Capitalize VC | LinkedIn (original) (raw)

Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals

Chicago, Illinois 3,211 followers

Shifting the venture capital paradigm.

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About us

Capitalize VC is a Chicago-based venture capital investment firm investing in diverse founders and connecting them to a diverse community of investors and advisors. The Firm focuses on solutions at the pre-seed and seed stages at the intersection of e-commerce technology, fintech and consumer brands. Submit your company to us for investment consideration here: https://www.capitalizevc.com/submission

Industry

Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals

Company size

2-10 employees

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Type

Partnership

Founded

2021

Locations

Employees at Capitalize VC

Updates

Today, we reflect on the enduring words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" This question drives our mission every day. We believe in empowering diverse founders, creating opportunities that break down barriers, and fostering generational wealth in communities that have historically been overlooked. Dr. King’s vision of equity and justice inspires the work of building a future where innovation is inclusive, and prosperity is shared. Progress requires bold ideas, courageous leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating lasting change. His dream is a call to action—a reminder that equity is not a destination but a journey we must continue together.#MLK #MartinLutherKingJr #Change #MLKDay #Equality #Civilrights #missionpossible
Big news! Joshe Ordonez Ordóñez, founder of Airpals Workplace Logistics, has been named a 2024 New C-Suite honoree by digitalundivided and Cosmopolitan Magazine —and we couldn’t be prouder of her groundbreaking leadership! Joshe is redefining what’s possible in tech and logistics. Airpals Workplace Logistics has processed over 11,000 orders for powerhouse clients like Google, Amazon, and Figma. With the power of AI, they’re simplifying office shipping to save time, cut costs, and streamline operations for businesses. But Airpals Workplace Logistics isn’t just focused on logistics— they also focus on impact. From prioritizing sustainability, to paying fair wages and supporting women and people of color, Airpals proves that growth, innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand. With big plans for growth, we’re thrilled to support Joshe as she continues to break barriers and elevate the logistics industry.#CapitalizeVC #WomenInTech #Airpals #LatinoFounders #SustainableBusiness #TechForGood #DiversityInTech
The clean beauty movement isn’t just a trend—it’s a revolution in skincare and cosmetics. The global clean beauty market is projected to reach $34.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 14.62%. The momentum is undeniable! At Capitalize VC, we’re proud to support brands like hanahana beauty and Ami Colé, who are setting new standards by prioritizing safe, sustainable, and ethical products.hanahana beauty is leading the charge with ethical sourcing and driving social impact through healthcare and education initiatives.Ami Colé celebrates natural beauty for melanin-rich skin, promoting ingredient transparency and challenging traditional beauty standards. For these brands, clean beauty is about more than just products—it’s about creating a positive impact on both people and the planet.. 💬 Founders and investors in clean beauty: How are you seeing this market evolve? What innovations are you most excited about? Let’s discuss how we can shape the future of clean beauty together. 👀 Know a brand that’s leading the charge in clean beauty? Tag them below—we’d love to connect #SustainableBeauty #HanahanaBeauty #AmiCole #BeautyForAll #VentureCapital #Business #DiverseFounders #SmartInvesting #StartupSupport #VCFunding #CapitalizeVC
3,211 followers
1w Edited
