StartFast Ventures

StartFast Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm strategically focused on recurring revenue software businesses. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the firm distinguishes itself by primarily investing in companies located outside the traditional major startup hubs. This geographic focus allows StartFast to tap into promising entrepreneurial ecosystems that may be underserved by larger, more geographically constrained venture funds. Their investment thesis centers on identifying strong teams with clear product-market fit and scalable business models, providing capital and strategic guidance to help these ventures achieve significant growth.

The firm typically engages at the Seed and Pre-Seed stages, offering initial investment checks ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000. This targeted approach enables StartFast to be a foundational partner for nascent companies, providing crucial early capital that often dictates a startup's initial trajectory. StartFast Ventures has demonstrated a consistent investment pace, having made over 30 investments to date across various software sectors. Their portfolio includes companies that leverage software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, reflecting their core interest in predictable revenue streams.

StartFast Ventures has successfully raised multiple funds to support its investment activities, notably closing its StartFast Ventures Fund II with $10 million in capital in 2021. This capital allows them to continue their mission of backing innovative software companies in emerging tech regions. Beyond financial investment, StartFast emphasizes providing hands-on support, leveraging the extensive entrepreneurial and operational experience of its founding partners, Nasir Ali and Chuck Stormon. This commitment to active partnership helps portfolio companies navigate early challenges, refine their strategies, and accelerate their path to market success and subsequent funding rounds.