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Capitalize VC

@capitalize_vc

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Pre-seed Venture Capital firm investing in the future of commerce and the creator economy.

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a month ago

🚀 ROUND CLOSED. We are incredibly thrilled to officially announce that institutional venture capital firm Capitalize VC has invested in READYBAR!

Partnering with Capitalize VC and Managing Partner Tessa Flippin (Chicago) marks a massive milestone for us as we scale to fuel the nation.

As our Founder & CEO, Ryan Dowdy, PhD, puts it:

"I'm excited to announce Capitalize VC's investment in READYBAR! Tessa and the Capitalize team invest more than dollars - they put real time and energy into the success of their portfolio companies. That's the kind of partner READYBAR needs as we scale."

We’re just getting started. 💥

#smallbusiness #venturecapital #mealbar taken in Oakland, California by @capitalize_vc

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3 months ago

I’m looking forward to attending the Annual Women’s History Month Brunch for Women in Alternatives on March 14th in NYC ✨

Hosted by the Black Women Investors Network, this year’s theme — Power, Pathways & Possibilities — celebrates the many ways women enter and lead across private markets.

I’m honored to be joining:
• Margaret Anadu — The Vistria Group
• Marcelia Freeman — Clearlake Capital Group
• Paula Campbell Roberts — KKR

From institutional investing to mission-driven venture capital, this gathering highlights women redefining ownership and influence in alternatives.

If you’re building, investing, allocating, or exploring your own path in private markets, join us.

Tickets: https://luma.com/1i14y91s

#BlackWomenInvestors #PowerPathwaysPossibilities #WomenInAlternatives #WomenInFinance #WomensHistoryMonth #OwnershipMatters by @capitalize_vc

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7 months ago

Just wrapped NRF 2026, where the future of retail tech took center stage. Proud to see two Capitalize portfolio companies— Fanfare and atronous.ai—featured in the Innovator's Hub and Forrester's "2026 NRF Innovators: Retail-Focused Tech Companies to Watch."

This year's showcase reinforced what we've been investing in: AI agents harmonizing fragmented data, physical space analytics bringing e-commerce intelligence to brick-and-mortar, and API-first supply chain solutions driving operational agility.

Building commerce-enablement tech for retailers, CPG brands, or supply chains? Let's connect. taken in New York City by @capitalize_vc

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8 months ago

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a year ago

✨ Annual General Meeting 2025 Recap ✨

The Capitalize VC AGM last week was a special day for the Capitalize VC team. We spend so much time sourcing deals, supporting founders, fundraising, and running the firm that we rarely get the chance to pause and reflect on everything we’ve built over the last 4 years.

This AGM gave us that moment. We walked our LPs through all things Capitalize — our team, our portfolio, our investment thesis, and how we’re navigating today’s early-stage venture market.

For those less familiar: Capitalize VC is a pre-seed firm investing in B2B software for retailers, brands, creators, and supply chain players — helping them adapt to industry shifts like:
⚡ Vertical-specific AI
⚡ Social commerce & creator advertising
⚡ E-commerce in new verticals
⚡ The rise of agentic commerce

🎤 Afternoon highlights included:
🔹 State of Commerce with Jack O’Leary, @nielseniq
🔹 Meet the Portfolio with founders of @hellowarrant, @atronous, and @_gildform
🔹 Cross-Portfolio Collaboration with @userivetapp, @digiphy.it, and @eatomega3
🔹 Consumer M&A & IPO Fireside Chat with Sidney Dillard, Loop Capital
🔹 Regulatory Environment with Asha Allam, Cooley

A huge thank you to our sponsors @cooley_llp and Sunset for making this day possible.

We’re grateful to our LPs, speakers, portfolio founders, and partners who joined us to share perspectives and push the conversation forward. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and impact. 🚀

#CapitalizeVC #AnnualGeneralMeeting #VentureCapital #Innovation #CommerceTech #Cooley #Sunset by @capitalize_vc

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a year ago

Capitalize VC joined forces with @livenationurban @mastercard @popstarventures @bumpglobal and @musicbreakr for a timely discussion on the creator economy, its role in evolving the future of work and its foundation for brands and retailers to embrace social commerce.

