Capitalize VC

Financial literacy isn’t just personal—it’s foundational to building generational wealth. April is Financial Literacy Month, and for diverse founders, access to capital is only part of the equation. The other piece? Knowing how to make money work for you. That’s why we’re proud to have Bump in our portfolio. Bump is building a wealth platform designed specifically for creators and creatives—helping them go beyond income generation to true wealth-building. It’s a model that speaks to a bigger shift: investing in tools that empower underrepresented entrepreneurs to achieve long-term financial stability. Bump empowers creators by uncovering forgotten revenue streams, providing real-time financial insights, and offering access to commercial credit without a traditional credit check. Bump enables creators to better understand, negotiate, and grow their financial worth. By transforming inconsistent creator income into structured financial profiles, Bump helps creators build sustainable businesses and long-term generational wealth. We sat down with Bump Founder, James Jones, Esq. to learn more about this platform. Vanessa Stephens #InvestingInTheFuture #CapitalizeVC #VentureCapital #SmallBusiness #Financialliteracymonth #Business #DiverseFounders #SmartInvesting #StartupSupport #VCFunding

 Big news from our portfolio company: Waitify is now Fanfare! 🎉 A new name, a bigger vision—Fanfare is redefining the future of fan engagement. This isn’t just a rebrand; it’s a transformation that reflects their mission to create deeper, more meaningful connections between fans and the experiences they love. Fanfare stands out by offering seamless integration with any e-commerce stack, a no-code customizable interface, and equitable queueing technology tailored for high-demand product drops. Unlike competitors, Fanfare provides brands with full autonomy over data capture, consumer authentication, and branded experiences, allowing them to manage customer engagement across digital and in-person events without relying on a third-party’s hosted environment. This flexibility, combined with real-time analytics, bot filtering, and loyalty tracking, positions Fanfare as the go-to infrastructure layer for modern hype commerce. Congratulations to the team on this exciting evolution! It’s incredible to see the company grow and transform its brand to align with its vision for the future. Thank you, Michael Dodsworth, for sharing your thoughts with us on this transformation. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Fanfare! Tessa Flippin #CapitializeVC #Funding #evolution #investinginthefuture #smallbusiness

In 2024, we evaluated over 1,400 deals, shared 50+ opportunities monthly with our co-investor network, and facilitated $2.5 million in syndicated investments. Our network isn’t just a resource, it’s a launchpad. Our investment team dedicates their expertise to building meaningful opportunities for founders to grow and succeed. Through collaborations with co-investors, thought leadership on industry panels, and strategic partnerships, we help founders overcome barriers and scale their impact. This year, we plan to expand on this and connect even more diverse founders with more investment opportunities. Connect with us to join our co-investor community! Comment or DM us to be included in our newsletter and monthly external pipeline. #CapitalizeVC #DiversityInVC #InclusiveInvesting #VentureCapital #SmallBusiness #Growth #Business #DiverseFounders #SmartInvesting #StartupSupport #VCFunding

More standout moments from our time in Austin. Springboard Accelerator Panel – Featuring Kay Koplovitz, Danyel Surrency Jones, and Lauren White, this powerhouse panel highlighted the progress, persistence, and potential of female founders in today’s venture ecosystem. While only 1.9–2.5% of U.S. VC dollars went to all-female founding teams in 2023, a more promising 25% of total VC capital was allocated to startups with at least one female founder—proof that while the topline numbers remain low, broader inclusion is trending upward. Danyel Surrency Jones emphasized: “When you invest in a woman, you don’t just invest in a founder—you invest in the multiplier effect. She reinvests in her team, her customers, and her community. But we can’t just write checks—we have to equip her with the resources, mentorship, and room to scale sustainably.” Her words reminded us that access is only one piece of the puzzle—true equity comes from ongoing support and ecosystem alignment. B2B SaaS Breakfast Mixer – We ended our trip with a packed room full of energy, insights, and intention at our B2B SaaS Breakfast Mixer hosted by Forum Ventures, alongside Microsoft for Startups, Cake, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, and Drive Capital. Despite the cooler weather, the conversations were warm and meaningful—we met promising new founders, reconnected with our pipeline companies Synth and Hangtight, and explored tangible ways to support diverse startups beyond the check. This event was a powerful reminder of what happens when investors, operators, and founders collaborate beyond the usual pitch pressure—just real talk and real impact. More Memorable Mixers – At The Female Quotient House, we explored the evolving landscape of creator-led brands and the balance between brand control and creator authenticity. At the J.P. Morgan House, we had deep discussions about go-to-market strategies for brands targeting harder-to-reach consumer segments. And at the Inc. House Female Founders Mixer, we connected with dynamic women across tech and CPG, with a focus on turning setbacks into innovations that drive real impact. SXSW 2026—who’s already planning to be there? Let’s continue these conversations and drive change together.

