Story Ventures

Story Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that strategically invests in the foundational elements of automated systems, with a particular emphasis on the data automation ecosystem. The firm's investment philosophy centers on backing audacious founders who are tackling complex problems across three core tiers of deep technical expertise: Sensory Systems, Data Processing, and Machine Intelligence. This includes companies focused on the digitization and capture of proprietary data, the organization and structuring of valuable data assets, and the development of complex software applications that leverage artificial intelligence for enhanced decision-making.

The firm was co-founded in 2016 by Jake Yormak and Brian Yormak, with a vision to capitalize on the transformative power of digital data in automating manual processes within legacy industries. Their journey began with insights gained from working on autonomous vehicles, recognizing the broader impact the 'data stack' would have across various sectors. Story Ventures launched its first fund in 2016, aiming to be a leading data-focused firm in New York City, and has since expanded its investment capacity, increasing check sizes and taking on lead investor roles.

Story Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio of companies that exemplify its investment thesis. Notable investments include NewtonX, which utilizes an AI graph for market intelligence; Motorq, aggregating connected vehicle data for analytics; Particle Health, structuring electronic medical record data for clinical decision-making; viaPhoton, manufacturing high-density fiber cables for AI data centers; Inspiren, deploying camera-based sensors for healthcare; Aether, developing prosthetic devices with biosignal processing; Freightwaves, providing high-frequency freight intelligence; Prism Data, leveraging financial transaction data for risk scoring; Muse, using generative AI for video editing; Jiko, offering access to treasury bills; Mercado, connecting importers and suppliers for supply chain decisions; and Summer, assisting student loan borrowers.

The leadership team at Story Ventures brings a blend of diverse expertise to support its portfolio companies. Jake Yormak focuses on data usability and the intersection of design and human-technology interactions, leveraging his legal and regulatory background. Brian Yormak specializes in the integration of hardware and software, new data capture methods, and mobility investing. Gagan Chawla, as Chief Financial Officer, oversees finance, legal, and back-office operations. The team is further supported by professionals like Weronika Stefańczyk in operations and administration, and Jenna Witten in investor relations and fundraising, all contributing to a culture focused on long-term impact and founder success.