On Grid Ventures

What is On Grid Ventures?

On Grid Ventures, established in 2012 and located in New York City, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage B2B and consumer businesses that utilize connectivity technologies to disrupt and enhance defined markets.

They support startups and the success of businesses that demonstrate a clear advantage through their use of advancing computing and connectivity technologies, focused on five key areas: Location-based products and services involving infrastructure as seen in companies like Uber and Yelp, AI/Machine Learning, especially when using large location-infused datasets, marketplaces and e-commerce, peer-to-peer networks with network effects and crowd-sourcing, and IoT connectivity across devices, people, and time to improve personalization and timely delivery of services and products.

On Grid Ventures targets enterprise and professional software and services, as well as consumer software and services, but tends to avoid financial services, cryptocurrency, and life sciences with long lead times.

They offer investments ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000, with a sweet spot of around $50,000. Their portfolio showcases a varied selection of innovative companies, and detailed investment criteria can be found on their website.

The firm is led by Jason E. Klein, a seasoned former operating executive in digital media and geo-focused content and advertising.

As Chairman of the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels of Greater NY and a recognized investor in New York, Klein brings a wealth of experience and a network that benefits portfolio companies. On Grid Ventures prefers working with startups with specialized knowledge in GeoDisruption and has resources available for both entrepreneurs and investors. These resources, along with more detailed insights, are shared through the firm's blog, highlighting what they look for in entrepreneurs and winning strategies for startup funding.