Venture CapitalRIA · CRD 317989Exempt Reporting AdviserPrivate Fund Adviser

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Distributed Ventures

Distributed Ventures leads Seed and Series A investments focused on risk ecosystem innovation across health, insurance and wealth. The firm targets $1-5M check...

Distributed Ventures logo

Distributed Ventures

Distributed Ventures leads Seed and Series A investments focused on risk ecosystem innovation across health, insurance and wealth. The firm targets $1-5M check sizes and 15-20% ownership, typically taking a board seat or observer rights. It connects early-stage companies with capital, guidance, access, and customers to accelerate growth and achieve product market fit.

General information

Firm type

Venture Capital

Year founded

2018

Location

Region

North America

Country

United States

City

Chicago

Corporate office

Chicago, IL, United States

Principals

Shawn Ellis

Managing Partner

Janet Xu

Senior Principal

Hylton Irons

Senior Associate

Antonio Calderon

Senior Associate

Sector focus

InsurTechDigital HealthFinTech

Frequently asked questions

What does Distributed Ventures invest in?

The firm leads Seed and Series A rounds in startups operating at the intersection of risk and technology — specifically insurance, health, and wealth. Check sizes run $1–5 million for 15–20% ownership. Portfolio companies include CoverTree, Ascend, Cylinder, and Focal, each addressing underwriting, billing, care delivery, or advisor workflow automation.

Does Distributed Ventures take board seats?

Yes. The firm states it takes a board seat or board observer rights with each investment. This governance posture signals active, concentrated portfolio construction rather than passive minority exposure.

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