Did you know small businesses generate $17.7 trillion and support nearly 99 million jobs? Behind those impressive numbers are innovative entrepreneurs who rely on technology to stay ahead. 2025 is projected to be the year of tech innovation through AI. According to the Chamber of Commerce, 95% of small businesses depend on tech to thrive, and those adopting AI solutions see up to 12% higher profits. At Capitalize VC, we champion game-changers who are reshaping industries with bold ideas and cutting-edge solutions: - Airpals Workplace Logistics transform logistics through AI. - Talawa.ai helps brands stand out in competitive markets. - GILDFORM empowers creators to turn jewelry concepts into reality. - Digiphy enables brands to transform their customers’ digital experiences. Tech isn’t just a tool—it’s a lifeline. Companies using multiple platforms report 83% sales growth, and 70% say they couldn’t survive without it. Are you ready to transform your business and drive results? Let’s partner to create the future of small business together. Read the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s detailed report on the impact of technology on U.S. small business here - https://lnkd.in/egqDZ-4X #TechForGrowth #VentureCapital #SmallBusiness #Growth #AI #Business #TechSolutions #BusinessSuccess #DiverseFounders #SmartInvesting #StartupSupport #VCFunding #CapitalizeVC
2024 Year in Review: A Landmark Year for Capitalize VC What an incredible journey 2024 has been! As we reflect on the past year, we're proud to share some remarkable milestones that showcase our commitment to backing exceptional founders and driving meaningful impact in the venture ecosystem. 2024 By the Numbers: -Deployed 970Kacross6newinvestments−Evaluated1,448deals−Grewto15portfoliocompanies−Syndicated970K across 6 new investments -Evaluated 1,448 deals -Grew to 15 portfolio companies -Syndicated 970Kacross6newinvestments−Evaluated1,448deals−Grewto15portfoliocompanies−Syndicated2.5M in investments through our network -Shared 50+ qualified deals monthly with co-investors -Featured on 16+ industry panels -Built an all-female investment team of 5 New Portfolio Companies: We're thrilled to welcome six outstanding companies to our family: symphonie (e-commerce optimization), Bump (creator economy fintech), Omega 3 (brain health foods), Waitify (drop-based commerce), Digiphy (AI-powered customer engagement), and Ami-Cole (clean beauty for melanin-rich skin). Portfolio Highlights: Our companies achieved remarkable milestones, from Bump's $3M raise and TechCrunch feature to hanahana beauty's 15 Percent Pledge award,. We saw Rivet’s and Digiphy's Times Square takeover, multiple founder recognitions (including Karissma Yve, Deana Anglin, PhD, and Joshe Ordonez), and significant partnerships across the portfolio. Impact & Diversity Metrics: 93% of portfolio has founder(s) of color 53% female-founded companies 54% Midwest presence 123 full-time jobs created (64% female, 37% people of color) 31.1% LP capital from female investors 23.5% LP capital from Black & Latino investors We're immensely grateful to our founders, LPs, and co-investors for being part of this journey. Here's to continuing to build and support transformative companies in 2025! Submit your business for evaluation today: https://lnkd.in/eKMnra_QWant to join our co-investor network? Message us #YearInReview #Impact #DiversityInVC #StartupInvesting #FemaleVCs
From holiday shopping to seamless gifting, our portfolio companies use tech to make this season smoother, smarter, and more memorable. Here’s how: 📈 DigiphySelected for the NRF Innovators Showcase, Digiphy stands out for leading retail transformation. Their no-code platform lets brands create interactive experiences that drive sales and capture customer insights while staying compliant with industry standards. See them at the National Retail Federation Federation in NYC this January! 👟 SoleSafeFor sneaker lovers, SoleSafe’s integrated sneaker insurance protects each purchase from checkout to doorstep. Shoppers get peace of mind, and Shopify stores can focus on selling the hottest kicks. 💍 GILDFORMThrough on-demand jewelry manufacturing, Gildform empowers creators with its AI-driven JewelForge and BrandForge tools. This means unlimited design possibilities for brands without the usual limits of material or staff. 🛍️ symphonieSymphonie enables brands to thrive on any e-commerce platform by providing the insights needed to make the right calls at the right times. We’re proud to see our portfolio companies pushing boundaries in retail technology. Happy shopping, gifting, and celebrating #Holiday #TechTrends #Retail #Innovation #CapitalizeVC #NRFInnovators #TechForTheSeason #ConsumerEngagement #eCommerce #CapitalizeVC #ShoppingSeason #PortfolioPerformance
