Grit Ventures

Grit Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, with additional investment hubs in Denver, Austin, and Pittsburgh. The firm is dedicated to investing in what it terms the "Clean Machine Revolution," focusing on companies that are transforming traditional industrial sectors through the convergence of physical and digital technologies. Their core investment areas include industrial decarbonization, advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, and automation, targeting innovations that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in foundational industries.

The firm primarily targets Seed to Series A stage companies, providing crucial capital and strategic support during their formative years. Grit Ventures typically deploys initial checks ranging from $1 million to $3 million, aiming to be a significant early partner to its portfolio companies. Their investment thesis emphasizes deep tech solutions that address complex industrial challenges, from optimizing supply chains with advanced robotics to enabling cleaner energy production through innovative materials and AI-driven processes.

In March 2023, Grit Ventures successfully closed its inaugural fund, Grit Ventures Fund I, at $100 million. This significant capital base underscores their commitment to backing the next generation of industrial technology leaders. The firm's partners, Joe Sleppy and Ryan Sweeney, bring extensive experience in venture capital and operational roles within the industrial and technology sectors, guiding their portfolio companies through critical growth phases. Grit Ventures seeks to build a portfolio of companies that are not only financially robust but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient industrial future.