Cultivating the Next Generation of LA Tech Titans by Crosscut Ventures

A Legacy of Empowering Founders
Crosscut Ventures has been a driving force in Los Angeles' entrepreneurial ecosystem since its inception in 2008. Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, the firm has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of venture capital and technology. Crosscut's journey began with a focus on seed-stage investments, leveraging its founders' extensive operational and investing expertise to support early-stage founders. Over the years, the firm has expanded its reach and capabilities, now investing from seed to Series A. This evolution reflects the firm's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing founders with the resources they need to succeed.
Evolution Through Rounds
Crosscut Ventures has a notable track record of backing visionary founders and their innovative companies. Crosscut Ventures has successfully closed multiple rounds, demonstrating its ability to attract significant capital and support the growth of its portfolio companies. The firm's early success in seed-stage investments has paved the way for its expansion into Series A rounds, further solidifying its position as a leading venture capital firm in Los Angeles.
Founders-Centric Approach
At the heart of Crosscut's approach is a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that founders face. The firm's team, comprised of individuals who have walked the entrepreneurial path themselves, brings a unique empathy and operational expertise to the table. This founder-centric approach has earned Crosscut the trust and loyalty of the entrepreneurs it partners with.
Impact on the LA Tech Ecosystem
Crosscut Ventures has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in Los Angeles. By backing visionary founders and supporting the growth of promising companies, the firm is contributing to the city's emergence as a premier hub for technology and entrepreneurship. The firm's extensive network and deep roots in the community have enabled it to connect founders with the resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships they need to scale their businesses.Crosscut Ventures continues to be a driving force in Los Angeles' entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering founders to build extraordinary high-growth tech companies and shaping the future of innovation in the city.
Powering LA's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with a Founder-Centric Approach
Crosscut Ventures has established itself as a driving force in the Los Angeles startup ecosystem, leveraging its deep operational expertise and extensive network to support visionary founders from seed to Series A.

Founder-Centric Approach
At the heart of Crosscut's strategy is a unwavering commitment to putting founders first. The firm's team, comprised of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, brings a unique empathy and understanding to the table. By fostering a collaborative and supportive culture, Crosscut has earned the trust and loyalty of the founders it partners with.
Seed to Series A Investing
Crosscut's investment approach spans the entire lifecycle of a startup, from the seed stage to Series A. The firm provides both capital and hands-on operational support, helping founders navigate the inevitable challenges of building a high-growth company. This holistic approach has proven to be a key differentiator for Crosscut in the competitive venture capital landscape.
Focus on LA's Thriving Tech Community
As a native LA firm, Crosscut has a deep understanding of the city's dynamic tech ecosystem. The firm's extensive network and strong roots in the community enable it to connect founders with the resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships they need to scale their businesses.
Diverse Portfolio and Investment Criteria
Crosscut's portfolio reflects the firm's broad investment focus, spanning sectors such as SaaS, eCommerce, AdTech, Mobile, Marketplaces, and Gaming. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $750,000 in the equity of startups with the potential to achieve $50-$100 million in revenue within the next five years.
Driving Innovation and Growth
Through its investments and active involvement in the local startup community, Crosscut Ventures is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in Los Angeles. By backing visionary founders and supporting the growth of promising companies, the firm is contributing to the city's emergence as a premier hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
Crosscut Ventures: A Team of Seasoned Entrepreneurs
Crosscut Ventures has assembled a formidable team of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors who are deeply committed to supporting visionary founders and driving innovation in the Los Angeles startup ecosystem.
Co-Founders and Managing Directors
Rick Smith, Brett Brewer, and Brian Garrett founded Crosscut Ventures in 2008, recognizing the immense potential of the emerging LA tech scene. As successful entrepreneurs themselves, the co-founders bring a unique founder-centric perspective to their investment approach.
Rick Smith previously founded and led several technology companies, including DocStoc, which was acquired by Intuit. He is known for his empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, having experienced both the highs and lows of the startup journey himself.
Brett Brewer has a diverse background, having co-founded several successful companies, including Adknowledge and Intermix Media (the parent company of MySpace). His extensive operational expertise and network within the LA tech community have been invaluable assets for Crosscut and its portfolio companies.
Brian Garrett rounds out the founding trio, bringing a wealth of experience in venture capital and a deep understanding of the LA startup ecosystem. Prior to co-founding Crosscut, Garrett spent time at a firm focused on enterprise IT, which helped shape his thesis that venture investors can benefit from a strong local brand and reputation.
Expanding the Team with New Talents
In addition to the founding partners, Crosscut has expanded its team with the addition of Clinton Foy as a Managing Director. Foy brings extensive domain expertise in gaming, mobile, esports, and new platforms, having previously served as the COO of Square Enix, a leading video game company.
The Crosscut team also includes experienced investors and operators, such as Kiyan Yazdi, who has a background in both venture capital and entrepreneurship. This diverse set of backgrounds and experiences allows Crosscut to provide its portfolio companies with a well-rounded support system.
The firm's team, comprised of individuals who have walked the entrepreneurial path themselves, brings a unique empathy and understanding to the table. By fostering a collaborative and supportive culture, Crosscut has earned the trust and loyalty of the founders it partners with.
Crosscut's extensive network and deep roots in the LA startup community further enhance its ability to connect founders with the resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships they need to scale their businesses. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in the firm's success in powering the growth of numerous high-potential startups in the region.
Overall, Crosscut Ventures has assembled a talented and experienced team that is deeply committed to supporting visionary founders and driving innovation in the Los Angeles startup ecosystem. The firm's founder-centric culture, collaborative approach, and extensive network have positioned it as a leading force in the city's thriving tech community.
Powering the Next Generation of LA Tech Titans
Crosscut Ventures has built an impressive portfolio of high-impact investments, backing some of the most promising startups in the Los Angeles tech ecosystem. From AI-driven solutions to innovative gaming platforms, the firm's diverse range of investments showcases its keen eye for identifying visionary founders and disruptive technologies.
Unicorn-Caliber Investments
Among Crosscut's standout investments are several companies that have the potential to become the next generation of tech unicorns. One such example is PlayVS, a leading esports platform that allows high school and college students to participate in competitive gaming. Crosscut's early-stage investment of $2.5 million has helped PlayVS expand its reach and develop innovative features, positioning it as a dominant player in the rapidly growing esports industry.

