Redbud logo

Redbud

www.redbud.vc

Redbud invests from first check to pre-seed rounds in generalist tech founders building massive companies globally, regardless of background or introduction path. They are the first institutional believer in over 60% of their portfolio.

Check Size

$50K - $500K

Stages

Pre Seed, Seed

Focus Areas

Ai Ml, Healthtech, Fintech

Is Redbud right for your startup?

Upload your pitch deck and get an AI-powered match score in minutes. See exactly how well you fit their investment criteria.

See If You're a Match

Investment Thesis

Redbud VC believes that resilience and struggle are the greatest drivers of venture returns. They invest in founders strengthened by adversity rather than pedigree, betting on rare talent building generational tech companies that solve problems that matter and create markets that don’t yet exist. Their philosophy is rooted in their own experience building a $10B company in Columbia, MO without formal education and minimal resources, which gives them deep appreciation for founders facing similar constraints.

What Sets Them Apart

  • First institutional check provider - the first believer in 60%+ of portfolio companies
  • Operator-backed support - founded by serial entrepreneurs who built a $4B revenue company; provide direct operator mentorship beyond capital
  • Midwest roots with national reach - based in Columbia, MO (home to Zapier, EquipmentShare, Carfax) but back founders globally
  • Outsized network leverage - secured 500+ introductions for founders to investors, customers, and early hires
  • Fast decision-making - 1-3 week process with decisions in 3 weeks or less, no investment committee
  • Selective and disciplined - ~12 new investments annually, intentional portfolio construction
  • Backing underrepresented founders - 61% first-time entrepreneurs, 45% immigrants, 48% with Midwest roots

Portfolio Highlights

Asepha

Ai Ml

BalanceHQ

Fintech

Biography Health

Health

Bolster

Unknown

Braid

Unknown

Clearing

Fintech

DScribe AI

Ai Ml

Fair

Unknown

+ 31 more companies in their portfolio

Investment Team

13 Partners at Redbud

See who leads investments in your sector and how to connect with them.

Get partner details and introductions

Upload your deck to see who's the best fit for your startup.

Get Started

Ready to find your perfect investor match?

Get Started Free