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Motivate

Chicago, IL · Invests in US; North America · Website

Pre-SeedSeedB2B SaaSAI & Machine LearningCybersecurityFintechHealthcare & BiotechCrypto & Web3Fintech & PaymentsEnterprise SoftwareManufacturing & IndustrialHR Tech & Future of WorkHealthcare & Digital HealthSecurity & CybersecurityLogistics & Supply Chain

Thesis

Motivate backs incredible founders with strong domain knowledge tackling real, durable problems in large and growing markets, with Fund III now centered on early-stage fintech defined broadly as exchanges of value, transfer of risk, and allocation of resources across industries. The firm emphasizes AI, new rails, regulatory tailwinds, regulatory infrastructure, financial workflows, proprietary data moats, and network effects.

Likely not a fit for

No incrementally-better solutions in crowded markets, technology dependent on third-party data access, declining trends, poor capital stewardship, solutions looking for problems, or long pre-market development cycles.

How they invest

Lead or follow
Leads or follows
Typical decision
~1 month
Warm intro
Preferred
Involvement
Takes a board seat
Fund status
Actively deploying
Assets under mgmt
$124M
Decision process
Partnership vote

Partners & team

6 contacts on file

AW

Andy Will

General PartnerGeneral Partner · Primary contact

+ Pitch

a•••@mo•••.vc

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JB

Jackson Bubala

PartnerPartner

+ Pitch

j•••@mo•••.vc

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DW

David Wieland

General PartnerFounder & Managing Partner

+ Pitch

d•••@mo•••.vc

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LD

Lauren Deluca

General PartnerFounder & Managing Partner

+ Pitch

l•••@mo•••.vc

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CT

Courtney Trunk

Platform & OpsHead of Platform

+ Pitch

c•••@mo•••.vc

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BK

Bonnie Kearns

Platform & OpsChief Operations Officer

+ Pitch

b•••@mo•••.vc

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Portfolio

Attain

Attain is transforming the data sharing ecosystem by providing a platform that prioritizes consumer privacy while enabling brands to access relevant consumer data. Their solutions include tools for reaching high-intent audiences, understanding shopper insights, and measuring the impact of media exposure on sales outcomes.

Lazarus AIEnterprise Software

Lazarus AI builds AI systems designed to help people solve complex problems across various sectors, focusing on data extraction, decision-making, and knowledge management.

FulcrumEnterprise Software

Fulcrum provides expert witness services in economic damages, forensic accounting, and valuation, specializing in complex financial analysis for various legal and commercial contexts.

ReloShareEnterprise Software

ReloShare provides hotel instant book technology tailored for social services, enabling vulnerable populations to access safe accommodations without the need for ID or credit cards.

ValiotEnterprise Software

Valiot provides AI-powered software solutions for smart manufacturing, helping manufacturers optimize operations, reduce human dependency, and enhance production efficiency.

MarkIII
HallowConsumer Apps Social

Hallow is an app designed to help users find peace and purpose through prayer and meditation, focusing on building deeper relationships with God. It combines traditional prayer techniques with modern meditation practices.

MeshSecurity Cyber

Mesh Security is a cybersecurity firm that transforms security data into real-time adaptive defense, promoting Zero Trust in cloud security.

ObviantEnterprise Software

Obviant is a data intelligence platform that synthesizes thousands of sources to deliver decision advantage in defense acquisition, contracting, and budgeting. It aims to provide real-time transparency and actionable insights to companies and government agencies in the defense sector.

nmbrEnterprise Software

Nmbr simplifies complex financial products, starting with Canadian payroll, providing embedded payroll infrastructure for various businesses.

Thrive Financial
Inca DigitalFintech Payments

Inca Digital transforms complex data into clear, risk-focused intelligence for crypto and banking. They collect and analyze data from various sources to provide actionable insights and collaborate with clients to mitigate risks.

Recent activity

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Research briefRead more
Motivate Venture Capital Research Investment Thesis Motivate Venture Capital backs incredible founders with strong domain knowledge who are tackling real, durable problems with very high growth potential in large and growing markets. Founded in 2019 by David Wieland and Lauren Deluca — both serial entrepreneurs with Kellogg MBAs and Notre Dame connections — the firm has grown to $•• in AUM acros

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