Another unicorn-in-the-making is Pearl, a company that specializes in AI-driven customer service solutions. It's AI dentistry solution helps to identify issues earlier and with higher precision. Crosscut's $10 million Series A investment has supported Pearl's expansion into new markets and the development of advanced AI capabilities, enabling the company to significantly improve customer service experiences for its clients.

Powering the Future of Innovation
Crosscut's portfolio also includes several companies that are shaping the future of various industries. Super Evil MegaCorp, a mobile gaming company known for its popular game Vainglory, has received $1.5 million in seed funding from Crosscut. This investment has helped the company expand its game development capabilities and reach a wider audience, solidifying its position as a leader in the mobile gaming space.

Omaze, a company that runs online charity auctions, has also caught the attention of Crosscut. The firm's $10 million Series A investment has supported Omaze's growth and the development of innovative fundraising platforms, enabling the company to raise significant funds for various charities and provide a new and engaging way for people to support their favorite causes.
Driving Growth Across Sectors
Crosscut's investment portfolio spans a diverse range of sectors, including SaaS, eCommerce, AdTech, Mobile, Marketplaces, and Gaming. Companies like GumGum, a leader in AI-powered digital advertising solutions, and Narvar, a provider of customer experience solutions for e-commerce companies, have both received $5 million in Series A funding from Crosscut, helping them expand their offerings and solidify their market positions.

