Caruso Ventures

Caruso Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Boulder, Colorado, established in 2020. The firm distinguishes itself by focusing on "high-impact scaleups," "seismic trends," and "next-generation entrepreneurial leaders." Their investment philosophy centers on partnering with visionary founders who are building category-defining businesses poised to disrupt industries and generate substantial value. Caruso Ventures primarily targets innovative companies in sectors such as enterprise software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data solutions, seeking out ventures with the potential for significant growth and market transformation.

The firm's portfolio reflects its commitment to these high-growth areas, featuring companies like Smarter Sorting, Pryon, and Formlogic. These investments demonstrate Caruso Ventures' ability to identify promising early-stage companies that subsequently attract significant follow-on funding from larger investors. While specific investment amounts are not publicly detailed, their focus on "scaleups" suggests they participate in seed to early Series A rounds, aiming to provide crucial capital for companies transitioning from product-market fit to rapid expansion.

Caruso Ventures operates with a focused approach, having made approximately 10 investments since its inception, with at least one reported lead investment. This suggests a selective strategy, likely involving deep engagement with their portfolio companies. The firm's managing partner, Frank Caruso, brings a background that likely informs their hands-on, value-add approach to supporting entrepreneurial teams. Their typical first check sizes are estimated to range from $500,000 to $4,000,000, reflecting their commitment to providing meaningful capital at critical early growth stages.