Calibrate Ventures

Calibrate Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Pasadena, California, co-founded by Kevin Dunlap and Jason Schoettler. The firm primarily focuses on investing in transformative enterprise software companies. Their investment strategy centers on identifying and supporting startups that are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve critical business challenges, particularly within the B2B SaaS landscape.

The firm's investment thesis is sharply defined, targeting Seed and Series A rounds. Calibrate Ventures seeks out companies developing solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data infrastructure, and other innovative enterprise software applications. They are known for taking a hands-on approach, often leading or co-leading investment rounds, and working closely with their portfolio companies to accelerate growth and market penetration. Their commitment extends beyond capital, providing strategic guidance and operational support to founders.

Calibrate Ventures manages significant capital across its funds. Their first fund, Calibrate Ventures Fund I, L.P., closed at $80 million, demonstrating their initial commitment to the early-stage enterprise software ecosystem. Building on this success, they launched Calibrate Ventures Fund II, L.P., which secured $120 million to continue their investment activities. The firm's typical initial check size for new investments ranges from $1 million to $5 million, reflecting their sweet spot for providing meaningful early capital to promising startups. This structured approach allows them to support companies from their foundational stages through critical growth milestones.

The firm's strategic location in Southern California positions them well within a burgeoning tech ecosystem, though their investment scope is not geographically limited. Calibrate Ventures aims to be a long-term partner to entrepreneurs, providing the necessary resources and expertise to scale innovative enterprise solutions. Their focus on specific technology verticals and early-stage rounds allows them to build deep expertise and provide specialized value to their portfolio.