We know the potential.

We invest in high-growth, early-stage startups located on the Central Coast. With angel/seed funding, we invest in people and products in fast-growing markets and untapped areas of existing industries.

The Foundation

Our Thesis and Advantage

Now more than ever is an advantageous time to invest in entrepreneurs on the Central Coast. The combination of our network of fund partners, LPs, universities and key players in the regional startup scene and our domain expertise enable quality selection and support of our portfolio.

We’ve shown that this approach has legs in our first fund, with 11 startups funded and nearly $2M deployed. With Fund II we hope to take this even further. Learn more about Fund II.

     
     
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FAQ.

FAQ.

With AI and remote work, increased startup formation and capital efficiency outside traditional hubs is driving high-quality opportunities in historically underserved regions like the Central Coast.

The Central Coast offers key ingredients of a top-tier startup ecosystem such as talent, university research, and emerging industries (e.g. Space and AgTech), but without some of the pricing inefficiencies and investor competition of SV.

We believe that with the right access, this dynamic enables earlier entry into high quality startups at more attractive valuations, increasing the potential for venture-scale returns.

We are focused on companies that meet the following:

  • Early-stage company with high-growth opportunity
  • Preferred HQ or association with Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, or Santa Cruz counties
  • Full-time team of 2 or more people with domain expertise
  • Having a functional MVP/prototype (may not apply for regulated industries)
  • Demonstrable revenue model
  • Substantial market opportunity to afford significant investor ROI

CCV is a partner-led fund with some syndicate features. Our Managing Partners and GPs lead fundraising, deal sourcing, diligence, fund operations, and final investment decisions. However, we are very encouraging of co-investments (where deals allow) so some LPs choose to invest the minimum up front and then leverage the fund’s deal access and diligence efforts to inform larger investment decisions and double down on the startups they think have the most promise.

Limited Partners can be passive or may have opportunities to actively participate based on interest, experience, and time. For example, there are opportunities to serve as LP advisors, join pitches with startups, attend local investor events, help with diligence, and network with startups.

We are a private for-profit entity that works in the same ecosystem as universities, investor groups, startup programs, pitch competitions, and regional economic development groups to facilitate deal flow. Our efforts are focused primarily on investments in early stage startups.