Act One Ventures: Company Profile
Background
Overview
Act One Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments, particularly in sectors such as enterprise software, e-commerce infrastructure, and fintech. Founded in 2016 by Alejandro Guerrero and Michael Silton, the firm focuses on leading pre-seed and seed rounds for companies that are transforming modern business operations through AI-driven solutions.
Mission and Vision
The firm's mission is to support exceptional founders who are rearchitecting enterprise systems, including infrastructure, automation, and decision-making processes, by leveraging artificial intelligence. Act One Ventures envisions a future where AI is integral to business operations, driving efficiency and innovation across various industries.
Industry Significance
Act One Ventures holds a significant position in the venture capital landscape by focusing on AI-native enterprise solutions. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with over 70% of its portfolio companies led by women and underrepresented groups, sets it apart in the industry.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
Act One Ventures aims to identify and invest in early-stage companies that are leveraging AI to revolutionize enterprise systems. The firm seeks to partner with founders who have a deep understanding of their industries and are developing innovative solutions to address complex challenges.
Areas of Specialization
The firm's investment focus includes:
- AI-Native Software: Platforms that integrate AI to enhance automation, decision support, and user interaction within enterprise workflows.
- Commerce & Logistics: Tools that redefine product marketing, pricing, fulfillment, and delivery, utilizing AI to improve discovery, forecasting, and operational efficiency.
- Compliance & Risk Infrastructure: Software solutions that assist companies in meeting regulatory, legal, and internal policy requirements at scale, encompassing audit, security, privacy, and AI governance.
- Fintech & Payments: Infrastructure that modernizes financial operations, including payments, lending, treasury, and embedded finance, with AI applications in risk scoring, fraud detection, and automated decision flows.
Key Technologies Utilized
Act One Ventures emphasizes investments in companies that utilize artificial intelligence as a foundational layer to drive innovation and efficiency in enterprise systems. The firm is particularly interested in AI applications that enhance automation, decision-making, and user engagement across various business functions.
Primary Markets Targeted
The firm's primary markets include:
- Enterprise Software: Companies developing software solutions that address complex business processes and operations.
- E-commerce Infrastructure: Platforms and tools that support the backend operations of online retail businesses.
- Fintech: Innovative financial technology companies offering new solutions for payments, lending, and financial management.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
As of January 2024, Act One Ventures has raised a total of $148 million across three funds and multiple special purpose vehicles. The third fund, closed in January 2024, raised $73 million, nearly doubling the assets under management from the previous fund.
Recent Funding Rounds
- January 2024: Closed Fund III with $73 million in committed capital.
- May 2025: Invested $8.2 million in GAIL, an AI-powered platform for financial services.
Notable Investors
While specific investor names are not publicly disclosed, Act One Ventures has built a diverse network of limited partners and advisors, including individuals from underrepresented groups, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Utilization of Capital
The capital raised is primarily allocated to support early-stage investments in AI-driven enterprise solutions, with a focus on leading pre-seed and seed rounds. The firm also reserves significant capital for follow-on financing to support portfolio companies through subsequent funding stages.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
Act One Ventures has invested in a diverse range of companies across various sectors, including:
- GAIL: An AI-powered platform for financial services, particularly in debt collections.
- Optimal AI: Provides AI-powered agents that enhance engineering, compliance, and security workflows.
- Clifton: Develops an AI platform that embeds structured financial reasoning and research capabilities into investor workflows.
- Nearfleet: Offers an AI-powered, hub-less delivery platform for logistics.
- TrackChain: Leverages AI to unify freight operations, integrating quoting, routing, and payments.
Stages of Development
The portfolio companies are at various stages, from early-stage startups to more established entities, with some having progressed to later funding rounds. For example, GAIL secured $8.2 million in May 2025, indicating significant growth and development.
Target Conditions
The firm focuses on companies that address complex challenges in enterprise systems, including automation, compliance, risk management, and financial operations, through innovative AI solutions.
Anticipated Milestones
While specific timelines for each portfolio company vary, Act One Ventures actively supports its founders in achieving key milestones, including product development, market expansion, and subsequent funding rounds. The firm's involvement often leads to significant follow-on investments and successful exits.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
Act One Ventures does not develop proprietary technologies but invests in companies that create innovative AI-driven solutions to transform enterprise systems. The firm's portfolio includes technologies that enhance automation, decision-making, and user engagement across various business functions.
Significant Scientific Methods
The firm emphasizes investments in companies utilizing advanced AI methodologies, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and data analytics, to drive innovation in enterprise solutions.
Leadership Team
Alejandro Guerrero: Co-Founder & General Partner. Previously, he was an Associate at the UCLA Venture Fund and CEO/Founder of UniqApp.
Michael Silton: Managing Director. He served as Executive Director at the UCLA Venture Fund and was CEO/Co-Founder of Rainmaker Systems.
Gabriela Camilli: Investment Associate. She has experience as an Investment Associate at BDev Ventures and as a Partnerships Manager at Plug and Play.
Max Denike: Director of Communications. He has a background as Managing Editor at the San Francisco Examiner and as a Content Strategist & Political Consultant.
Meredith Finn: Advisor, Finance. Currently CFO at Front, she was previously CFO at MANTL and Partner at March Capital Partners.
Lara Brooks: Advisor, Go-To-Market. She has experience as an Expert at Primary Venture Partners, CRO at DailyPay, and VP of Sales at Paycom.
Monica Pool Knox: Advisor, HR & Strategy. She is the CEO & General Partner at Good Trouble Ventures and has held HR executive roles at Microsoft.
David Chaiken: Advisor, Technology. He was Chief Architect at Pinterest and CTO at Altiscale and SAP.
Jan-Christopher Nugent: Advisor, Sales & Marketing. He co-founded and was CEO of Nogin and served as VP of Sales & Marketing at Digital River.
Leadership Changes
As of August 2025, there have been no publicly disclosed significant changes or appointments within Act One Ventures.
