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Brainchild Holdings

North America, Pennsylvania, United States, Newtown

Description

Brainchild Holdings serves as the personal investment vehicle for Kal Vepuri, a prolific entrepreneur and investor known for his keen eye for disruptive consumer brands and technology-driven businesses. Based in Newtown, United States, Brainchild Holdings primarily focuses on early-stage investments, often participating in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. Vepuri's investment philosophy emphasizes backing visionary founders who are building companies poised for significant market impact, particularly those leveraging direct-to-consumer models or innovative technology to solve everyday problems.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a broad and diversified portfolio, reflecting Vepuri's active engagement in the startup ecosystem. Brainchild Holdings has amassed an impressive portfolio of over 100 investments, including stakes in highly successful companies such as Allbirds, Warby Parker, Harry's, Glossier, and Sweetgreen. These investments highlight a consistent pattern of identifying and supporting companies that have gone on to achieve substantial valuations and market penetration. Beyond capital, Vepuri is known for providing strategic guidance, leveraging his extensive network and operational experience to support portfolio companies through their growth phases.

While specific check sizes can vary depending on the stage and needs of the company, Brainchild Holdings typically deploys capital in the range suitable for early-stage ventures. Based on its portfolio and typical angel/seed investor activity, initial investments generally fall between $100,000 and $1,000,000. The firm has also seen notable success with 18 reported exits, underscoring its ability to pick winners and generate returns. Brainchild Holdings remains a significant player in the early-stage investment landscape, consistently backing innovative companies that redefine consumer experiences and market dynamics.

Investor Profile

Brainchild Holdings has backed more than 98 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 1 rounds, about 1% of its total and boasts 44 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, E-Commerce, Internet.
  • Typical check size: $100K – $1M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (72%)
  • Series A (16%)
  • Pre Seed (3%)
  • Series B (2%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)
  • Angel (1%)
  • Convertible Note (1%)
  • Grant (1%)
  • Series D (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (98%)
  • United Kingdom (1%)
  • Canada (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • E-commerce
  • Internet
  • Health Care
  • Information Technology
  • Mobile
  • Biotechnology
  • Saas
  • Fashion
  • Enterprise Software
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Brainchild Holdings frequently co-invest with?

First Round Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 17
Techstars
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Co-Investments: 7
Founder Collective
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 9
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 14
Red Sea Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 6
SV Angel
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 23
BoxGroup
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 28
Acequia Capital (AceCap)
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 6
Lerer Hippeau
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 16
Slow Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 7

Which angels does Brainchild Holdings often collaborate with?

WG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
David Tisch
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 8
TL
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 4
AO
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
KR
North America, Florida, United States, Miami
Shared Deals: 3
PL
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 3
NR
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 5
CS
North America, Washington, United States, Kirkland
Shared Deals: 4
KV
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 17
SA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by Brainchild Holdings?

Biorez

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Biorez is a medicine company focused on the development of tendon and ligament healing.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedical DeviceSports
SeedSep 14, 2020
Amount Raised: $3,500,000
Shadow

New York, New York, United States

Shadow leverages the power of AI and community to reunite lost pets across the US.

AppsArtificial Intelligence (AI)CommunitiesInformation TechnologyPet
SeedJan 1, 2020
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Presto

Redwood City, California, United States

Presto is a software company that provides AI and automation solutions to the restaurant industry.

Enterprise SoftwareFood and BeverageRestaurantsSaaSSoftware
Series DFeb 27, 2019
Amount Raised: $30,000,000
Heyday

New York, New York, United States

Heyday is a skincare company offering customized facial treatments.

BeautyCosmeticsHealth Care
Series ANov 13, 2018
Amount Raised: $8,000,000
Hero

New York, New York, United States

Modern medication management at home.

FitnessHealth CareWellness
Series AOct 16, 2018
Amount Raised: $12,000,000
Backbone PLM

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Backbone is a product development platform that empowers brands to make products smarter, faster, and at scale.

B2BConsumer GoodsFashionSaaSSoftware
Series AAug 14, 2018
Amount Raised: $7,950,000
Bolt

San Francisco, California, United States

Bolt is a fintech company that facilitates one-click online checkouts.

E-CommerceFraud DetectionMobile PaymentsPayments
Series BJun 1, 2018
Amount Raised: $22,000,000
Studio

New York, New York, United States

Studio is a fitness center that offers fitness products and workout classes.

FitnessLifestylePersonal HealthVideo StreamingWellness
Series AFeb 6, 2018
Amount Raised: $13,000,000
Fabric Technologies

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Fabric offers a digital insurance-buying experience that is fast, affordable and easy.

Financial ServicesFinTechInsuranceLife Insurance
Series ADec 14, 2017
Backbone PLM

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Backbone is a product development platform that empowers brands to make products smarter, faster, and at scale.

B2BConsumer GoodsFashionSaaSSoftware
SeedAug 24, 2017
Amount Raised: $1,700,000