. Simplex Ventures aims to identify and support visionary founders who are developing innovative solutions to disrupt and transform the financial industry.

Simplex Trading, the parent company, was established in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois. It built its foundation as a proprietary market-making firm, utilizing advanced technology, proprietary software, and data-driven analysis to capitalize on financial market opportunities. The firm's expansion into venture capital through Simplex Ventures reflects its commitment to fostering innovation beyond its core trading activities.

Simplex Ventures focuses on creating collaborative partnerships with its portfolio companies. Notable investments include Adviser Labs and Sware in business/productivity software, Pulse Charter Connect, Zoneomics, Eko (an "Investments as a Service" platform for financial institutions), Lynk (a closed-loop payment and card issuing platform), Spline Data (for valuing municipal bonds), Lucra Sports, Fin, and Cognito (a mental health service). These investments highlight the firm's interest in fintech, payments, data analytics, and software solutions.

The team at Simplex Trading, which underpins Simplex Ventures, is characterized by talented technologists and data-driven traders. Key individuals include Erik Swanson (CEO), Dave Haufe (CTO), and Kate Kitto, who serves as the Principal of Venture Capital for Simplex Ventures, responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and managing the firm's early-stage fintech investments. The firm prides itself on a culture of low ego, high intelligence, minimal bureaucracy, and maximum speed, fostering an environment where employees are empowered to make a tangible difference.