Crosscut Ventures

Investment decisions are led by the three co-founders and Managing Directors: Rick Smith, Brian Garrett, and Brett Brewer. The trio founded the firm in 2008 and continues to operate as the general partnership responsible for sourcing, diligence, and portfolio management. Day-to-day investment committee processes are internal to the partnership.

Crosscut leverages the co-founders' multi-decade operational and investment networks within Southern California's technology, media, and university ecosystems. The firm's long-standing local presence provides access to founders emerging from Caltech, UCLA, and the region's aerospace and gaming industries, alongside referrals from the established LA venture community.

Crosscut targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies, with initial checks generally between $500,000 and $2 million. The firm reserves capital for follow-on investments as portfolio companies progress to later financing rounds.

The firm invests across enterprise software, fintech, digital health, applied AI and machine learning, and commerce infrastructure. Geographic preference is weighted toward Southern California, but portfolio exposure extends to other US innovation markets.

Crosscut was among the first institutional seed funds formed specifically to serve Los Angeles, launching in 2008 when the region lacked formal early-stage venture infrastructure. The firm's partners are deeply embedded in local accelerator programs, university tech-transfer offices, and the LA-based limited partner community.