Spacecadet Ventures

Spacecadet Ventures, based in New York City, distinguishes itself as "The Marketing VC," focusing on early-stage companies where marketing is a critical competitive advantage. Founded by Alex Taussig and Sarah Smith, the firm leverages its founders' extensive backgrounds in venture capital (Lightspeed Venture Partners) and operational roles at high-growth tech companies (Google, Quip, Patreon). This unique positioning allows Spacecadet to offer more than just capital, providing deep marketing expertise and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies.

The firm primarily targets seed to Series A stage companies, identifying founders who understand the pivotal role of marketing in scaling their businesses. Spacecadet Ventures typically writes first checks ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, indicating a commitment to significant early-stage support. Their investment philosophy is rooted in the belief that effective marketing is not merely an add-on but a fundamental driver of growth and differentiation in today's competitive landscape.

In October 2022, Spacecadet Ventures announced the close of its debut fund, securing $25 million to further its mission. This capital enables them to continue backing innovative startups that can benefit from their specialized approach. Beyond financial investment, Spacecadet provides hands-on support, including an in-house marketing team dedicated to helping portfolio companies with brand strategy, customer acquisition, and growth initiatives. This integrated model aims to accelerate the development of marketing-driven businesses, fostering a better future through strategic brand building and market penetration.