A-Level Capital: Company Profile

Background

Overview

A-Level Capital is a student-run venture capital firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, dedicated to empowering the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) entrepreneurial ecosystem. Established in 2015, the firm focuses on providing seed funding and support to startups founded by JHU students and young alumni. By investing in these ventures, A-Level Capital aims to foster innovation and growth within the university community.

Mission and Vision

The firm's mission is to enable JHU alumni and affiliates to build world-class companies by addressing the underfunding of the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through strategic investments and support, A-Level Capital envisions transforming JHU into a leading hub for entrepreneurship, producing not only exceptional scientists and engineers but also influential founders and business leaders.

Primary Area of Focus

A-Level Capital primarily invests in early-stage startups across various industries, including technology, healthcare, biotechnology, FinTech, cybersecurity, digital health, artificial intelligence, machine learning, enterprise software, cloud services, wearables, medical devices, SaaS, mobile, and internet sectors. The firm seeks to support innovative business models with high growth potential, regardless of industry.

Industry Significance

By focusing on startups founded by JHU students and alumni, A-Level Capital plays a pivotal role in nurturing and scaling innovative ventures emerging from the Johns Hopkins ecosystem. The firm's investments contribute to the broader venture capital landscape by supporting diverse and high-potential startups, thereby enhancing the overall entrepreneurial environment.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Empowerment of Entrepreneurs: Provide seed funding and strategic support to startups founded by JHU students and young alumni.

Ecosystem Development: Foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Johns Hopkins community.

Talent Integration: Facilitate internships and professional development opportunities for JHU students within portfolio companies.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Seed Stage Investments: Focus on early-stage companies with innovative business models and high growth potential.

Industry-Agnostic Approach: Invest across a broad spectrum of industries, including technology, healthcare, and FinTech.

Key Technologies Utilized

While A-Level Capital does not specialize in specific technologies, its portfolio includes companies leveraging advanced technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.

Primary Markets Targeted

The firm primarily targets startups founded by JHU students and young alumni, with a geographical focus on the United States.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

A-Level Capital has raised over $2 million in assets under management, enabling it to support a diverse portfolio of startups.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a student-run venture capital firm, A-Level Capital's investors primarily include JHU alumni, affiliates, and professional advisors who are committed to supporting the university's entrepreneurial community.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is utilized to provide seed funding to early-stage startups, support operational expenses, and facilitate the development of the firm's portfolio companies.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

A-Level Capital has invested in over 43 companies, with notable investments in Leap AI, a machine learning platform for enterprise applications, and a next-generation AI workflow company.

Stages of Development

The firm focuses on seed-stage investments, providing initial capital to startups in their early development phases.

Target Conditions

A-Level Capital targets startups with innovative business models and high growth potential, regardless of industry.

Anticipated Milestones

While specific timelines for anticipated milestones are not publicly disclosed, the firm aims to support its portfolio companies through their growth and scaling phases.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

A-Level Capital does not develop proprietary technologies but invests in companies that utilize advanced technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm employs a rigorous due diligence process, analyzing sourced companies through correspondence with founders and comprehensive research to assess investment potential.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Elizabeth Galbut: Co-founder and Managing Partner. Elizabeth graduated with an MBA from JHU in 2015. Before graduating, she co-founded A-Level Capital, raising its inaugural fund and helping execute its first investments. She went on to found SoGal Ventures, the first women-led venture capital firm focusing on building a better future of living, working, and staying healthy.

Demi Obayomi: Co-founder and Managing Partner. Demi co-founded A-Level Capital as a senior at Johns Hopkins in 2015 after his experience raising capital for a chocolate company he co-founded on campus. He is currently an investor at Sapphire Ventures, focusing on growth-stage investments. Prior to Sapphire, Demi was a venture capital investor in both San Francisco and New York City, making investments across stages and in various sectors, including B2B software, marketplaces, and healthcare.

Mira Amin: Partner. Mira is a senior from New Jersey, majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering. She has worked as a summer analyst at Bessemer Venture Partners and will be joining them full-time.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The venture capital market is dynamic, with numerous firms competing to identify and support high-potential startups. A-Level Capital differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on startups founded by JHU students and alumni, fostering a unique ecosystem that leverages the university's resources and network.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include Techstars, Liquid 2 Ventures, and 1517 Fund, which also invest in early-stage startups across various industries. However, A-Level Capital's exclusive focus on the JHU community provides a distinct competitive advantage.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Collaborations

A-Level Capital collaborates with JHU's entrepreneurial programs, alumni networks, and professional advisors to source investment opportunities and provide support to portfolio companies.

Partnerships

The firm partners with various organizations and advisors to enhance its investment capabilities and offer comprehensive support to its portfolio companies.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

A-Level Capital's focus on the JHU community allows it to leverage a strong network of alumni and affiliates, providing unique insights and access to promising startups. This community-centric approach enables the firm to identify and support ventures with high growth potential.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Roadmap

A-Level Capital aims to expand its portfolio by increasing the number of investments and supporting the growth of existing portfolio companies. The firm plans to enhance its network within the JHU community and explore new avenues for collaboration to strengthen its position in the venture capital landscape.