We’re building new things, investing against the grain, and trying new ideas that will shape the future of our nation.
About us . . .
Our Mission
We are inventing and investing in innovative new technologies, capable founders, and new ideas. We take the long-term view, and invest in wild and crazy frontiers like robotics, energy, and materials. We invest in things that other investors don’t understand or don’t have the patience for.
Our Origins
Calculated Leap Ventures was founded by John Cole, an entrepreneur, engineer, and investor. John is passionate about finding and investing time, effort, network, and capital in the next great technologies and entrepreneurs.
We are lifelong learners. We are lifelong students and constant learners. We share what we learn, and we’re open with our LPs and entrepreneurs.
We have skin in the game. We make a significant commitment to each entrepreneur we back with our syndicate. We invest. We will not be syndicating anything we don’t believe in enough to put our own capital into.
Our Investment Thesis
We Build and Invest Along Three Major Themes:
AI is Eating the World.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents not just a technological advancement, but a fundamental shift transforming the very fabric of society. We see it as the engine that’s mining and refining the data gold of the 21st century, catalyzing our societies and economies towards an era of exponential growth and innovation. We are invested in harnessing the power of AI and its potential to revolutionize industries, economies, and lives.
Deeptech Startups.
We firmly believe in the power of deep technology. The future belongs to those who are willing to delve into the complexities of advanced tech, create solutions for challenging problems, and build the extraordinary. Our role is to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these ambitious entrepreneurs, providing them the support they need to bring their groundbreaking ideas to life.
DMV startups.
We see Washington D.C. as the emerging tech scene. The region’s booming growth in sectors like cybersecurity, SaaS, and intelligence, coupled with Amazon’s arrival, signals the dawn of a vibrant tech ecosystem. We are committed to nurturing this ecosystem and harnessing its potential for outsized returns. Our mission is to channel this growth and prosperity back to our investors, ensuring they reap the rewards of this exciting evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Calculated Leap Ventures invest in?
Calculated Leap Ventures invests in early-stage deeptech companies built on pre-commercial laboratory technology. We build and invest along three themes: artificial intelligence, deeptech startups emerging from the lab bench, and startups in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.
What is deeptech?
Deeptech refers to companies founded on substantive scientific or engineering advances rather than on a business model innovation. These technologies typically originate in a research laboratory and require real technical work to move from a bench prototype to a commercial product. Robotics, energy, advanced materials, and semiconductors are typical examples.
What regions does Calculated Leap Ventures invest in?
We focus on the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, commonly called the DMV. We see D.C. as an emerging technology hub, with growth in cybersecurity, SaaS, and intelligence, and we are committed to building that ecosystem. We also invest outside the region when the technology and the founders are right.
What check size does Calculated Leap Ventures write?
Check size varies by opportunity and by the syndicate assembled for each deal. We commit our own capital to every company we back, and we do not syndicate anything we have not invested in ourselves. Get in touch to discuss a specific opportunity.
How do I apply for funding from Calculated Leap Ventures?
Startups can apply directly through the application form on our Apply page. You can also reach out through LinkedIn or AngelList. We are most interested in technical founders moving laboratory technology toward commercial application.
Who founded Calculated Leap Ventures?
Calculated Leap Ventures was founded by John Cole, an entrepreneur, engineer, and investor. John invests time, effort, network, and capital in the next generation of technologies and technical founders.
Can investors join Calculated Leap Ventures?
Yes. Investors can back companies alongside us through our syndicate on AngelList. We make a significant commitment to each entrepreneur we back, and we are open with our limited partners and our founders.