Best VC Firm for Founder-Focused Investment Models in 2025
Venture capital for emerging founder needs
We redefined seed capital to meet founder needs, setting a precedent for early stage venture to follow
At OAV, we don’t just invest. We welcome you into a network of founders, advisors, investors, and work to directly connect you to your ICP.
At OAV, we don’t just invest. We welcome you into a network of founders, advisors, investors, and work to directly connect you to your ICP.
Who we are
Who we are
Modernizing Venture Capital, for modern day
Founders
Modernizing Venture Capital, for modern day
Founders
Modernizing Venture Capital, for modern day
Founders
At Open Access Ventures, we optimize our investments with crucial resources to ensure flawless and efficient execution.
We invest up to
$10K
Expediting fundraising efforts with up to $100K Lead investment from a credible team.
We invest up to
$10K
Expediting fundraising efforts with up to $100K Lead investment from a credible team.
Support in Bridge Round
The hardest check is the first. we help expedite initial bridge rounds providing leverage for more raising.
Cohort Incubation Ecosystem
8 week cohort ecosystem leading to greater chances of lead investment bringing you from MVP → ICP warm intros.
Collaborative
Collective
Our community shares resources to reduce costs, making momentum easier to achieve.
Deployment Strategy
Who we are
Deployment Strategy
Founder First Investment Strategy
Founder Strengths
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Industry
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Established Product Market Fit
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Strong Defensibility
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Capital Efficient Teams
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The Process
Who we are
The Process
OAV’s Investment Process
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Curate Strong Founders through OAU
Open Access University is designed to de-risk investors through curating a strong founder ecosystem. This starts with understanding it's a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with founders as humans, not numbers, is the path to long-term relationships.
Curate Strong Founders through OAU
Open Access University is designed to de-risk investors through curating a strong founder ecosystem. This starts with understanding it's a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with founders as humans, not numbers, is the path to long-term relationships.
Curate Strong Founders through OAU
Open Access University is designed to de-risk investors through curating a strong founder ecosystem. This starts with understanding it's a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with founders as humans, not numbers, is the path to long-term relationships.
Validated PMF and Defensibility
Once a founder has shown established product market fit and strong cases for defensiblity, the OAV team enters diligence with the company.
Validated PMF and Defensibility
Once a founder has shown established product market fit and strong cases for defensiblity, the OAV team enters diligence with the company.
Validated PMF and Defensibility
Once a founder has shown established product market fit and strong cases for defensiblity, the OAV team enters diligence with the company.
Deploy Efficient Capital
Once the OAV team finishes diligence, the team decides if capital will be deployed and terms are discussed.
Deploy Efficient Capital
Once the OAV team finishes diligence, the team decides if capital will be deployed and terms are discussed.
Deploy Efficient Capital
Once the OAV team finishes diligence, the team decides if capital will be deployed and terms are discussed.
OAV portfolio companies are all assigned an advisor to guide industry specific decisions
OAV portfolio companies are all assigned an advisor to guide industry specific decisions
See how founders have accelerated growth with OAV
insights
See how founders have accelerated growth with OAV
insights
See how founders have accelerated growth with OAV
insights
OAV portfolio companies are all assigned an advisor to guide industry specific decisions
By continuously iterating and building, we’re creating a foundation of knowledge and resources that can drive long-term achievement. This approach allows us to adapt, optimize, and scale effectively, paving the way for sustained growth and impact.
Steve Gelley
CEO
By continuously iterating and building, we’re creating a foundation of knowledge and resources that can drive long-term achievement. This approach allows us to adapt, optimize, and scale effectively, paving the way for sustained growth and impact.
Steve Gelley
CEO
Our proven strategy provides predictability
Our proven strategy provides predictability
Portfolio Highlights
Explore our portfolio: Innovative companies thriving with our tailored support and strategic guidance
Scratch Social, Inc
Turn amateur golf into an experience. Find playing partners, share live scorecards, and post your best moments.
SaaS
Gaming
Mobile- App
Exited
Nov, 2023
$2.5M
valuation
Explore more
MattressIQ, INC
Increasing the value and longevity of assets in hospitality groups by leveraging occupancy data to optimize rotation schedules.
SaaS
AI
Hospitality
Term sheet
pending
$3M
valuation
Explore more
Chef Xport
Elite private chef services delivering precision nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
SaaS
Service
Automation
Active Portco
February 1, 2025
Explore more
Legalbid.io
Connect clients with pre-vetted attorneys through a bidding process.
