Cold Start Ventures

Cold Start Ventures, based in New York City, operates as a distinctive venture builder and studio, rather than a traditional venture capital fund. Their core mission revolves around incubating and funding "mission-oriented" companies from their inception. This model involves actively co-founding and developing new ventures, providing not only capital but also significant operational support, strategic guidance, and access to a network of talent and resources. They are deeply involved in the early stages of company formation, working hand-in-hand with founders to transform ideas into viable businesses.

The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, targeting companies that align with their mission-driven ethos. Unlike typical VCs who might write a check and take a board seat, Cold Start Ventures embeds itself within the nascent company, offering hands-on assistance with product development, market validation, team building, and fundraising strategies. Their approach aims to de-risk the early stages of startup development by providing a structured environment and dedicated resources, significantly increasing the chances of success for their portfolio companies.

While specific public disclosures on their exact cash check sizes are limited due to their venture builder model, industry patterns for similar studios suggest that their initial capital injections typically range from $250,000 to $1.5 million. This initial funding is often complemented by substantial in-kind contributions, including dedicated teams, shared services, and operational expertise, which collectively represent a much larger value proposition. As of early 2024, Cold Start Ventures has been involved in building and funding over 10 companies, demonstrating their active role in the early-stage ecosystem. Their unique blend of incubation and investment positions them as a strategic partner for founders looking to build impactful, mission-driven enterprises from the ground up.