
Nine Four Ventures
Description
Nine Four Ventures is a dedicated early-stage venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in the burgeoning PropTech sector. Founded by Michael DeGiorgio and Kevin Swartz, the firm is committed to identifying and backing innovative technology companies that are poised to redefine the real estate industry. Their investment thesis centers on the belief that technology will fundamentally transform how real estate is developed, managed, transacted, and experienced, positioning them as a key player in the evolving landscape of property technology.
The firm primarily targets early-stage opportunities, specifically engaging with companies at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. This strategic focus allows Nine Four Ventures to partner with founders from the ground up, providing crucial capital and support during the formative phases of a startup's lifecycle. Their typical initial investment ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, indicating a clear preference for significant early-stage commitments that can help companies achieve key milestones and scale their operations. This check size positions them as a vital source of funding for startups seeking substantial seed or initial Series A capital within the PropTech ecosystem.
Beyond capital, Nine Four Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, leveraging their deep industry expertise and extensive network within real estate to support their portfolio companies. They aim to be more than just a financial backer, striving to act as strategic partners who can provide guidance on product development, market entry, and scaling challenges unique to the real estate technology space. Their focused vertical approach allows them to develop specialized insights and connections, offering a distinct advantage to the founders they back. By concentrating solely on PropTech, Nine Four Ventures plays a vital role in fostering innovation and accelerating technological adoption across the vast and complex real estate market.
Investor Profile
Nine Four Ventures has backed more than 40 startups, with 3 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 3 rounds, about 8% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Australia, Canada.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Construction, SaaS.
- Typical check size: $250K – $1M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (28%)
- Seed (28%)
- Series A (18%)
- Series C (13%)
- Series D (5%)
- Series Unknown (5%)
- Pre Seed (3%)
- Convertible Note (3%)
Country Focus
- United States (95%)
- Australia (3%)
- Canada (3%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Construction
- Saas
- Information Technology
- Financial Services
- Insurance
- Insurtech
- Fintech
- Real Estate
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
Frequently Asked Questions
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