SaaS
Marketplace
Active Portfolio Company
January 2025
Explore more
18 Performance Lab. LLC
High-tech golf performance facility offering data-driven training, professional coaching, and premium membership services.
Sports Training
Fitness
Membership
500%
membership growth
Explore more
Join the founders who've achieved $72M+ in combined valuations
Join the founders who've achieved $72M+ in combined valuations
Join the founders who've achieved $72M+ in combined valuations
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about our services, involvement and unique approach for founders and teams.
What is your investment structure?
We typically lead early-stage rounds with up to $100K check, as part of a broader bridge round. While we don’t guarantee filling the full round, we often help catalyze additional capital and bring other strategic investors to the table.
Do you always invest $100K, or does the amount vary?
Our core check size is $100K, though we remain flexible depending on the opportunity. Our goal is to invest early and support your path toward scaling product-market fit, moat, and later stage institutional capital.
What equity stake do you take?
We target a fair equity stake aligned with your company’s stage and raise. Our equity position is tied to our capital and ongoing support, not based on fixed ownership structures or service models.
Are you a venture studio?
No. We are a venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups. While we offer high-context support and resources, we don’t follow a studio model or require shared IP or operational ownership.
What types of startups do you invest in?
We are industry-agnostic, backing exceptional founders across all sectors. We look for clear product vision, early validation signals, and high-growth potential.
What stage should my company be at to apply?
You should have a compelling concept, some early traction or signal, and a clear understanding of your market. We’re especially excited about teams preparing for their next inflection point.
Do I need traction or revenue?
Traction is incredibly helpful but not always required. We invest in early-stage companies where we see breakout potential, strong founder-market fit, and a clear vision. Each industry is unique, and so are GTM strategies.
How is your capital different from other VC firms?
In addition to funding, we provide strategic guidance, investor access, ICP access through Open Access University, and operational insight. We also provide a suite of tangible resources to our portfolio companies to support in additional raising. Our team stays engaged to help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate key milestones.
What does your diligence process involve?
Our process includes an initial review, intro call, deeper diligence into your product and market, a leadership interview, and a final investment committee decision. We require data rooms, pitch decks, and other information to decide if your startup is a right fit for an investment.
How involved is OAV post-investment?
We stay actively engaged, whether through regular check-ins, strategic planning, or connections to our broader ecosystem. We adapt our level of support based on your needs as a founder, often assigning an industry expert advisor onto the project.
What happens after the initial funding period?
Our goal is to help you build meaningful traction and set the stage for your next raise, or get to a place where you no longer need funding and can exit. We continue to support portfolio companies beyond the initial investment where there’s mutual interest and momentum.
Do you participate in follow-on rounds?
Yes. We evaluate follow-on investments on a case-by-case basis, especially when there’s clear progress and alignment with our investment thesis.
How do you define success for portfolio companies?
Success looks different for every company. We prioritize progress against key milestones, strong execution, market validation, and a clear path to scale or sustainability.
What is your investment structure?
We typically lead early-stage rounds with up to $100K check, as part of a broader bridge round. While we don’t guarantee filling the full round, we often help catalyze additional capital and bring other strategic investors to the table.
Do you always invest $100K, or does the amount vary?
Our core check size is $100K, though we remain flexible depending on the opportunity. Our goal is to invest early and support your path toward scaling product-market fit, moat, and later stage institutional capital.
What equity stake do you take?
We target a fair equity stake aligned with your company’s stage and raise. Our equity position is tied to our capital and ongoing support, not based on fixed ownership structures or service models.
Are you a venture studio?
No. We are a venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups. While we offer high-context support and resources, we don’t follow a studio model or require shared IP or operational ownership.
What types of startups do you invest in?
We are industry-agnostic, backing exceptional founders across all sectors. We look for clear product vision, early validation signals, and high-growth potential.
What stage should my company be at to apply?
You should have a compelling concept, some early traction or signal, and a clear understanding of your market. We’re especially excited about teams preparing for their next inflection point.
Do I need traction or revenue?
Traction is incredibly helpful but not always required. We invest in early-stage companies where we see breakout potential, strong founder-market fit, and a clear vision. Each industry is unique, and so are GTM strategies.
How is your capital different from other VC firms?
