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Okapi Venture Capital

Newport Beach, California · Invests in US · Website

Pre-SeedSeedSeries AConsumer Apps & SocialMedia & EntertainmentB2B SaaSAI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsFintechEnterprise SoftwareDeveloper Tools & InfrastructureHealthcare & Digital HealthBiotech & Life SciencesReal Estate & PropTechFintech & Payments

Thesis

Southern California's original seed-stage venture capital fund, focused on capital-efficient technology startups with differentiated competitive advantages targeting large, addressable and growing markets outside the Bay Area. Active, hands-on management with emphasis on venture fundamentals and disciplined investment strategy.

Likely not a fit for

We focus on seed-stage; Series B and beyond typically not in scope. Avoid companies without clear operational milestones or teams unwilling to work closely with active investors.

How they invest

Lead or follow
Usually leads
Typical decision
~2 weeks
Warm intro
Not required
Involvement
Takes a board seat
Fund status
Actively deploying
Assets under mgmt
$900M
Decision process
Partnership vote

Partners & team

4 contacts on file

JW

JOHN WALLER

Venture PartnerManaging Director, Venture Partner · Primary contact

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w•••@ok•••.com

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SS

SHARON STEVENSON

Venture PartnerCo-Founder, Managing Director, Venture Partner

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s•••@ok•••.com

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MA

Marc Averitt

General PartnerCo-Founder, Managing Director

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LinkedIn profile

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JB

Jeff Bocan

PartnerManaging Director

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Portfolio

AlineHealthcare Digital

ALINE provides alignment, comfort, and balance through patented insole technology designed to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. Their products are aimed at athletes and everyday movers, enhancing performance and comfort.

ATMFintech Payments

ATM is a personal finance app that allows users to earn cash back on purchases, access instant cash advances, and manage their finances through budgeting tools and spending tracking.

Candid WholesaleEcommerce Marketplaces

Candid Wholesale is a SaaS platform launched in 2019 to facilitate B2B wholesale transactions, offering tools for buyers and sellers without commission fees. It integrates with Shopify and centralizes wholesale communications.

DaasityEnterprise Software

Daasity is an eCommerce analytics platform built exclusively for consumer product brands, providing insights tailored to their specific needs. It integrates data from various sales channels, advertising platforms, and marketing efforts into one comprehensive platform, allowing brands to make data-driven decisions.

DeepCastEnterprise Software

DeepCast.ai provides an AI platform for business digital transformation, enabling engineers and scientists to build practical models faster and with less data than traditional tools. Their technology focuses on creating digital twins and optimizing product development through real-time data integration.

DepoDirectEnterprise Software

DepoDirect is a remote deposition platform that eliminates the need for in-person reporters or videographers. Attorneys can schedule, conduct, and manage depositions—all in one secure platform, featuring integrated video, real-time transcription, and secure exhibit management.

dRISK
Exponential Intelligence
Figure AIRobotics Automation

Figure is the first-of-its-kind AI robotics company bringing a general purpose humanoid to life, focusing on creating robots that can assist in home environments.

Fluid Power AIEnterprise Software

Fluid Power AI is a company specializing in advanced fluid power systems, providing resources and information on fluid power technology.

Goodhood
Influence.coMarketing Adtech

Influence.co is a platform for influencers to create profiles, connect with brands, and find collaborations. It's free for everyone to use. Businesses and agencies use it to find influencers.

Recent activity

Okapi Venture Capital in the news

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Research briefRead more
Okapi Venture Capital Research Investment Thesis Okapi Venture Capital is Southern California's original seed-stage venture capital fund, established in 2005 by local business leaders and operating as a hands-on, actively engaged early-stage investor. The firm operates six funds and focuses on capital-efficient technology startups with differentiated competitive advantages targeting large, address

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