our approach

Serra Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early stage growth companies. We are attracted to companies that have deep technology which solves industry specific problems. Serra was initially founded to support innovation in the Midwest because we recognized that while many world changing technologies were being invented near Midwest research universities, there was a lack of venture capital to commercialize these technologies. As our world continues to change, we believe that great, innovative teams can succeed anywhere. Over the last 12 years we have invested in over 100 companies in 20 states with over 125 other venture capital firms.

What really differentiates Serra Ventures is the relational bond we build with our portfolio company leaders. Our Managing Partners are former venture-backed CEOs so we understand the art as well as the science of building great companies. Coaching is in our ethos which enables us to bring value beyond the board room.

Serra is focused on investment opportunities with the following characteristics:

  • STRONG TEAM WITH INDUSTRY/TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

  • A Capital efficient business model

  • Demonstrated Product-Market Fit

  • Referenceable Customer Base

  • Strong Patent or Technology Advantage

Expanding Our Geographic Footprint

The Serra Ventures’ partners have been active in the venture markets for over three decades. Along the way, we’ve actively participated in and been witnesses to tremendous change. In addition to the traditional hotbeds for venture on the coasts, we’re seeing incredible opportunity in multiple secondary and tertiary markets. Due to unique and sustainable entrepreneurial infrastructures established in several markets, the next ten years will produce industry-leading companies in a wide variety of locations.

Serra adds value beyond capital.

When entrepreneurs select a venture firm to partner with their companies, it’s essential to find a firm that adds value beyond writing the check. We are proud of our team’s track record of coming alongside portfolio company CEOs to assist them in a variety of meaningful ways.

 

-Corbett Kull, CEO, 640 Labs-

“Serra was the only venture capital firm in Chicago that understood the impact 640 Labs could have in the agriculture industry. More than just capital, Serra helped us navigate our sale to Monsanto.”

-MICHAEL HELTZEN, CEO, CARDEA BIO-

“Serra is one of our best and most trusted investors. The team comprises great people, with solid values and a keen sense of collaboration. When opportunity knocks, Serra works closely with us to ensure that Cardea continues on a successful path.”

-Chris Harbourt, Co-founder, Agrible-

“Establishing distribution relationships with corporate partners is important in the agricultural industry. Serra was instrumental in helping us structure a win-win deal that brought in new capital and a channel to reach small farms.”

-blake lawrence, ceo, opendorse-

“Rob and the Serra Ventures team have been an incredible resource to Opendorse as we’ve taken on new challenges and opportunities in the market. They’re well-connected in the VC space, well-versed in the startup tech landscape and well-equipped to help any founder maximize the value of their opportunity. ”

-jo varshney, CEO, verisim life-

“Serra Ventures is not afraid to roll up its sleeves during challenging times and support the business through thick and thin! I am honored to work with such an excellent firm and Serra is a partner you want by your side.”

-Ron van Os, CEO, Inprentus-

"Serra Ventures is a venture capital firm that early on saw the value in our unique optics technology and the niche markets we served and shared our vision of growing a Midwest technology start-up from a small team of Ph.D. scientists to a sought after provider of world class optical components. Serra’s support and advice is foundational to our team's ever-growing success."

-jim langer, ceo, serionix-

"To say the Serra team goes to bat for their companies is an understatement. From our first meeting to multiple subsequent funding rounds, Tim and the team have consistently advocated for us, provided thoughtful strategic advice, and helped us successfully navigate huge highs and lows along with massive pivots in our product, team, markets, and business model. I’m 100% convinced we would not be where we are without their support."

-Robin berthier, ceo, network perception-

“The team at Serra Ventures has been a core partner of Network Perception from the day I first met them while working at the University of Illinois on our initial technology. At every stage of growth, they have provided the advice, connections, and support to help us build the market-leading company we are today.”