Max Altman

Max Altman is the Managing Partner at Apollo Projects, a venture capital firm based in Austin, United States, specializing in early-stage investments. The firm primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies that are developing groundbreaking technologies across various frontier sectors. Apollo Projects focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate solutions, and other deep technology innovations, aiming to be among the first institutional investors to back ambitious founders.

Altman brings a wealth of experience in the startup ecosystem to his role. Prior to co-founding Apollo Projects, he served as a Partner at Altman Capital. Significantly, his background includes a tenure as a Group Partner and Visiting Partner at Y Combinator, one of the world's most prestigious startup accelerators. This experience provided him with deep insights into identifying and nurturing high-potential early-stage companies, as well as a robust network within the tech and venture capital communities. His involvement at Y Combinator underscores his commitment to supporting foundational innovation from its earliest stages.

Apollo Projects' investment strategy is characterized by its focus on providing initial capital to nascent ventures. The firm explicitly states its typical first check size, ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000. This positions Apollo Projects as a crucial early-stage investor, often providing the foundational capital that enables startups to develop their initial product, build their team, and achieve key milestones before larger funding rounds. The firm prides itself on being a hands-on partner, leveraging its expertise and network to support portfolio companies through their growth trajectory.

The firm's portfolio reflects its commitment to frontier technology, featuring companies that are pushing boundaries in their respective fields. Notable investments include companies like Varda Space Industries, which is developing in-space manufacturing capabilities, and Hadrian, focused on advanced manufacturing for aerospace and defense. These investments highlight Apollo Projects' appetite for capital-intensive, high-impact ventures that have the potential to redefine industries. Max Altman's leadership at Apollo Projects continues to solidify its reputation as a key player in the early-stage deep tech investment landscape.