Ballistic Ventures

Ballistic Ventures is a specialized venture capital firm headquartered in San Mateo, California, exclusively dedicated to funding and incubating entrepreneurs and innovations within the cybersecurity sector. Founded by a distinguished group of cybersecurity veterans and entrepreneurs, including Ted Schlein, Barmak Meftah, Kevin Mandia, Ken Fox, and Jake Saper, the firm leverages its founders' deep industry expertise and operational experience to identify and nurture promising startups. Their singular focus on cybersecurity allows them to provide not only capital but also strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to an extensive network of industry leaders, customers, and talent. This specialized approach aims to accelerate the growth and success of their portfolio companies in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

In February 2022, Ballistic Ventures announced the close of its inaugural fund, Ballistic Ventures Fund I, with a substantial capital commitment of $300 million. This significant fund size underscores their ambition to be a leading investor in the cybersecurity space. The firm primarily targets early-stage companies, focusing on seed, Series A, and Series B investments. Their investment thesis revolves around identifying groundbreaking technologies and visionary teams that are addressing critical challenges in cybersecurity, ranging from enterprise security to cloud security, identity, and threat intelligence. They seek to partner with founders who are building the next generation of cybersecurity solutions.

Ballistic Ventures typically deploys initial checks ranging from $1 million to $15 million, reflecting their flexibility to invest across different early growth stages. This range allows them to support companies from their foundational stages through significant growth milestones. Beyond capital, the firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing operational support, go-to-market strategies, and product development guidance. Their commitment to the cybersecurity ecosystem is further demonstrated by their active engagement with founders, helping them navigate market complexities and scale their businesses effectively. The firm's deep domain knowledge and network are key differentiators, positioning them as a strategic partner for cybersecurity innovators.