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Lewis & Clark Ventures operates as an early-stage venture capital firm, primarily focused on providing capital to companies in their late seed through Series A stages. The firm specializes in B2B software, healthcare, and agtech sectors, leveraging its team's background as former founders and operators to identify and support promising enterprises. Their investment approach is informed by a deep understanding of operational challenges and growth trajectories.
The firm was launched in 2015 by co-founders Brian Hopcraft and Thomas Hillman. Their foundational insight stemmed from a conviction that significant innovation and entrepreneurial talent thrive beyond established venture capital centers. This perspective led them to build a firm structured to identify and cultivate high-potential companies in emerging ecosystems, drawing on their own experiences guiding and growing businesses.
Lewis & Clark Ventures primarily serves founders and growing companies seeking strategic investment and operational guidance within their target industries. The firm's long-term vision centers on fostering innovation and accelerating the development of businesses that address critical needs in B2B software, healthcare, and agtech. They aim to empower founders to overcome scaling challenges and realize their full market potential.
Key people at Lewis & Clark Ventures.
Lewis & Clark Ventures was founded in 2015 by Thomas Hillman (General Partner & Founder) and Brian Hopcraft (Managing Director & Founder).
Lewis & Clark Ventures was founded in 2015 by Thomas Hillman (General Partner & Founder) and Brian Hopcraft (Managing Director & Founder).
Lewis & Clark Ventures has 15 tracked investments across 12 companies. The latest tracked deal is $6.0M Series A in Occuspace in March 2025.
Key people at Lewis & Clark Ventures.
Lewis & Clark Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 2015 by former founders and operators. The firm’s mission is to partner with visionary founders to build iconic B2B software companies, focusing primarily on late seed through Series A investments in B2B software startups, typically investing $2 million to $3 million initially. They emphasize smart, sustainable growth rather than growth at all costs and seek companies with strong product-market fit and accelerating revenue, generally between $500K and $1M. Their investment sectors include B2B SaaS, e-commerce, retail tech, AI/ML, big data analytics, and HR tech, with a geographic focus on overlooked regions between the coasts, especially the Midwest[1][4][5].
Lewis & Clark Ventures was founded in 2015 by a team of former founders and operators who have built and exited venture-backed companies themselves. This operational background shapes their founder-focused investment philosophy, emphasizing empathy, execution, and true partnership. The firm has evolved to focus on supporting companies in the Midwest and other non-coastal regions, aiming to fill a gap left by coastal venture funds. Key partners include Scott Bernstein, Megan Lane, Lawrence Page, and David Poldoian, who bring deep experience in venture capital and startup operations[1][3][4].
Lewis & Clark Ventures rides the trend of decentralizing venture capital away from traditional coastal hubs, supporting the growth of the Midwest and other emerging tech ecosystems. This timing is crucial as more startups and founders seek capital and operational support outside Silicon Valley and New York. The firm’s focus on B2B SaaS aligns with the increasing digitization and software-driven transformation of traditional industries. By investing in overlooked geographies and providing founder-centric support, Lewis & Clark Ventures helps diversify and strengthen the broader startup ecosystem in the U.S.[1][4][6].
Looking ahead, Lewis & Clark Ventures is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued rise of Midwest tech hubs and the growing demand for B2B software solutions. Their founder-operator approach and regional focus may attract more high-potential startups seeking capital and experienced guidance outside coastal markets. Trends such as AI/ML integration in enterprise software and data-driven decision-making will likely shape their portfolio’s evolution. As the firm continues to build its track record, it may expand its influence by leading larger rounds and fostering deeper ecosystem connections across the Midwest and beyond[1][4][6].
