Los Angeles Venture Association

About The Fund

The Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1985 and based in Los Angeles, California. LAVA targets startups, growth-stage, and later-stage companies, providing funds to empower their development. With an investment range capped at $20 million, LAVA actively seeks out companies primarily within the Life Science industry to invest in. Their specialization lies in later-stage investments, signifying a focus on firms that are beyond the initial phases of growth and are looking towards substantial expansion or preparing for an eventual exit. LAVA stands as a beacon in the Los Angeles venture ecosystem, offering not just financial support but also a community platform. Through various events and initiatives, including investor round tables, syndication screenings, and VC check-ins, LAVA fosters interaction among executives, investors, bankers, and service providers. This interaction encourages knowledge-sharing and the building of professional relationships which are critical for businesses in their scaling journey. Additionally, LAVA’s involvement in significant annual events like Meet the VC, First Look SoCal, and the LAVA Awards further reinforces its commitment to nurturing a robust venture culture in Los Angeles. Beyond financial investment, LAVA’s dedication to forming vibrant communities underscores its belief in the collective growth of both companies and the broader ecosystem they inhabit.