We're proud to celebrate Sophia Olmos as she embarks on her next chapter! Since joining Capitalize VC in October 2023, Sophia has been an exceptional investor whose dedication to founders and passion for inclusive investing has left an indelible mark on our firm. As Sophia returns to complete her final semester at Harvard Business School we want to highlight her remarkable contributions to our community: At Capitalize VC, Sophia has been instrumental in supporting our portfolio companies, bringing valuable insights from her experience at Bain & Company and WellBiz Brands, Inc. Brands. Her strategic mindset and operational expertise have been invaluable assets to founders navigating their growth journeys. Beyond her role at Capitalize VC, Sophia has been a tireless advocate for diversity in venture capital. As co-lead of the Boston Chapter of VC Unleashed and a Toigo Fellow, she has worked to make venture investing more accessible and inclusive. While we'll miss having Sophia on our team, we're excited to see her continue making an impact in her next role. Thank you, Sophia, for embodying the values of leadership, inclusion, and excellence at Capitalize VC! Please join us in wishing Sophia the very best in her future endeavors! 🎓✨#WomenInVC #CapitalizeVC #Leadership #DiversityInTech #VCUnleashed #ToigoFellowship #HarvardBusinessSchool #SophiaOlmos #Inclusive #Diverse
3,211 followers
1mo Edited
At Shoptalk 2024 in Chicago, our founder, Tessa Flippin joined a discussion alongside investors from ComCap LLC and Bain Capital Ventures to share insights on AI's role in shaping the future of retail. The panel covered where AI can truly make a difference—such as enhancing the in-store experience and smart shopping tools—and pointed out where it's overhyped. Tessa emphasized how generative AI can streamline product listings and branding for companies managing extensive inventories across multiple platforms, creating new customer engagement opportunities. AI isn't just a trend. It's changing how we shop, helping brands better understand customers, and making shopping easier and more fun. With AI in retail projected to reach $136 billion by 2030, these insights are critical. We're proud to share our perspective and keep leading in smart, forward-thinking investments.#Shoptalk2024 #Retail #Tech #AI #VCInsights #CapitalizeVC #ComCapLLC #BainCapitalVentures
💡 $480B: That's the projected value of the creator economy by 2027, and we're already ahead of the curve. At #LATechWeek, our strategic vision came to life through two power-packed sessions: Vanessa took the stage and mapped out how creator-led commerce is transforming traditional retail channels. With 64% of consumers making direct purchases through creator recommendations, we're backing the infrastructure making this possible. Our portfolio company, Bump, hosted the event. We co-hosted a breakfast with Forum Ventures, where Alexis D. joined the panel "Accelerators as a Funding Pathway." The panel explored how funding from accelerators shapes companies and what investors look for post-accelerator. The next wave of commerce enablement will be built by diverse founders who understand both technology infrastructure and creator dynamics. While others talk about the creator economy, we're building the infrastructure that powers it.#CreatorEconomy #VC #CommerceEnablement #LATechWeek #Innovation #DiverseFounders #VentureCapital #Bump #CapitalizeVC #StartupFunding
3,211 followers
1mo Edited
Thank you, Zimri Rodriguez, for your incredible service as our Chief of Staff at Capitalize VC. Your unwavering commitment to creating pathways for inclusive investing and empowering Latinx founders has left an indelible mark on our firm and the broader venture ecosystem. Your leadership, passion, and dedication to driving real change have helped shape Capitalize VC's mission and culture. As you embark on your next chapter, we're excited to see you continue breaking barriers and building a more diverse and equitable future in venture capital. Thank you for everything you've brought to our team. Your impact will continue to resonate through the foundations you've built here. Wishing you continued success in all your future endeavors!

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Capitalize VC | LinkedIn (original) (raw)

Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals

Chicago, Illinois 3,211 followers

Shifting the venture capital paradigm.

About us

Locations

Employees at Capitalize VC

Updates

Join now to see what you are missing

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