Frequently Asked Questions

We primarily invest at Pre-Seed to Series A stages, writing initial checks between $250K - $1.5M. We look for companies that have:

• Demonstrated product-market fit or clear path to it
• Founding teams with deep technical or domain expertise
• Capital-efficient business models with potential for outsized impact

We reserve capital for follow-on investments in our top performing companies.

We focus on three core areas:

1. AI & Automation - Industry-specific models that solve real business problems
2. High-Impact Verticals - Healthcare, financial infrastructure, climate tech
3. Unconventional Markets - Companies based outside traditional VC hubs

We're particularly interested in founders building businesses that leverage AI to transform legacy industries.

Our investment process is designed to be efficient and transparent:

1. Initial Pitch - Submit through our contact form or intro
2. Screening Call - 30-minute discussion with a partner
3. Deep Dive - Detailed session on business, tech & team
4. Due Diligence - Market analysis, reference checks, tech review
5. Decision Meeting - Term sheet discussion

We aim to provide clear, timely feedback at each stage, typically completing the process within 4-6 weeks.

We provide founder-centric support tailored to your specific needs:

• Strategic Guidance - Regular check-ins with partners
• Network Access - Connections to potential customers, partners, and investors
• Talent Acquisition - Help with key hires and team building
• Fundraising Strategy - Preparation and introductions for next rounds
• Founder Community - Access to peer network and events

Our approach is hands-on when needed, hands-off when not - we aim to be your most valuable partner, not your most demanding investor.

Light the Fire Ventures is built on three key differentiators:

1. Contrarian by Design - We invest where other VCs aren't looking, focusing on overlooked markets, founders, and industries
2. Founder Experience - Our team has sat on both sides of the table, bringing a unique empathy and practical guidance
3. Specialized Focus - We're not generalists. Our expertise in AI, automation, and high-impact verticals allows us to provide deeper value

This approach has positioned us to deliver differentiated returns by finding alpha where traditional VCs aren't competing.

Light the Fire Ventures is structured as a $25M fund with a traditional 10-year lifecycle:

• Investment Period: First 3-4 years for new investments
• Follow-on Period: Years 4-7 focused on supporting existing portfolio
• Harvest Period: Years 7-10 focused on exits and returns

We maintain a disciplined pace of deployment, targeting 15-18 investments across the fund's lifecycle, with significant capital reserved for follow-on rounds in our top performers.

Our evaluation framework centers on four key dimensions:

1. Team - Founders who think from first principles, with deep technical expertise or domain knowledge, and capital-efficient execution abilities
2. Market - Large or rapidly growing markets with clear pain points that can sustain category-defining companies
3. Technology - Distinctive technical approach with defensible advantages and scalable architecture
4. Business Model - Capital-efficient path to growth with strong unit economics and clear monetization strategy

We place particular emphasis on founders who have unique insights into their markets based on personal experience or technical breakthrough.

We look for founders who embody these qualities:

• First-Principles Thinkers - You question assumptions and reimagine what's possible
• Domain Experts - You have deep technical knowledge or industry expertise
• Capital-Efficient - You build with discipline and make every dollar count
• Contrarian Vision - You see opportunities others miss
• Resilient & Adaptable - You thrive amid uncertainty and learn continuously

We particularly value founders who have lived the problem they're solving or who bring unique perspectives from outside traditional venture pathways.

Our portfolio construction follows a disciplined approach:

• Concentration - We make 15-18 carefully selected investments rather than "spray and pray"
• Follow-on Reserves - We reserve significant capital to support our winners through future rounds
• Diversification - We balance across our core investment pillars: AI & Automation, High-Impact Verticals, and Unconventional Markets
• Stage Focus - Primarily Pre-Seed to Series A, with most initial investments at Seed stage

This approach balances risk while maintaining sufficient concentration to generate meaningful returns when our companies succeed.

To make our first conversation as productive as possible, consider preparing:

• A concise pitch deck (10-15 slides) outlining your vision, problem, solution, market, business model, and team
• Brief founder bios highlighting relevant experience and your unique advantage
• Key metrics and milestones achieved to date
• A clear articulation of your fundraising goals and use of funds

Don't worry about perfect polish - we value substance over style. We're most interested in understanding your unique insights and why you're the right team to build this particular company.

We are comfortable in both lead and follow positions:

• Leading Rounds - For companies that strongly align with our thesis, we can lead rounds, set terms, and help bring in co-investors
• Following - We also participate in rounds led by other investors whose approach we respect

Our decision to lead is based on conviction rather than stage or check size. When we lead, we take an active role in helping structure the round and supporting the company through its next phase of growth.

We maintain transparent, regular communication with our limited partners:

• Quarterly Reports - Detailed financial statements, portfolio updates, and valuation changes
• Annual LP Meeting - In-depth review of portfolio, strategy, and market trends
• Special Updates - Timely notifications of major events (new investments, exits, significant follow-ons)
• Secure LP Portal - 24/7 access to fund documents, portfolio information, and capital account statements

We believe in going beyond standard reporting metrics to provide meaningful context about our companies' progress and the evolving market landscape.