Our very own @alexisdulan_vc dropped some knowledge on how brands and retailers can embrace working with micro and macro creators to amplify their brands, as creators continue to drive authenticity with consumers and how compensation deals can be structured with equity.

What a night! Thank you to everyone for coming out and supporting. taken in Live Nation NYC by @capitalize_vc

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a year ago

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as founders, taking care of your mind is just as important as building your business.

Being a founder can be exhilarating, but it’s also a journey that can come with stress, uncertainty, and burnout.

Here are a few quick reminders to prioritize your mental health while building your dream:
🧠 Rest is productive.
👥 Asking for help is a strength.
📝 Not every “no” is personal.
📵 Disconnect to protect your peace.
💡 You are not your startup.

We believe in investing in the whole founder. Your well-being is key to building sustainable success. So, here's your reminder to take care of you this month!

#MentalHealthMonth #FounderWellness #CapitalizeVC #SustainableSuccess by @capitalize_vc

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a year ago

We back companies that aren’t just solving problems, they’re shifting how business gets done.

Meet @Airpals.usa, our NYC-based portfolio company that’s reimagining same-day delivery for busy teams. From confidential documents to hard drives and production props, Airpals empowers businesses to delegate with confidence, all through a transparent platform built for speed, reliability, and peace of mind.

With thousands of successful deliveries under their belt, their commitment to transparency, trust, and ease is helping companies stay focused on what matters most.

📦 Want to see how it works? Head to airpals.co

#CapitalizeVC #PortfolioHighlight #Airpals #SmartLogistics #DiverseFounders #StartupSupport #FutureOfWork #TransparentTech by @capitalize_vc

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a year ago

🚨 Founders, we’re looking for you.

You’re building the next big thing in commerce, shifting culture, and solving real problems with bold solutions. We invest early in visionary founders like you, especially those often overlooked by traditional capital.

If you’re at the pre-seed stage and ready to scale, let’s talk.

Because we don’t just invest in companies, we invest in the future of inclusive economies.

Apply now. Build boldly. Capitalize on your vision.

#CapitalizeVC #FounderCall #InclusiveCapital #PreSeedFunding #CommerceInnovation #InvestInDiverseFounders by @capitalize_vc

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a year ago

Time really does fly when you're doing impactful work. We're so excited to be celebrating over a year of partnership with Bump and its founder, James Jones! 🎉 He recently sat down with our very own Vanessa Stephens to share why he chose Capitalize VC. And it’s not just about the money. It’s about trust, alignment, and a shared vision for the future.

“At the time, we had several investors, and no one had anything negative to say about Capitalize VC. In fact, it was the opposite. They were really excited. They said if there’s an opportunity for them to invest, that’s the check you want to take.” - James Jones

We’re proud to partner with founders like James who are creating new opportunities for creators and creatives! Let’s keep building the future together.

#InvestingInTheFuture #CapitalizeVC #DiverseFounders #SmartInvesting #Growth #Business #VCFunding #StartupSupport #CreatorEconomy by @capitalize_vc

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a year ago

We’re not here because DEI is trending. We’re here because this work has always mattered.

On the EVOLVE Commerce Club podcast, our founder, Tessa Flippin, got real about what it means to build a VC firm during a time when diverse founders and LPs are under attack.

She shared the raw, honest truth: the backlash against inclusion in venture isn’t just discouraging, it’s dangerous. It puts real businesses, jobs, and innovation at risk. And it’s exactly why Capitalize VC exists.

This episode dives into Tessa’s journey. From launching fintech in Latin America to building Capitalize VC on a thesis rooted in equity, commerce enablement, and community. Because when capital flows to those who’ve historically been shut out, everyone benefits.

🎧 Catch the full episode on the EVOLVE Commerce Club podcast.

#CapitalizeVC #FounderJourney #InclusiveInnovation #CommerceEnablement #CreatorEconomy #DiverseFounders #VCWithPurpose #EcommerceClubPodcast by @capitalize_vc

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a year ago