Calm Ventures was founded in 2020 by Zachary Ginsburg and is based in Los Angeles with an additional presence in Idaho. Ginsburg came from OCV Partners and has personally backed more than 400 startups. The firm manages over $140 million in assets and has supported over 500 companies, including Airbnb, Coinbase, Headspace and Pipe. Calm Ventures typically invests in early stage rounds from pre-Seed through Series B and occasionally participates in pre-IPO financings. It often co-invests alongside established venture firms to offer funding and strategic support.
Calm Ventures takes an industry-agnostic stance but directs much of its capital to B2B software, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and emerging technologies. Its investment thesis centers on strong business models, clear competitive advantages and experienced leadership teams. The firm moves quickly through due diligence and draws on a network of operators, technologists and investors to boost its portfolio companies. This hands-on approach aims to accelerate product rollouts, forge valuable partnerships and position startups for rapid expansion. Calm Ventures also works to make venture capital more accessible by welcoming a varied group of backers into its investment syndicate.
Although its mandate does not focus exclusively on clean energy or battery technology, Calm Ventures will back these areas when they align with its criteria for disruptive impact. The firm’s investment in Sepion Technologies, which develops lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles, exemplifies this selective interest. In addition, backing for Bowery Farming highlights a willingness to invest in companies with environmental benefits. By treating frontier hardware developments as part of its broad strategy, Calm Ventures can support innovative solutions that advance energy storage and sustainable agriculture.
