Kickstart

Kickstart is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a strategic focus on the burgeoning startup ecosystem of the Intermountain West. Established with the mission to provide "smart capital, a connected community, and expert guidance," Kickstart primarily targets Pre-Seed and Seed-stage companies across industries such as SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and consumer tech. The firm aims to be the first institutional investor, playing a crucial role in nurturing nascent companies from their foundational stages. Their geographic emphasis spans Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, reflecting a commitment to fostering innovation within this specific, high-growth region.

The firm's investment approach is characterized by a hands-on philosophy, extending beyond mere capital injection to actively support founders with strategic advice, operational insights, and access to a robust network. Kickstart typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million, often leading or co-leading a company’s first institutional round. This initial investment is frequently followed by subsequent funding rounds as portfolio companies achieve key milestones and demonstrate growth potential. Their commitment to building a strong community is evident in their efforts to connect founders with mentors, talent, and other resources essential for scaling.

Kickstart has demonstrated significant growth and impact since its inception. In late 2022, the firm announced the closing of its sixth fund, Kickstart Fund VI, at $100 million. This latest fund brings their total assets under management (AUM) to over $300 million across all funds, underscoring their expanding capacity to support regional startups. This substantial capital base allows Kickstart to continue its mission of backing promising entrepreneurs and contributing to the economic vitality of the Intermountain West.

With a portfolio exceeding 200 companies, Kickstart has played a pivotal role in the success stories of numerous regional enterprises. Notable investments include companies like Podium, Weave, and Lucid Software, which have grown to become significant players in their respective markets. The firm's consistent investment activity and deep engagement with its portfolio companies solidify its position as a cornerstone of the Intermountain West's venture capital landscape, actively shaping the future of technology and innovation in the region.