IN

Innovate Capital

VC
San Diego, CAWebsite
How to approach: cold outreach ok
Stage

Pre-Seed, Seed

Check Size

$200K – $1.0M

Portfolio

6+ companies

Team

4 partners

Investor activity
Investments in last 12 months: 0

Investment Thesis

Innovate Capital invests in nascent tech sectors with a strong emphasis on innovation-driven growth in AI and media governance, supporting pioneering companies in these areas.

Meet the Team

BT

Blessy Thomas

Partner

deal underwriting
deal execution
portfolio management
operations
growth strategy
financial management

Blessy has 12+ years of experience working with commercial leaders on growth strategy and financial management. As Director at The Enterprise Center, she has helped invest, expand, and manage a portfolio of debt and equity investments, implement procedures, and advise minority and women-owned enterprises. She was previously at VWR International, where she led strategic and financial initiatives.

DC

Della Clark

Partner

deal sourcing
fundraising
executing transactions
advising portfolio companies
business growth opportunities

Della has over 30 years of experience working with minority and women-owned businesses as President & CEO of The Enterprise Center. In 2012, she founded The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation. She has assisted more than 100 minority and women-owned business enterprises to growth stages, contributing to over $273M in procurement and more than $51M in financial transactions since 2018.

EC

Emily Chang

GP

Innovation
Tech Ethics
BP

Bob Palmer

Partner

deal sourcing
evaluating investments
underwriting investments
executing investments
fund policies and procedures
portfolio management

Bob has served in banking and private equity roles for 30 years. Prior to Innovate Capital, he co-founded and was a partner with CMS Mezzanine Fund, investing structured equity and mezzanine debt. He was previously a Principal with Spring Capital Partners and worked in commercial and investment banking at Brown Brothers Harriman and Philadelphia National Bank.

Industry Focus

Invests In

AI / ML
Other
Healthcare

Does Not Invest In

Healthcare

Portfolio Companies (6)

Other

TR

TrackMyAI

AI/ML
ME

MediaGuard

MediaTech
BE

Beauty4U

Personal Care, Beauty Supplies

"Discovered via firm_website (high confidence)"

Beauty4U is a beauty supply retail chain committed to providing a diverse and inclusive shopping experience. With over 1,000 brands, Beauty4U offers an extensive selection of products across Hair and Wigs, Haircare, and Cosmetics. The brand proudly serves customers through 12 retail locations throughout the DC Metro region.

SM

Smile23

Healthcare, Dental Services

"Discovered via firm_website (high confidence)"

Smile23 is a Dental Services Organization dedicated to providing high-quality dental care and promoting healthcare equality for low-income communities. Embracing the digital era, Smile23 modernizes records, diagnostics, and introduces digital dentistry to improve patient experiences. Each facility reflects top-tier standards and environments comparable to those in Manhattan.

SC

Schmidt Industrial Services

Manufacturing, Industrial

"Discovered via firm_website (high confidence)"

Schmidt Industrial Services is a leading provider of industrial services located in the Philadelphia region. Founded in 1948, the company specializes in integrated services across machining, metal fabrication, field services and application of industrial coatings to the power transmission, food and beverage production and chemical manufacturing industries.

EM

EMSCO Scientific

Distribution, Life Sciences

"Discovered via firm_website (high confidence)"

EMSCO Scientific is a distributor of laboratory supplies & equipment, chemicals, pharmaceutical excipients, and value-added services in the life science industry. With a 40+ history, EMSCO is one of the few Black-owned laboratory supplies and services firms in the country.

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