Sixty8 Capital

Sixty8 Capital is a seed-stage venture fund dedicated to investing in undercapitalized, high-potential founders who are actively shaping the future of commerce, culture, and community. The firm focuses its investments on emerging sectors such as creator economy infrastructure and community platforms, indicating a strategic embrace of evolving digital and social landscapes. This targeted approach aims to identify and support early-stage technology and consumer companies with significant growth potential.

The firm was co-founded by Kelli Jones, in partnership with Allos Ventures, stemming from a profound insight into the systemic undercapitalization faced by diverse entrepreneurs. Sixty8 Capital strategically operates from Indianapolis, specifically positioning itself to illuminate and invest in founders residing in regions often overlooked by mainstream venture capital, thereby seeking to democratize access to essential early-stage funding.

Sixty8 Capital's primary clientele consists of Black, Brown, women, LGBTQ+, and disabled founders who are building the next generation of innovative companies. The firm’s vision is centered on fostering a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing critical early capital and resources. It aims to empower these diverse builders, ultimately driving innovation and creating new markets across the broader economy.

Sixty8 Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2019 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a mission to support underrepresented founders, including Black, Latinx, women, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. The firm invests primarily in early-stage tech, tech-enabled, and direct-to-consumer companies, focusing on the Midwest and other undercapitalized regions between the coasts. Sixty8 Capital aims to level the playing field for diverse founders who face significant barriers to venture capital access, providing not only financial backing but also active operational support to help startups grow and prepare for future exits. Its portfolio spans sectors such as AI, fintech, HR tech, e-commerce, and consumer goods, with notable investments including Qualifi and WorkTorch[1][4].

Sixty8 Capital was established in 2019 and is led by Managing Director Kelli Jones. The firm emerged to address the stark underrepresentation of diverse founders in venture capital funding, especially outside traditional tech hubs. It has evolved to focus on a $20 million fund targeting 25 to 30 pre-seed and seed-stage companies, with typical initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. This focus on undercapitalized founders in the Midwest and other overlooked regions reflects a strategic commitment to inclusivity and regional economic development[1][4].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Focuses exclusively on underrepresented founders and undercapitalized regions, primarily in the Midwest, rather than traditional coastal hubs.
• Network Strength: Provides active operational support, including business strategy optimization and management guidance, beyond capital.
• Track Record: Has invested in 16 companies since inception, with a historical average check size of $1.9 million and a maximum of $10 million.
• Sector Agnostic but Focused: Invests across tech, consumer goods, fintech, AI, HR, and e-commerce sectors, emphasizing companies shaping commerce, culture, and community[1][4].

Sixty8 Capital rides the broader trend of increasing attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion in venture capital, as well as the decentralization of startup ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley and coastal cities. The timing is critical as more capital flows toward diverse founders and regional innovation hubs, supported by growing awareness of systemic funding disparities. By focusing on undercapitalized founders in the Midwest and similar regions, Sixty8 Capital influences the broader ecosystem by expanding access to capital and fostering innovation in overlooked markets[1][4].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Sixty8 Capital is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing momentum for diversity and regional equity in venture capital. Its continued focus on underrepresented founders and undercapitalized regions aligns with market forces pushing for more inclusive innovation ecosystems. Going forward, the firm is likely to expand its portfolio and deepen its operational support capabilities, potentially influencing broader industry practices around equitable funding. As the startup landscape diversifies geographically and demographically, Sixty8 Capital’s role as a catalyst for inclusive growth and venture returns will likely strengthen[1][4].