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Venture gets a rare Native American-led fund in Betsy Fore’s Velveteen Ventures
Betsy Fore launched Velveteen Ventures, a Native American-led fund, aiming to invest in seed and Series A companies in healthcare, climate, consumer, and community sectors. With a focus on empowering Native American founders, the fund seeks to raise capital from institutional investors and plans to support 15-20 companies, reflecting a positive shift in venture funding diversity.
Key points
- Betsy Fore launched Velveteen Ventures, inspired by a childhood gift.
- The firm will invest $500,000 to $4 million in early-stage companies.
- Fore aims to support at least 15-20 startups, focusing on healthcare, climate, consumer, and community sectors.
- Velveteen Ventures is among the few Native American-led venture firms in the U.S.
- Fore's past achievements include raising Series A funding as a Native American woman.
- The company plans to allocate part of its carry to Native American tribes, promoting both profit and purpose.
Why it matters
- Historical lack of funding for Native American entrepreneurs highlights systemic issues in venture capital.
- In 2025, diversity in investment is a growing trend, as more initiatives focus on underrepresented founders.
- Fore's efforts parallel a broader movement toward ethical investing and social responsibility in venture capital.
Betsy Fore's Velveteen Ventures marks a significant step towards increasing diversity in venture capital, fostering a more inclusive environment for Native American founders while aiming for profitable investments that also give back to the community.