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Category Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in technical founders building category-defining enterprise software startups. It provides strategic and financial capital, targeting innovations in next-gen infrastructure and AI. The firm supports businesses from earliest stages, fostering growth and market leadership in their categories.
Villi Iltchev founded Category Ventures, leveraging over two decades of founder support and investment experience. His background includes establishing and leading Salesforce’s venture arm, providing critical enterprise software insights. Iltchev created the firm as an authentic, intensive venture partner, applying operational and investment expertise to guide nascent companies.
Technical founders of enterprise software startups are primary recipients of Category Ventures' support. The firm’s vision, articulated by Iltchev, focuses on being the most effective partner to founders throughout their journey. This commitment rests on values of authenticity, kindness, teamwork, and intensity, fostering an ecosystem where innovative software companies achieve category leadership.
Key people at Category Ventures.
Category Ventures was founded in 2024 by Villi Iltchev (Founder & Managing Partner).
Category Ventures has 2 tracked investments across 2 companies. The latest tracked deal is $4.1M Seed in Mandel AI in March 2026.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 2026 | Mandel AI | $4.1M Seed | — | E2vc, Ritual Capital, Y Combinator |
| Sep 1, 2025 | Myriad AI | $8.0M Seed | Category Ventures | Long Journey Ventures, TWO Sigma Ventures, BD Partners, Breakwater VC, Caesar Ventures, N1, Plug And Play Ventures, Preston Werner Ventures, TEN VC |
Key people at Category Ventures.
