# Social Starts

Social Starts is a Private Equity based in Reno, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Private Equity
- **Headquarters:** Reno, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Reno, NV, United States
- **Founded:** 2012
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** www.socialstarts.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-starts

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Social Starts is a set of early-stage venture funds that uses analytics to uncover and invest in the strongest companies in the strongest segments. It has a uniquely data-driven approach to investing in moment-of-inception and Series A financing rounds. Its current fund, Social Starts Health and Happiness, focuses on startups that help people live longer, live better, or both.

## Sectors

- Digital Health
- AI/ML
- Enterprise Software
- ClimateTech
- AgriTech & FoodTech
- Mobility & Transportation
- FinTech
- Media & Entertainment
- Robotics & Automation
- Healthcare Services
- Education

## People

- Mike Edelhart — Managing Partner
- William Lohse — Founder Emeritus
- Patrick Nicoll — General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer
- Andrew Nealon — Partner & CTO
- Bradley Welch — Investment Partner
- Charles C. Smith — Investment Partner

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Social Starts?

Managing Partner Mike Edelhart leads investment decisions. He brings over four decades of experience across tech media, startups, and venture capital, including roles at Ziff-Davis and SoftBank. Investment Partners Bradley Welch and Charles C. Smith, alongside Partner and CTO Andrew Nealon, contribute to sourcing and diligence.

### How does Social Starts source proprietary deal flow?

Social Starts uses a proprietary analytics engine to identify the strongest companies in the strongest market segments. The firm reviews and adjusts its sector focus every six months based on quantitative signals. Its portfolio of over 400 companies also generates referral and co-investment opportunities.

### Does Social Starts participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

Social Starts makes direct equity investments in seed and Series A rounds. It does not disclose acting as a limited partner in other venture funds. Its model is built on direct company engagement, often writing first-check or early-stage checks alongside other institutional co-investors.

### What investment stages does Social Starts typically target?

The firm targets moment-of-inception and Series A financing rounds. Its historical portfolio includes companies at the seed and startup stages, with occasional follow-on participation. The current Health and Happiness fund maintains this early-stage posture.

## Related profiles

- [Social Security Board](https://altss.com/profile/social-security-board)
- [Social Venture Network](https://altss.com/profile/social-venture-network)

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Last updated: 2026-08-11T15:08:11.274Z

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