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Curtis Lee is a distinguished investor and Managing Partner at Catalyst Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm. He is known for his strategic investments in high-growth technology companies and his hands-on approach to supporting founders.
Curtis Lee primarily invests in early-stage to growth-stage technology companies. His key focus areas include Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), and enterprise software solutions.
Curtis Lee works as a Managing Partner at Catalyst Ventures, a leading venture capital firm specializing in technology investments.
Curtis Lee is a distinguished investor and a Managing Partner at Catalyst Ventures, a leading venture capital firm renowned for its strategic investments in groundbreaking technology companies. With a profound understanding of market dynamics and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Curtis plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups across various sectors. His leadership at Catalyst Ventures is instrumental in shaping the firm's investment thesis and driving its portfolio companies toward significant growth and market leadership.
Curtis's investment focus primarily centers on early-stage to growth-stage technology companies that are poised to disrupt traditional industries or create entirely new markets. He possesses a keen interest in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, financial technology (FinTech) solutions, and enterprise software that drives efficiency and digital transformation for businesses. Curtis is known for his hands-on approach, working closely with founders to refine their strategies, scale their operations, and navigate the complexities of rapid expansion. He believes in building strong partnerships based on trust and shared vision, providing not just capital but also invaluable mentorship and strategic guidance.
Before his impactful career in venture capital, Curtis Lee forged a robust background in the technology sector, which profoundly informs his investment decisions today. He began his professional journey as a software engineer, honing his technical acumen and understanding the intricacies of product development from the ground up. This foundational experience transitioned into a successful tenure in product management, where he led the development of innovative solutions for a prominent tech firm. Leveraging his deep industry insights and entrepreneurial spirit, Curtis then ventured into founding his own technology startup. This venture achieved significant success, culminating in a strategic acquisition, providing him with firsthand experience in building, scaling, and exiting a high-growth company.
This unique blend of technical expertise, operational leadership, and entrepreneurial success positions Curtis as a highly sought-after investor. His ability to empathize with founders, coupled with his strategic foresight, allows him to identify companies with strong fundamentals and sustainable competitive advantages. While specific notable investments are often confidential, Curtis has a proven track record of backing companies that have gone on to achieve significant milestones, secure further funding rounds, and deliver substantial returns for stakeholders. His contributions extend beyond capital, often involving active participation in board roles and strategic advisory capacities for his portfolio companies.
Curtis Lee remains a passionate advocate for technological advancement and entrepreneurial excellence. He is dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators, helping them transform ambitious ideas into market-leading realities. His work at Catalyst Ventures continues to drive forward the frontier of technological innovation, making him a key figure in the venture capital landscape.
Curtis Lee is the Managing Partner at NextGen Venture Partners in San Francisco, California, where he leads seed and Series A technology investments. Previously, he founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of the mobility startup Luxe, raising over $75 million in venture capital before its acquisition by Volvo Cars in 2017. His operational and financial background includes early product leadership roles at Google, alongside strategic investment banking and venture capital positions at Goldman Sachs and other firms. Lee currently oversees a portfolio of more than 20 companies with over $200 million in assets under management, recently leading a $15 million Series A round for Replicate in March 2025. Holding an MBA from the Wharton School, his current focus centers on funding and advising founders across the artificial intelligence, climate tech, and enterprise software sectors.
