We are a returns-oriented, mission-focused technology venture capital firm that is an optimism engine and a community catalyst for regions outside Silicon Valley.

Our
Philosophy

We believe that creativity can come from anywhere. Overlooked industries can generate compelling opportunities for new businesses. Underestimated, solid industrial regions can host thriving and vital startup ecosystems. And regardless of background or location, entrepreneurs anywhere can succeed based on their abilities, passions and potential.

Our
Mission

We aim to identify and support exceptional entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and encourage teams who may lack traditional access to capital and networks. We recognize startups need far more than capital to survive, scale and thrive. We help our startups elevate their operations to generate outsize returns. In doing so, we believe we are inspiring American cities of the future.

 

Our Impact

15

Startups
Funded

$100M+

Under
Management

$1B+

Follow-On
Investment

100%

Follow-On
Success

>2500

Jobs
Created

5

Investment
Exits

1

Unicorn

Our Approach

We are a returns-oriented fund that recognizes integrity and channels the power of community. From day one, we roll up our sleeves to have real conversations with our founders about what success could look like. We collaborate on all aspects of company growth—from recruiting senior talent, customers, and co-investors to providing general management support at every stage.

Our Story

We created Armory Square Ventures in 2014 out of one community’s desire to seed greater opportunities and jobs for those living in Upstate New York.

We exist because a group of highly respected investors in Syracuse aspired to provide entrepreneurs with better access to funding and to return a sense of optimism to our region. As such, we invest in startup markets where we believe there may be untapped pockets of opportunity. It is an approach that has served our region. Over the past decade, our firm has catalyzed the creation of over 2,500 jobs here.

We also value diverse views. Armory Square is enriched and nourished by individuals from a range of backgrounds, all of whom are passionate about uplifting and inspiring growth across America’s smaller cities.

 

 “Regions like Upstate New York have long suffered from a dearth of venture capital. ASV has worked directly with founders to recruit talent and capital for its portfolio companies to create long-term sustainable value.”

— Rob Simpson, President and CEO of Syracuse-based CenterState CEO

 

Our Culture

Straightforward

Reputations matter, and honest communication is vital. We work hard to be the transparent, fair, and accessible partner that our entrepreneurs deserve.

Results-oriented

We are proud of our work ethic, our track record, and our depth of expertise, which, dare we say it, is unparalleled for a firm of our size. We are methodical, analytical and passionate about affirming high standards.

Collaborative

At ASV we make decisions as a team. We nurture real, long-term partnerships with our founders. We have been entrepreneurs ourselves and seek those who think deeply, in a structured manner, about building a business.

Curious

Asking questions and constantly learning—that’s how we work. We have built our community of entrepreneurs, partners, investors, and local business leaders by seeking out those who share our close approach.

Independent

Contrarian, ambitious thinking is central to who we are and what we appreciate. We honor diverse perspectives on our team and in our community.

Accessible

We elevate and mentor entrepreneurs at every stage. We maintain an approachable ethic and strive to be clear and deft, always, in service to our companies and communities.

Investment Criteria/FAQs

What makes you any different from other VC firms your size?

We are far more active in helping our startups scale. We also take a concentrated approach to investing in each company, deploying a much larger check at the earlier stages in a startup’s life cycle than other firms our size.

At what stage
do you invest?

We focus on seed stage and Series A investments. We often provide the first round of institutional capital for startups operating across a range of industries, with a focus on B2B SaaS businesses for the most part. In the past, we have typically funded companies that demonstrated ongoing relationships with one or two large enterprise clients.

What’s your
target investment?

Between $500K and $2M, initially, with considerable reserves for follow on investments.