# Motivate

Motivate is a Venture Capital based in Chicago, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Venture Capital
- **Headquarters:** Chicago, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 110 North Peoria #104, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
- **Founded:** 2019
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** motivate.vc
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/gomotivate

## Regulatory record

- **CRD number:** 314339
- **SEC file number:** 802-130006
- **Registration status:** Registered
- **Reports private funds:** Yes
- **IAPD record:** https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/314339

## About

Motivate AI automates your quotes, orders, returns, and client communication. | Harness the power of Motivate AI to transform your B2B distribution business. Our AI-powered solutions for order automation, sales automation, and customer communication will drive efficiency, boost sales, and enhance customer experiences.

## Sectors

- FinTech
- Enterprise Software
- AI/ML
- Marketplace

## Offices

- Palo Alto
- San Antonio
- San Francisco
- Boulder
- Fairfield

## People

- David Wieland — General Partner
- Lauren Deluca — General Partner
- Andy Will — General Partner

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Motivate?

Investment decisions are made by the three General Partners: David Wieland, Lauren DeLuca, and Andy Will. Wieland and DeLuca co-founded Motivate in 2019; Will joined in 2023 via the acquisition of his firm, Willpower VC.

### How does Motivate source proprietary deal flow?

Motivate sources deals through the partners' extensive networks—Wieland co-founded IrishAngels (a Notre Dame affiliated angel group), DeLuca has deep fintech and capital markets connections, and Will brings relationships from past venture roles and the Kauffman Fellows program. The firm also incubates startups from idea stage with proven founders.

### What investment stages does Motivate typically target?

Motivate focuses on pre-seed and seed stage companies, with check sizes ranging from $250k to $1M at pre-seed and $1.5M to $3M at seed. The firm also selectively co-creates startups and invests in emerging VC funds.

### Which sectors does Motivate focus on?

Motivate primarily invests in fintech, enterprise software, and AI/ML. The firm's portfolio includes companies such as Mesh (earned wage access), Ensemble AI (multi-modal AI), and Clyr (manufacturing OS). Past GP investments span consumer, fintech, and marketplace verticals.

### Does Motivate participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

In addition to direct startup investments, Motivate actively invests in emerging pre-seed and seed stage VC funds, serving as an LP to other early-stage managers.

### What is Motivate's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?

Motivate regularly co-invests alongside other venture firms. The portfolio includes companies backed by multiple top-tier investors, reflecting a collaborative approach to syndication.

## Related profiles

- [Cowen and Company](https://altss.com/profile/cowen-and-company)
- [Cincinnati Insurance Company](https://altss.com/profile/the-cincinnati-insurance-company)

---

Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/motivate

Maintained by Altss — https://altss.com — methodology: https://altss.com/methodology