Almaz Capital

Almaz Capital is a venture capital firm based in Portola Valley, California, with a distinct focus on early-stage information technology startups. Established with a vision to bridge innovation between the US and emerging markets, particularly Eastern Europe and the CIS region, the firm primarily invests in Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. Their investment thesis centers on disruptive technologies within sectors such as B2B software, artificial intelligence/machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, proptech, and digital health. Almaz Capital seeks companies with strong technological foundations and global market potential.

The firm's investment strategy emphasizes active participation and support for its portfolio companies, leveraging its extensive network and operational expertise to help founders scale their businesses internationally. Almaz Capital typically targets initial investments ranging from $2 million to $10 million, positioning them as a significant partner for startups transitioning from early product development to market expansion. They are known for their long-term commitment, often participating in follow-on rounds to support continued growth and development of their portfolio companies.

Almaz Capital has successfully raised multiple funds, demonstrating consistent commitment to their investment thesis. Their most recent fund, Almaz Capital Fund III, closed in 2020 with $191 million in committed capital, underscoring their capacity to deploy substantial resources into promising ventures. Over its operational history, Almaz Capital has built a diverse portfolio of over 100 companies, including notable exits like Yandex (IPO), Qik (acquired by Skype), and Acumatica (acquired by KKR). This track record highlights their ability to identify and nurture companies that achieve significant market milestones.

Beyond capital, Almaz Capital provides strategic guidance, access to talent, and market insights, particularly valuable for companies looking to expand globally. Their dual-market approach, combining Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem with the technical talent pools of Eastern Europe, offers a unique value proposition to entrepreneurs. The firm's partners bring deep operational experience from leading technology companies, enabling them to offer practical advice and mentorship to founders navigating the complexities of rapid growth and internationalization.