Loading organizations...
§ Venture Capital · USA
Learn which startups Overlooked Ventures invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Janine Sickmeyer).
Key people at Overlooked Ventures.
Overlooked Ventures is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies at pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. The firm deploys capital and strategic resources to startups led by historically overlooked founders. Their investment thesis targets diverse sectors including B2B, DTC, health tech, and fintech.
Janine Sickmeyer and Brandon Brooks co-founded Overlooked Ventures in May 2021. Both founders possess extensive technology industry experience, with Sickmeyer a serial entrepreneur. Their decision to establish the firm stemmed from recognizing persistent funding inequities for diverse and underestimated entrepreneurs, inspiring their commitment to support these innovators.
The firm supports early-stage technology companies and founders who have historically struggled to secure venture capital. Overlooked Ventures’ vision is to cultivate an inclusive innovation ecosystem by empowering these entrepreneurial teams. They adopt a hands-on, founder-first approach, providing strategic support and connections for sustained growth and impact.
Key people at Overlooked Ventures.
Overlooked Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in Columbus, Ohio, that focuses on investing in early-stage companies led by historically underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and other overlooked communities. Their mission is to break down barriers in the startup ecosystem by providing capital, mentorship, and support to diverse entrepreneurs, primarily in sectors such as health tech, fintech, climate tech, and social impact. They invest mainly at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $150,000 to $1 million, aiming to foster innovation and inclusivity in the tech landscape[1][2][3].
The firm was co-founded by Brandon Brooks and Janine Sickmeyer, who bring entrepreneurial experience and a commitment to supporting founders who have historically faced funding gaps. Overlooked Ventures has refined its investment thesis to focus on companies building for humanity, wellness, and industries lacking innovation. Their portfolio includes companies like CarpeDM, Lalo, and Blooming Health, reflecting their dedication to supporting diverse, scrappy founders building scalable businesses[1][3][5].
Overlooked Ventures rides the growing trend of diversity and inclusion in venture capital, addressing systemic funding disparities for underrepresented founders. The timing is critical as the startup funding environment becomes more competitive and selective, making targeted support for overlooked entrepreneurs essential. By focusing on sectors like health tech and social impact, the firm aligns with market forces favoring innovation that benefits humanity and sustainability. Their influence helps broaden the startup ecosystem by enabling diverse founders to access capital and networks traditionally out of reach[1][3].
Looking ahead, Overlooked Ventures plans to deepen its sector focus and increase capital deployment to companies aligned with its mission. Trends such as increased demand for socially responsible tech and wellness solutions will likely shape their investment strategy. As the firm matures, its influence may grow as a leading advocate and enabler for underrepresented founders, helping to reshape the venture capital landscape toward greater equity and innovation[3]. This positions Overlooked Ventures as a pivotal player in fostering a more inclusive and impactful startup ecosystem.
Overlooked Ventures has 7 tracked investments across 6 companies. The latest tracked deal is $26.0M Series A in Optain in September 2025.
