BrainStorm Ventures

Brainstorm Ventures is a generalist venture firm of modest size, set up in 1999 by founders who had already sold their own companies. It invests at the earliest stages in startups across North America.

The firm has roots in Silicon Valley and Mexico City and describes itself as the first US-Mexico cross-border venture firm. Founders quoted on its site credit it with early backing, board help and introductions.

Products and services

• Seed and early-stage investment: Capital for young companies at their first funding rounds.
• Board and advisory support: One founder describes a partner joining the board and advising on early issues such as consumer research.
• Introductions: Connections that helped one portfolio company build a presence in Latin America.
• Incubation: It helped incubate KIO Networks in Mexico.

Customers and markets

Founders of early-stage technology startups in North America, including the United States and Mexico.

Key facts

• Founded: 1999
• Offices and roots: Silicon Valley and Mexico City
• Portfolio names cited: Zappos, OpenTable, KIO Networks and Turing