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§ Venture Capital · USA
Early-stage venture capital fund investing in US startups pioneering innovations in consumer, wellness, and tech.
Key people at Break Trail Ventures.
Break Trail Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Columbus, Ohio, and Boulder, Colorado, that invests in startups pioneering innovations across multiple commercial industries. Led by Managing Partner Jay Hirsh, the firm primarily targets United States-based companies operating within the consumer products, lifestyle and wellness, sustainable manufacturing, and tech-enabled enterprise sectors. Operating with a historical average check size of $2 million and a maximum recorded check of $15.2 million, the fund has completed over 61 investments to date. Break Trail Ventures has built a diverse portfolio that includes recognizable consumer and wellness brands such as Cotopaxi, Oiselle, Pura, Pair Eyewear, and Momentous. The organization provides capital and strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs achieve product-market fit, with its most recent investment recorded in February 2024. The venture capital firm was founded in 2018.
Key people at Break Trail Ventures.
Break Trail Ventures has 5 tracked investments across 4 companies. The latest tracked deal is $8.4M Series A in δ Thesis in May 2023.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2023 | δ Thesis | $8.4M Series A | — | Kate Bock, Kevin Love, Alive Israel Healthtech Fund, MBX Capital, Redo Ventures, Trust Ventures, Rachel Harris |
| Feb 1, 2021 | Expectful | $4.2M Other Equity / Seed | Henri Pierre Jacques | Ashley Mayer, Ellen K. PAO, Mike Smith, AVG, Babylist, Chingona Ventures, Indicator Ventures, Joyance Partners, Powerhouse Capital, Sequoia Capital |
| Aug 19, 2020 | &Repeat | $1.5M Seed | Harlem Capital | ACT ONE Ventures, Mucker Capital, Techstars, Vamos Ventures, Wedbush Ventures |
| May 1, 2020 | TimeDoc Health | $6.0M Series A | Vinny Olmstead | Grand Ventures, High Alpha, PAT Welsh, Chaifetz Group, Impact Engine, Serra Ventures, Robbie Greenglass |
| Aug 7, 2019 | TimeDoc Health | $2.5M Other Equity | Grand Ventures | Serra Ventures |
Break Trail Ventures operates as an early-stage venture fund, deploying capital to support nascent companies. The firm partners with entrepreneurs who prioritize customer-first approaches and are committed to solving significant industry challenges. It provides financial backing and strategic guidance, helping portfolio companies navigate early growth and establish market presence.
Jay Hirsh established Break Trail Ventures in 2018, leveraging his background in consumer retail and product innovation. His insight recognized the critical need to empower emerging businesses with a clear vision for impactful products. Hirsh’s entrepreneurial pedigree shapes the firm's hands-on approach to fostering investments and guiding founders.
The fund focuses on emerging companies actively disrupting or redefining their sectors. Break Trail Ventures aims to build a robust portfolio of enterprises known for their innovative spirit and strong customer engagement. The firm seeks to propel these ventures towards becoming industry leaders, contributing to the evolution of their markets through strategic development.