RareBreed Ventures

RareBreed Ventures, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a distinctive pre-seed venture capital fund founded by McKeever Conwell II. Launched with a clear mission, the firm focuses on investing in technology companies, particularly those led by underrepresented founders and operating in often-overlooked markets across the United States. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying promising startups that may not fit traditional Silicon Valley molds, aiming to provide crucial early-stage capital and strategic support to foster their growth.

The firm's investment strategy is sector-agnostic but shows a strong inclination towards areas like B2B SaaS, fintech, healthcare, the future of work, and supply chain solutions. RareBreed Ventures is known for its founder-first approach, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to real-world problems. They aim to be the first institutional check for many of their portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also access to a robust network and operational guidance to help navigate the challenging early stages of startup development.

RareBreed Ventures has successfully raised multiple funds, demonstrating its growing influence in the early-stage ecosystem. Their initial fund, RareBreed Ventures Fund I, closed at $10 million, allowing them to begin deploying capital into a diverse array of startups. Building on this success, they subsequently launched and closed RareBreed Ventures Fund II at $15 million, further expanding their capacity to support emerging technology companies. Across both funds, RareBreed Ventures typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, positioning them squarely in the pre-seed funding landscape.

With a portfolio boasting over 70 companies, RareBreed Ventures has established itself as a significant player in democratizing access to venture capital. Their commitment to investing in founders from diverse backgrounds and geographies underscores their belief that innovation is not confined to specific regions or demographics. By backing companies that are often overlooked by larger, more traditional funds, RareBreed Ventures is actively contributing to a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem, proving that strong returns can be generated by investing in a broader spectrum of entrepreneurial talent.