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§ Venture Capital · USA, Canada
Learn which startups Stout Street Capital invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. ).
Key people at Stout Street Capital.
Stout Street Capital operates as a venture capital firm, primarily focused on providing seed-stage funding to early-stage technology companies. The firm’s investment thesis targets innovative solutions within software, fintech, advanced materials, robotics, and artificial intelligence, leveraging extensive data and market analysis for due diligence.
The firm was co-founded in 2017 by Clay Gordon and John Francis. John Francis serves as a Founding Partner, while Clay Gordon brings a background in community development to the venture. Their establishment stemmed from an insight into the necessity of supporting nascent technological advancements.
Stout Street Capital primarily serves emerging technology companies seeking initial capital to scale their operations. The firm's long-term vision centers on identifying and fostering companies dedicated to solving significant problems, particularly those from under-networked regions, ultimately connecting them with broader investment ecosystems.
Stout Street Capital is a Denver-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that specializes in early-stage technology investments, primarily focusing on B2B SaaS startups across sectors such as software, fintech, robotics, AI, cleantech, edtech, and insurtech. The firm targets post-product, post-revenue companies typically raising $1 million or more in seed rounds, investing mainly in the U.S. and Canada outside major hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. Stout Street Capital supports founders by providing seed capital, leveraging an extensive co-investor network, and facilitating access to venture capital and resources, having invested in over 65 companies to date[1][2][3].
The firm was co-founded by John Francis and Clay Gordon, who bring complementary expertise as an operator, institutional investor, and community builder. Clay Gordon focuses on sectors including HR, cleantech, and fintech, while John Francis targets IT software serving industries such as construction, government, and healthcare. Cindy Ho, a junior partner, manages operations and investment strategy, including the UNMET Conference series that connects under-networked startups in middle America with venture capital nationwide. The team emphasizes investing in founding teams with domain expertise and grit, aiming to empower founders to scale their businesses efficiently[2][4].
Stout Street Capital rides the trend of decentralizing venture capital away from traditional coastal tech hubs by focusing on startups in underrepresented regions of the U.S. and Canada. This timing aligns with growing recognition of innovation outside major cities and the rise of remote work, which expands the geographic reach of tech ecosystems. By fostering connections through events like the UNMET Conference and leveraging a broad co-investor network, Stout Street Capital helps level the playing field for startups in middle America and emerging markets, influencing the broader venture ecosystem toward greater inclusivity and diversity[2][3][4].
Looking ahead, Stout Street Capital is poised to continue expanding its portfolio in sectors like fintech, cleantech, and HR technology, leveraging data-driven investment decisions and deep founder support. Trends such as increased venture interest in non-coastal regions and the growth of B2B SaaS will likely shape their journey. Their influence may grow as they further establish themselves as a key connector and capital provider for startups outside traditional VC hotspots, potentially driving more balanced innovation geography in North America[2][3][4].
Stout Street Capital has 21 tracked investments across 17 companies. The latest tracked deal is $20.0M Series B in UbiQD in April 2025.
Key people at Stout Street Capital.
