Unorthodox Ventures Company Profile

Background

Unorthodox Ventures, founded in 2017 by Carey Smith, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional offices in New York and Tel Aviv. The firm distinguishes itself by adopting a hands-on, operator-centric approach to investing, focusing on early-stage companies that develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Unorthodox Ventures emphasizes long-term success over short-term gains, partnering with founders who demonstrate both disruption and discipline.

Key Strategic Focus

The firm's strategic focus encompasses investments in medical technology (medtech) and construction technology (contech), particularly targeting companies in the cardiology and gastrointestinal sectors, as well as those developing software to enhance job-site productivity. Unorthodox Ventures actively seeks out early-stage startups globally, often assisting European and Israeli companies in entering the U.S. market. The firm provides not only capital but also operational support, leveraging its team's expertise in engineering, marketing, and supply chain management to help portfolio companies scale effectively.

Financials and Funding

Unorthodox Ventures operates with a single limited partner (LP), enabling swift investment decisions and a focus on long-term outcomes. The firm typically invests in Seed and Series A funding rounds, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $5 million, and often participates in follow-on investments. This structure allows the firm to provide substantial support to its portfolio companies without the pressure of short-term cashouts.

Pipeline Development

The firm's portfolio includes several notable companies:

Vibrant Gastro: An Israeli medtech company that developed a vibrating capsule to treat chronic constipation, offering a drug-free solution that restores the colon's natural rhythm.

KEWAZO: A Berlin-based contech company that introduced LIFTBOT, a battery-powered, wireless robot designed to move materials up and down scaffolding, enhancing efficiency and safety on construction sites.

Zippsafe: A Swiss company specializing in smart soft locker solutions, partnered with Unorthodox Ventures to expand into the U.S. market.

These investments reflect Unorthodox Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in medtech and contech sectors.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Unorthodox Ventures differentiates itself through a comprehensive, hands-on support model that extends beyond financial investment. The firm's team comprises experts in engineering, marketing, product development, and supply chain management, providing portfolio companies with:

Engineering Support: Assistance in product development, leveraging a team with over 250 patents and experience in developing more than 75 products.

Marketing and Research: Guidance in market research and marketing strategies, drawing from a history of achieving 40% annual growth over nearly two decades.

Operational Resources: Access to a 30,000-square-foot warehouse for storage and order fulfillment, as well as office space at the Austin headquarters for companies establishing a U.S. presence.

This integrated approach ensures that portfolio companies receive the necessary resources and expertise to scale effectively.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Unorthodox Ventures includes:

Carey Smith: Founder and "Founding Contrarian," previously the founder of Big Ass Fans, where he led the company to nearly $300 million in annual sales before its sale in 2017.

Yechiel (Ben) Lanzkron: Part of the deal team, focusing on understanding unique accomplishments and challenges of potential partners.

Lewis Kilongo: Member of the deal team, involved in designing business plans to help companies break even.

Cuinn Alexander: Part of the deal team, contributing to the firm's unique investment approach.

Daniel Allen: Member of the deal team, assisting in evaluating and supporting portfolio companies.

Rachel Nelson: Part of the deal team, focusing on strategic investment decisions.

Steven Levy: Member of the deal team, involved in partnership development.

Dan Easton: Engineering team member, contributing to product development and innovation.

David Banks: Part of the engineering team, focusing on technical support for portfolio companies.

Gavin Holiday: Engineering team member, assisting in scaling and improving products.

This team brings a diverse range of expertise, enabling Unorthodox Ventures to provide comprehensive support to its portfolio companies.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The venture capital industry is highly competitive, with numerous firms vying to invest in promising startups. Unorthodox Ventures differentiates itself by focusing on hands-on operational support and long-term partnerships, particularly in the medtech and contech sectors.