Collide Capital, co-founded by Brian Hollins and Aaron Samuels, has successfully closed its second fund, raising an impressive $95 million. This firm, established in 2021, focuses on investing in early-stage companies within the fintech sector, supply chain innovations, and the evolving future of work.
With a track record of supporting 75 companies since the launch of its initial $66 million Fund I in 2022, Collide Capital is poised for further growth. Hollins noted that the fundraising process for this latest venture took approximately 13 months, with plans to allocate the funds over the next 3.5 years. Despite challenges faced by emerging fund managers, Collide Capital benefits from a robust background; Hollins has spent a decade at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and Lightspeed, while Samuels has experience at Bain and co-founded AfroTech, a leading tech conference.
The firm's latest fund has attracted notable limited partners, including the University of California Endowment (UC Regents), Accolade Partners, Fairview Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan. Investments are expected to range from $1 million to $3 million, with a goal of supporting at least 30 startups, having already invested in five.
"Our key interests lie in platforms that facilitate automation, enhance real-time collaboration, and promote swift, data-driven decision-making," stated Hollins.
In addition to its financial pursuits, Collide Capital is enthusiastic about expanding its Collide Campus initiative, which was launched in 2022 to mentor aspiring founders and venture capitalists. This program includes an undergraduate component that educates students in venture capital and entrepreneurship, as well as a graduate fellowship that allows students to work closely with the Collide team as investors and apprentices.
The undergraduate program currently spans over 20 campuses, including renowned institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins. According to Samuels, more than 50 students have successfully completed the program, landing prestigious positions at firms such as General Catalyst and Collide itself. This initiative not only helps Collide source talent but also fosters the next generation of innovators.
"We aim to connect the brightest minds with venture capital, aligning their ambition and determination to create businesses that meet the needs of the world," he emphasized.