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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
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
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.
Who runs investment decisions at Distributed Ventures?
Managing Partner Shawn Ellis leads the investment team. Senior Principal Janet Xu and Senior Associates Hylton Irons and Antonio Calderon complete the four-person investing group. The firm's website lists the team without indicating external investment committees or limited-partner advisory boards.
How does Distributed Ventures source deals?
The firm emphasizes enterprise distribution channels and go-to-market access within insurance, health, and wealth verticals. It pitches its ability to connect portfolio companies with strategic customers and distribution partners, suggesting sourcing is relationship-driven through industry networks rather than inbound or auction processes.
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.
Is Distributed Ventures a single-family office or a venture firm?
It operates as a venture capital firm, not a family office. Altss classifies it as an asset manager within the private equity subtype. The firm raises external capital and deploys it into early-stage risk-ecosystem companies, with no disclosed wealth origin or single-family backing.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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