Collide Capital has successfully closed its oversubscribed second fund, securing $95 million to invest in early-stage companies. Founded by Brian Hollins and Aaron Samuels, the firm will continue its focus on the fintech, supply chain, and future of work sectors. This new capital injection marks a significant milestone, building upon the success of its inaugural $66 million fund raised in 2022.
A Strategic Fundraising Success
The firm navigated a challenging climate for emerging managers, raising the new fund in approximately 13 months. This achievement underscores the strong confidence investors have in the team's vision and proven track record. With a history of top-quartile performance, Collide Capital has effectively scaled from a small proof-of-concept fund to an institutional-grade platform.
Fund II attracted a distinguished group of limited partners, including repeat anchor investor the University of California Endowment. Other notable backers include Accolade Partners, Fairview Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan, signaling robust institutional support. This backing is a testament to the founders' strong pedigree, with experience at leading firms like Lightspeed, Bain, and Goldman Sachs.
Investment Strategy and Focus
Collide Capital plans to deploy the $95 million fund over the next three and a half years, targeting at least 30 new investments. The firm will write checks ranging from $1 million to $3 million, continuing its strategy of backing promising early-stage ventures. To date, the firm has already supported 75 companies and has made five investments from this new fund.
The investment thesis centers on platforms that drive efficiency and innovation in their target sectors. Co-founder Brian Hollins stated the firm is most interested in technologies enabling automation, real-time collaboration, and faster, data-driven decision-making. This clear focus allows the team to identify and support founders who are building businesses the world needs.
Cultivating Future Talent
Beyond its investment activities, the firm is expanding its Collide Campus program, which was launched in 2022. This initiative is designed to mentor and train the next generation of diverse founders and venture capitalists. The program reflects the founders' commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors.
Operating on more than 20 university campuses, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins, the program offers both undergraduate training and graduate fellowships. Co-founder Aaron Samuels noted that it provides students with the opportunities he and Hollins wished they had earlier in their careers. The program also serves as a valuable source of talent and deal flow for the firm.
With the closing of its $95 million Fund II, Collide Capital is strongly positioned to advance its mission. The firm's dual focus on investing in transformative technologies and cultivating future industry leaders sets it apart in the venture capital landscape. This new fund empowers the team to continue backing a new generation of founders while shaping a more dynamic and inclusive startup ecosystem.