From panel discussions about creator-led brands to authenticity, and yoga mats to pitches—this year’s trip to SXSW reminded us exactly why we show up. We gathered with innovators, investors, and creators from across the country, each bringing their energy and insight to the table. Whether we were reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting tomorrow’s unicorn founders, one thing was clear: the future is being built by bold voices and inclusive ecosystems. A few standout moments from our time in Austin: Black Ambition Reception – We reconnected with some of our favorite founders from past Black Ambition cohorts and learned about the next wave of AI startups being built by Black women. Big thanks to Christine Joseph and the Black Ambition team for fostering an ecosystem where visionary founders thrive. Investing in Women Panel – The Investing in Her panel brought together powerhouse voices across the founder and investor spectrum, including Emily Steele (Hummingbirds), Tessa Flippin (Capitalize VC), Aishwarya Balaji (A Fresh Sip), Delisa Harper (Funky Mello), and Juliette Richert (The Artemis Fund). The conversation spotlighted how women are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape—both as capital allocators and brand builders—while confronting the persistent funding gap. Tessa Flippin delivered a powerful call to action: “Women make 80% of all buying decisions, but only represent 20% of the executive decision-makers in the industry. That disconnect is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a fundamental business flaw. When the people making the decisions don’t reflect the consumers they serve, you miss the mark. You miss innovation. You miss growth. And you miss the chance to build something truly impactful. That’s why we’re here—to change that narrative, to close the gap, and to build an industry where women are equally represented at the table.” The takeaway was clear: real change requires more women in positions of power—making investment decisions, leading companies, and defining the future of consumer industries. Who else attended SXSW this year? What conversations stood out to you? #SXSW25 #SXSW #Funding #CapitalizeVC #WomenFounders #Leaders #SXSWRecap

The beauty industry is evolving, and Black women are leading the charge! This feature in ELLE Canada magazine highlights the brand's redefining beauty standards, and we’re proud to see our portfolio company, Ami Colé on that list. When we invested in Ami Colé, we knew we were backing more than just a beauty brand, we were investing in a vision. Diarrha Ndiaye set out to create clean, melanin-first products that truly serve the needs of deeper skin tones. Her commitment to quality, inclusivity, and authenticity is why Ami Colé continues to thrive in a competitive market. This recognition is well deserved, and it’s only the beginning. We’re excited to continue supporting Ami Colé as they push the industry forward. Check the article here: https://lnkd.in/eWqG4qzz #InvestingInTheFuture #CapitalizeVC #DiversityInVC #InclusiveInvesting #VentureCapital #SmallBusiness #Growth #Business #DiverseFounders #SmartInvesting #StartupSupport #VCFunding

Today, we stand on the shoulders of those women who took risks and demanded more, paving the way for Capitalize VC to invest in female founders like: Abena Boamah-Acheampong – hanahana beauty  Diarrha Ndiaye – Ami Colé  Joshe Ordonez – Airpals Workplace Logistics Deana Anglin, PhD – Talawa.ai  Karissma Yve – GILDFORM Sarah E. – Digiphy Talei Hornback – Coily Clips For too long, investing has been seen as a man’s game, leaving women on the margins, both as investors and as founders seeking capital. Capitalize VC is changing that. We’re proud to back visionary women-led companies, but there’s still more work to do. Connect with us to reshape the future of venture capital. #WomensHistoryMonth #InvestInWomen #VentureCapital #CapitalizeVC #WomenInBusiness #IWD25

