Swell Ventures

About The Fund

Swell Ventures is a pre-seed and seed stage venture capital firm based in New York City that specializes in nurturing portfolio companies by equipping them with world-class teams, giving them a distinct competitive edge. With a focus on early stage, founder-driven companies, they invest primarily within the software, web, marketplace, SaaS, and business solutions sectors. Swell Ventures emphasizes the vital role of skilled talent in startup success and operates with the philosophy that winning is largely about the people involved. Their investment amounts range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $10,000,000, with a sweet spot around $1,000,000. They have a unique stance in the VC landscape, functioning with the DNA of a top-tier talent agency while providing the financial backing of a venture firm. Founders Rusty Ralston and Jay Patil have contributed significantly to the growth of the NYC tech ecosystem, leveraging their background in a machine learning startup focused on talent assessment. By fostering a strong recruiting practice and leveraging an elite network of professionals who have been integral in scaling startups to acquisitions and/or IPOs, Swell Ventures ensures their portfolio companies gain access to top-tier talent that is often hidden from the job market. Not only does Swell provide investment capital, but they also serve as an active partner, adding substantial value in the most critical aspect for any startup: the team. They are known for aiding companies across various stages, from early idea inception to critical growth phases leading to successful exits.