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Sum Ventures

North America, California, United States, Santa Monica

Description

Sum Ventures is an investment firm based in Santa Monica, California, primarily serving as the venture vehicle for Sumit Vohra, a distinguished entrepreneur and former executive with significant experience at technology giants such as MySpace and Scopely. The firm leverages Vohra's deep industry insights and operational expertise to identify and support promising startups. Sum Ventures operates with a lean structure, focusing on strategic investments rather than managing a large traditional fund.

The firm's investment strategy is centered on early-stage technology companies, with a clear preference for businesses demonstrating strong innovation and market potential. Sum Ventures typically participates in Seed, Series A, and occasionally Series B funding rounds. While they are not known for leading investment rounds, they are active and strategic co-investors, bringing valuable connections and guidance to their portfolio companies. Their approach emphasizes long-term partnerships with founders.

Sum Ventures has built a notable portfolio across various tech sectors. For instance, the firm participated in Aura's $10 million seed round in 2021, a testament to its engagement in nascent but high-potential ventures. Another significant investment includes their participation in Ethos' $15 million Series A round in 2020, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies transitioning from early development to growth. Furthermore, Sum Ventures has also extended its reach to more mature stages, as evidenced by its involvement in BlockFi's substantial $50 million Series B round in 2021.

Overall, Sum Ventures positions itself as a discerning investor in the dynamic tech landscape, providing capital and strategic support to companies poised for significant disruption and growth. Their investment philosophy reflects a hands-on, value-add approach, aiming to foster the development of innovative technologies and business models.

Investor Profile

Sum Ventures has backed more than 25 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 8% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Ghana.
  • Strong thematic focus on FinTech, Software, Financial Services.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (40%)
  • Pre Seed (40%)
  • Series A (12%)
  • Undisclosed (4%)
  • Series Unknown (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (96%)
  • Ghana (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Fintech
  • Software
  • Financial Services
  • Saas
  • Health Care
  • Real Estate
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Finance
  • Wealth Management
  • Mobile
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Sum Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Tamiami Angel Funds
North America, Florida, United States, Naples
Co-Investments: 2
Catalyst Innovation Lab
North America, California, United States, Larkspur
Co-Investments: 1
New Valley Ventures
North America, Florida, United States, Miami
Co-Investments: 2
Sweater
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Co-Investments: 2
MFV Partners
North America, California, United States, Los Altos
Co-Investments: 2
Burnt Island Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Echo River Capital
North America, California, United States, Belvedere Tiburon
Co-Investments: 1
Startup Mavericks
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Co-Investments: 3
Anorak Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Ulu Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Sum Ventures often collaborate with?

EL
North America, Florida, United States, Miami Beach
Shared Deals: 1
JW
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
MH
North America, Florida, United States, Fort Lauderdale
Shared Deals: 1
BD
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
KM
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
MB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
David Kumaran
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Dan Teran
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Sum Ventures?

Fantasy Life

New York, New York, United States

Fantasy Life provides football information delivered directly to customers' inboxes every morning for free.

American FootballFantasy SportsMedia and EntertainmentNews
SeedJul 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $7,000,000
Irrigreen

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Irrigreen offers a digital irrigation system that uses AI to create custom lawn designs while saving water compared to traditional systems.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Home and GardenLandscapingManufacturing
Series AApr 22, 2025
Amount Raised: $19,000,000
Oze

Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana

Oze is a habit-forming mobile app that makes it easy for SMEs in Africa to keep digital records, make better decisions and access capital.

FinTechSoftware
Series UnknownFeb 20, 2025
R3 Score

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

R3 Score is a mobile responsive, collaborative application that enables governments to more efficiently enforce fair hiring legislation.

BankingHuman ResourcesSoftware
SeedAug 1, 2023
Amount Raised: $50,000
Rotender

Los Angeles, California, United States

Rotender automates the service and sale of alcoholic beverages.

HospitalityIndustrial AutomationRobotics
Pre SeedJul 1, 2023
Amount Raised: $50,000
Eduworks

Corvallis, Oregon, United States

Eduworks is an IT company providing AI and text mining solutions for process improvement.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ComputerGovernmentInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyManufacturingNon ProfitSoftware
SeedMay 10, 2023
Amount Raised: $250,000
UNest

North Hollywood, California, United States

UNest is an app that makes it easier than ever for parents to invest and save for their kids' future.

AppsFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechMobileWealth Management
Series AApr 20, 2023
Amount Raised: $150,000
SweatPals

Austin, Texas, United States

SweatPals is a peer-to-peer marketplace connecting fitness communities and fitness enthusiasts.

CommunitiesFitnessMobile AppsWeb AppsWellness
Pre SeedApr 5, 2023
Amount Raised: $250,000
BRIUS

Carrollton, Texas, United States

BRIUS is a healthcare company that focuses in the orthodontics and medical device industry.

Health Care
Series AApr 1, 2023
Amount Raised: $400,000
Grapefruit Health

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Grapefruit Health utilizes a clinical student workforce to perform interactions with patients remotely.

Health CareMedicalTraining
Pre SeedApr 1, 2023
Amount Raised: $1,300,000