Are you going to SXSW this weekend? We are too! We are excited for another opportunity for face-to-face time with our portfolio companies and to connect with new founders and partners. If you're in Austin, come join us! 📍 Black Ambition Panel – Friday @ 7 PM RSVP Here: https://lnkd.in/eh4ZwEBE 📍 Liberty Ventures Panel Introduction & Moderation – Friday @ 5:30 PM Details Here: https://lu.ma/niuy89eu 📍 Midwest House Panel – Saturday @ 10 AM Panel Info: https://lu.ma/wizj0q6i 📍 Forum Breakfast Mixer – Sunday @ 9:30 AM RSVP Here: https://lnkd.in/e3cQW5ph 📍 Flow & Fund: A Yoga Experience for Women in VC – Sunday @ 2 PM 🧘🏾♀️ Sign Up Here: https://lu.ma/wizj0q6i From insightful conversations about venture, innovation, and access to capital to moments of wellness and connection, we’re looking forward to an inspiring weekend. Let’s make it a great SXSW—drop a comment or DM if you’ll be there! #SXSW2025 #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #WomeninVC #Innovation #Networking #Wellness

Building a company is no small feat, especially for first-time founders. That’s why we’re launching the Founder Series, where we spotlight the entrepreneurs behind the startups we invest in. These conversations go beyond funding; they’re about partnership, vision, and the journey of scaling a business. In our first episode, Michael Dodsworth, founder of Waitify, sits down with our Founder and Managing Partner, Tessa Flippin, to talk about why he chose Capitalize VC as a funding partner. From navigating the challenges of early-stage fundraising to the power of strategic connections, Michael shares what has made this partnership so impactful. #CapitalizeVC #DiversityInVC #InclusiveInvesting #VentureCapital #SmallBusiness #Growth #Business #DiverseFounders #SmartInvesting #StartupSupport #VCFunding

This year, we attended NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show in New York City for the first time. The event was a whirlwind of insights, networking, and inspiration, reinforcing our commitment to driving innovation in the commerce and retail sectors. While in the city, we had the opportunity to spend some time with potential co-investors, notably the investment team at Pronghorn Ventures. We talked about collaborative strategies to support emerging and groundbreaking spirit companies on retail shelves. We also had the pleasure of connecting with the dynamic leaders of some our portfolio companies: Joshe Ordonez @ Airpals Workplace Logistics who is revolutionizing urban logistics with efficient delivery solutions. Sarah and Chris @ Digiphy who are enhancing digital engagement by bridging the gap between physical and online retail experiences. Diarrha Ndiaye @ Ami Colé whose products are currently available at Sephora stores nation-wide, championing clean beauty for melanin-rich skin. The conference gave us a peek into the future of retail and these are some of the trends that caught our attention: - Seamless Phygital Integration: Consumers demand a unified shopping journey. Retailers are responding by enhancing mobile apps with in-store functionalities and leveraging augmented reality to enrich customer experiences. - Empowering the Retail Workforce: Innovative strategies are emerging to boost staff productivity, including advanced technologies and flexible work models. - Engaging Younger Generations: Gen Z and Alpha prioritize authenticity and real-time interaction. Retailers are adopting social commerce and unified platforms to meet these expectations. - Personalization is Key: AI is enabling hyper-personalized shopping experiences, tailoring recommendations and offers to individual preferences. - Supply Chains Thriving on Chaos: Smart retailers are turning disruptions into opportunities by building adaptive business models. Through diversified sourcing, predictive planning, and strategic risk management, they're transforming challenges into competitive advantages. Leaving NRF 2025, one thing is clear: retail is evolving fast, and the best opportunities lie in bold ideas and strong partnerships. The insights we gained will undoubtedly inform our investment strategies. This year was our first time attending NRF but it certainly won’t be our last. #NRF2025 #RetailInnovation #CapitalizeVC #VentureCapital #StartupSuccess #RetailTrends