Fostering a Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Through its investments and active involvement in the local startup community, Crosscut Ventures is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in Los Angeles. By backing visionary founders and supporting the growth of promising companies, the firm is contributing to the city's emergence as a premier hub for technology and entrepreneurship. As Crosscut continues to identify and invest in the next generation of tech titans, its impact on the LA startup ecosystem is sure to be felt for years to come.
Empowering Companies Through Post-Investment Support
Crosscut Ventures has established itself as a leading venture capital firm in Los Angeles, known for its founder-centric approach and extensive support for its portfolio companies. The firm's post-investment activities are designed to foster the growth and success of its portfolio companies, ensuring that they receive the necessary resources and guidance to achieve their full potential.
Founders' Engagement and Support
At the heart of Crosscut's approach is a deep commitment to engaging with founders and providing ongoing support. The firm's team, comprised of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, brings a unique empathy and understanding to the table, having walked the entrepreneurial path themselves. This founder-centric culture has earned Crosscut the trust and loyalty of the entrepreneurs it partners with.
Leadership and Expertise
Crosscut's leadership team, including co-founders Rick Smith, Brett Brewer, and Brian Garrett, along with Managing Director Clinton Foy, provides extensive operational and investing expertise. This expertise is leveraged to support portfolio companies, ensuring that they receive the best possible guidance and resources to navigate the challenges of building high-growth tech companies.
Ecosystem and Network
As a native LA firm, Crosscut has a deep understanding of the city's dynamic tech ecosystem. The firm's extensive network and strong roots in the community enable it to connect founders with the resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships they need to scale their businesses. This network is a key differentiator for Crosscut, providing founders with access to a wide range of opportunities and support.
Success Encouragement and Celebration
Crosscut is dedicated to celebrating the successes of its portfolio companies. The firm regularly hosts events and gatherings to recognize and reward the achievements of its founders and companies. This encouragement and recognition are crucial in maintaining the motivation and momentum of the founders, ensuring that they continue to strive for excellence.
Post-Investment Activities
Crosscut's post-investment activities are designed to provide continuous support to its portfolio companies. The firm's team is actively involved in the growth and development of its companies, offering guidance on strategic decisions, operational improvements, and fundraising strategies. This hands-on approach has been instrumental in the success of many Crosscut portfolio companies.

Examples of Post-Investment Support
- PlayVS: Crosscut's investment in PlayVS has been instrumental in the company's growth and success. The firm's support has helped PlayVS expand its reach and develop innovative features, solidifying its position as a leading esports platform.
- Pearl: Crosscut's investment in Pearl has supported the company's expansion into new markets and the development of advanced AI capabilities. The firm's guidance has been crucial in helping Pearl improve its customer service solutions and achieve significant growth.
- Super Evil MegaCorp: Crosscut's investment in Super Evil MegaCorp has helped the company expand its game development capabilities and reach a wider audience. The firm's expertise in the gaming sector has been particularly valuable in supporting Super Evil MegaCorp's growth.
Crosscut Ventures is more than just a venture capital firm; it is a catalyst for innovation and a partner for founders. The firm's post-investment activities are designed to empower founders and support the growth of its portfolio companies, ensuring that they achieve their full potential. By fostering a founder-centric culture, providing extensive support, and leveraging its deep network and expertise, Crosscut Ventures is shaping the future of innovation in Los Angeles and beyond.
Shaping the Future of Innovation in LA
Crosscut Ventures has a strong track record of identifying and backing visionary founders and supporting the growth of promising startups. As the firm continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of venture capital and technology, it is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in Los Angeles. By leveraging its extensive network, deep roots in the community, and the expertise of its team, Crosscut Ventures is poised to continue its success and contribute to the city's emergence as a premier hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

Future Analysis and Insights
Crosscut's future outlook is marked by several key trends and opportunities. The rapid advancement of AI and machine learning technologies is expected to drive innovation across industries, from healthcare to finance. Similarly, the growing focus on cybersecurity and sustainable technologies presents significant investment potential. Crosscut's portfolio companies, such as PlayVS, Pearl, and Super Evil MegaCorp, are well-positioned to lead the charge in their respective sectors, potentially becoming dominant players in the years to come.The competitive nature of the venture capital landscape and the need for continuous innovation will pose challenges for startups and investors alike. However, Crosscut's deep understanding of the LA tech ecosystem and its ability to provide valuable insights and support to its portfolio companies will be crucial in navigating these obstacles.
Crosscut's Continued Success
Crosscut Ventures is expected to continue expanding its portfolio and investing in more high-potential startups. The firm's unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of its portfolio companies will be a key driver of its future success. As Crosscut continues to adapt and evolve, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation in Los Angeles and beyond.
Resume
Crosscut Ventures has firmly established itself as a driving force in the Los Angeles startup ecosystem. The firm's unwavering commitment to a founder-centric approach, extensive network, and deep expertise have enabled it to consistently identify and support visionary founders who are shaping the future of technology.
Crosscut's diverse portfolio reflects the breadth of its investment focus, spanning sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, sustainable technologies, esports, and mobile gaming. Companies like PlayVS, Pearl, and Super Evil MegaCorp have emerged as potential unicorns, poised to disrupt their respective industries and redefine the boundaries of what's possible.
As Crosscut Ventures looks to the future, the firm is well-positioned to continue shaping the trajectory of the Los Angeles startup landscape. By staying ahead of emerging trends, leveraging its expertise, and empowering the next generation of tech innovators, Crosscut is poised to play a pivotal role in cementing LA's status as a premier hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
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