In addition to funding, we provide strategic guidance, investor access, ICP access through Open Access University, and operational insight. We also provide a suite of tangible resources to our portfolio companies to support in additional raising. Our team stays engaged to help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate key milestones.
What does your diligence process involve?
Our process includes an initial review, intro call, deeper diligence into your product and market, a leadership interview, and a final investment committee decision. We require data rooms, pitch decks, and other information to decide if your startup is a right fit for an investment.
How involved is OAV post-investment?
We stay actively engaged, whether through regular check-ins, strategic planning, or connections to our broader ecosystem. We adapt our level of support based on your needs as a founder, often assigning an industry expert advisor onto the project.
What happens after the initial funding period?
Our goal is to help you build meaningful traction and set the stage for your next raise, or get to a place where you no longer need funding and can exit. We continue to support portfolio companies beyond the initial investment where there’s mutual interest and momentum.
Do you participate in follow-on rounds?
Yes. We evaluate follow-on investments on a case-by-case basis, especially when there’s clear progress and alignment with our investment thesis.
How do you define success for portfolio companies?
Success looks different for every company. We prioritize progress against key milestones, strong execution, market validation, and a clear path to scale or sustainability.
What is your investment structure?
We typically lead early-stage rounds with up to $100K check, as part of a broader bridge round. While we don’t guarantee filling the full round, we often help catalyze additional capital and bring other strategic investors to the table.
Do you always invest $100K, or does the amount vary?
Our core check size is $100K, though we remain flexible depending on the opportunity. Our goal is to invest early and support your path toward scaling product-market fit, moat, and later stage institutional capital.
What equity stake do you take?
We target a fair equity stake aligned with your company’s stage and raise. Our equity position is tied to our capital and ongoing support, not based on fixed ownership structures or service models.
Are you a venture studio?
No. We are a venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups. While we offer high-context support and resources, we don’t follow a studio model or require shared IP or operational ownership.
What types of startups do you invest in?
We are industry-agnostic, backing exceptional founders across all sectors. We look for clear product vision, early validation signals, and high-growth potential.
What stage should my company be at to apply?
You should have a compelling concept, some early traction or signal, and a clear understanding of your market. We’re especially excited about teams preparing for their next inflection point.
Do I need traction or revenue?
Traction is incredibly helpful but not always required. We invest in early-stage companies where we see breakout potential, strong founder-market fit, and a clear vision. Each industry is unique, and so are GTM strategies.
How is your capital different from other VC firms?
In addition to funding, we provide strategic guidance, investor access, ICP access through Open Access University, and operational insight. We also provide a suite of tangible resources to our portfolio companies to support in additional raising. Our team stays engaged to help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate key milestones.
What does your diligence process involve?
Our process includes an initial review, intro call, deeper diligence into your product and market, a leadership interview, and a final investment committee decision. We require data rooms, pitch decks, and other information to decide if your startup is a right fit for an investment.
How involved is OAV post-investment?
We stay actively engaged, whether through regular check-ins, strategic planning, or connections to our broader ecosystem. We adapt our level of support based on your needs as a founder, often assigning an industry expert advisor onto the project.
What happens after the initial funding period?
Our goal is to help you build meaningful traction and set the stage for your next raise, or get to a place where you no longer need funding and can exit. We continue to support portfolio companies beyond the initial investment where there’s mutual interest and momentum.
Do you participate in follow-on rounds?
Yes. We evaluate follow-on investments on a case-by-case basis, especially when there’s clear progress and alignment with our investment thesis.
How do you define success for portfolio companies?
Success looks different for every company. We prioritize progress against key milestones, strong execution, market validation, and a clear path to scale or sustainability.
Open Access Ventures bridges the gap between investment and execution, working alongside founders to build and grow businesses with fewer resources than the conventional venture model.
Contact us
hello@oav.ventures
Founders
OAV University
Upcoming Cohort
2025 Open Access Ventures. All Rights Reserved.
Open Access Ventures bridges the gap between investment and execution, working alongside founders to build and grow businesses with fewer resources than the conventional venture model.
Contact us
hello@oav.ventures
Founders
OAV University
Upcoming Cohort
2025 Open Access Ventures. All Rights Reserved.
Open Access Ventures bridges the gap between investment and execution, working alongside founders to build and grow businesses with fewer resources than the conventional venture model.
Contact us
hello@oav.ventures
Founders
OAV University
Upcoming Cohort
2025 Open Access Ventures. All Rights Reserved.