Ground Up Ventures

Ground Up Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm with a distinctive focus on pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups across the United States and Israel. Founded by David Stark and Cory Levy, the firm distinguishes itself by its founder-friendly approach and its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of their company's development. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Ground Up Ventures leverages its dual geographic presence to tap into vibrant innovation ecosystems, identifying promising ventures with high growth potential in both established and emerging tech hubs.

The firm's investment strategy centers on providing crucial capital and strategic guidance to companies at their foundational stages. Ground Up Ventures typically deploys an initial check size ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million, aiming to be the first institutional capital for many of its portfolio companies. This early commitment allows them to build deep relationships with founders and contribute significantly to their initial growth trajectory. Their portfolio spans various sectors, including enterprise software, fintech, healthcare IT, and consumer technology, reflecting a broad interest in disruptive innovations that address significant market needs.

Ground Up Ventures has demonstrated a consistent ability to raise capital and expand its investment capacity. The firm successfully closed its third fund, Ground Up Ventures III, with $100 million in commitments, following previous funds of $20 million (Fund I) and $70 million (Fund II). This brings their total capital under management to approximately $190 million, underscoring their growing influence in the early-stage venture landscape. Beyond capital, Ground Up Ventures emphasizes hands-on support, connecting founders with a network of industry experts, potential customers, and follow-on investors, thereby fostering a collaborative environment for portfolio success.