Flywheel Ventures

Flywheel Ventures, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a long-standing venture capital firm established in 2002. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily targeting companies within the information technology and physical sciences sectors. The firm distinguishes itself by focusing on the Southwest United States and other regions often considered underserved by traditional venture capital, aiming to uncover high-potential ventures with strong intellectual property.

The firm's investment strategy is centered on providing initial capital to promising startups. Flywheel Ventures typically writes first checks ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, seeking to support companies through their critical early growth phases. Beyond information technology and physical sciences, their portfolio spans diverse areas including software, clean technology, energy, life sciences, and advanced materials, reflecting a broad interest in innovation that can drive significant market impact.

Over its two decades of operation, Flywheel Ventures has demonstrated a consistent commitment to its investment thesis, having raised four distinct funds. These funds include Flywheel Ventures I (2002, $15M), Flywheel Ventures II (2007, $20M), Flywheel Ventures III (2012, $25M), and Flywheel Ventures IV (2017, $30M), accumulating approximately $90 million in total capital under management. This sustained fundraising success underscores their established presence and ability to deploy significant capital into the regional innovation ecosystem. Their focus on the Southwest, encompassing states like New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas, highlights a strategic approach to fostering technological and scientific advancements outside of conventional tech hubs.