Fund II Strengthens Early-Stage Investment Strategy
Collide Capital, an early-stage venture business organization, has fully concluded a shutdown on its Fund II worth $95 million. The firm is overcommitted with the fund signifying a quickened step from the original $66 million Firm 1 started up back in 2022.
Founded in 2021 by Brian Hollins and Aaron Samuels, Collide will invest in fintech, supply chain and future-of-work start-up companies with its second fund to write cheques at an early stage from $1m to $3m. Collide has already invested in five companies, including Art Lab, Jelou, Ocho, Prefix, and Sytrex.
“With over 75 companies in our portfolio and top quartile Total Value to Paid-In capital (TVPI) performance, Fund II allows us to deepen support for founders building enterprise software,” said Hollins. The firm aims to deploy the capital over the next 3.5 years and maintain its hands-on operational approach.
Collide’s strategy is distinguished by leveraging strong founder networks and providing access to Fortune 500 resources. The firm helps its portfolio companies gain cloud and compute credits, lines of credit, and introductions to procurement and revenue teams at leading corporations.
Collide Campus Expands Talent Development
Collide Capital is not only funding startups but also nurturing the next generation of venture talent through Collide Campus. The programme operates at more than 20 leading universities, including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford.
Collide Campus offers undergraduates training in venture capital and entrepreneurship. MBA fellows gain real deal sourcing, diligence, and hands-on investment experience. Over 50 students have graduated from the programme, with alumni securing roles at Collide, General Catalyst, BEA Venture Fund, and other top firms.
“Collide Campus allows us to connect the most determined students with venture capital,” said Samuels. “It also helps source deals and talent while building a new generation of founders and investors.”
The firm has expanded the programme to include Breakthrough Ventures, an accelerator launched at Stanford University. Past participants have been accepted into Y Combinator, while others have become full-time employees at Collide. The initiative supports Collide’s mission to direct resources and opportunities toward the most deserving founders.
Portfolio and Sector Focus
Collide Capital supports high-growth startups with strategic funding and institutional backing, driving innovation across future-of-work sectors. Source: Created by Ventureburn
Collide invests from pre-seed to Series A stages. The firm applies a Gen-Z buyer lens for its future-of-work investments. This approach prioritises consumer and enterprise innovations in AI and automation.
The firm has backed notable companies such as Butter (acquired by GrubMarket), Coldcart, Culina Health, Helios, OneCarNow, Revi, Rheaply, Slang.ai, and Tandem. Its support includes operational guidance and access to investor networks, giving portfolio companies strategic advantages in early-stage growth.
Collide has made a name for itself as one of the few emerging firms scaling from proof-of-concept funds to institutional-grade platforms. The firm’s Fund Zero and Fund I have delivered top quartile returns, while its portfolio has seen five exits to date.
Limited partners in Fund II include the University of California Endowment (UC Regents), Accolade Partners, Fairview Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan. This backing demonstrates strong investor confidence in the firm’s approach and long-term strategy.
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Plans and Market Position
Collide Capital plans to continue expanding Fund II investments across fintech, supply chain, and future-of-work sectors. The firm aims to support at least 30 startups and help them transition from early-stage to growth companies.
Hollins and Samuels bring extensive experience to the firm. Hollins invested at Goldman Sachs, Lightspeed, and Slow Ventures, and co-founded The Takeoff Institute. Samuels spent 15 years operating and investing at Blavity, Bain & Company, Lightspeed and Telesign as well as founding AfroTech.
This knowledge provides the foundation of Collide’s hands-on support and ecosystem-building philosophy. The firm sets itself apart by providing potential entry into Fortune 500 companies, financing, and strategic partnerships. Collide combines investment with mentorship and operational suppost to make the founders and the overall ecosystem stronger.
Having closed its second fund, Collide Capital is now firmly established as a high-impact early-stage venture firm. It’s unique value proposition combining capital, networks and talent development provide a solid base from which to scale start-ups in new, emerging technology areas.
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