Kelly Perdew

Kelly Perdew is a Co-Founder and Managing General Partner at Moonshots Capital, a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California. His unique background as a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army officer, and winner of NBC's "The Apprentice" Season 2, combined with his experience as a serial entrepreneur, underpins the firm's investment philosophy. Perdew's leadership and operational expertise are central to Moonshots Capital's strategy, which emphasizes investing in companies led by exceptional founders, particularly those with military backgrounds or a strong sense of mission.

Moonshots Capital primarily focuses on early-stage investments, spanning from Seed to Series A rounds. The firm's core thesis revolves around identifying and backing "extraordinary leadership," believing that strong leaders are the most critical component for a startup's success. While sector-agnostic to some extent, their portfolio often includes companies in enterprise software, cybersecurity, defense technology, fintech, and consumer innovation. They seek out founders who demonstrate resilience, discipline, and a clear vision, qualities often honed through challenging experiences.

Under Perdew's guidance, Moonshots Capital has steadily grown its capital base and investment capacity. The firm successfully raised its third fund, Moonshots Capital III, with $60 million in 2022, and announced its fourth fund, Moonshots Capital IV, targeting $150 million in 2024, with $120 million already secured. This growth enables them to deploy significant capital into promising ventures. Moonshots Capital typically writes initial checks ranging from $500,000 for seed-stage companies up to $2.5 million for Series A rounds, with substantial reserves for follow-on investments. The firm boasts a portfolio of over 70 companies, reflecting their active investment pace and commitment to long-term partnerships with their founders.

Perdew and his team provide more than just capital; they offer strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a robust network, leveraging their collective entrepreneurial and military experiences. Their hands-on approach aims to help portfolio companies navigate the complexities of scaling, emphasizing disciplined execution and strong leadership principles. This value-add proposition makes Moonshots Capital a distinctive partner for early-stage startups seeking not only funding but also mentorship from seasoned operators.