Character

Character is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based venture capital firm that distinguishes itself through a "human-centric" investment philosophy. Founded with the aim of providing more than just capital, Character actively supports early-stage startups with strategic guidance and operational "sprints." This approach underscores their commitment to fostering long-term growth and success for their portfolio companies, emphasizing deep engagement beyond the initial investment.

The firm primarily targets early-stage ventures, offering a typical first check size ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000. This focused investment range allows Character to be a significant early partner for promising startups. Their investment capacity is underpinned by Character Fund I, a $10 million fund dedicated to backing innovative companies that align with their human-centric values and growth potential.

Beyond financial backing, Character differentiates itself through its unique "sprints" program, which provides intensive, hands-on support to help founders overcome critical challenges and accelerate development. This operational involvement, coupled with their capital, aims to build resilient and scalable businesses. With a portfolio that includes over a dozen investments, Character is steadily building a reputation for being a supportive and engaged partner in the startup ecosystem, particularly within the Midwest and beyond.