We
invest in
advise
accelerate
visionary founders
Invest
At SUM Ventures, we invest in founders building fast-growth technology startups. We focus on FinTech and PropTech but will also invest opportunistically across all industries. Our growth focused approach has led to our 233% IRR since our launch in 2018. You can learn more about how we’ve invested and supported our founders by reviewing the deck for for SUM Fund I.
Startups
We build relationships early with founders and then provide capital, resources and support to accelerate growth.
Investors
We work with venture funds, family offices, angel groups, and service providers to identify and co-invest in early-stage opportunities.
Track Record
Over the past 3 years we’ve been the first investor in numerous successful startups including Brius, UNest, Autotmotus, DressX, and Purlin. We’ve served as Board Members or C-Level executives at Marqeta, Acorns, UNest and Madison Marquette. We look forward to building on this success with the launch of our inaugural fund.
Testimonials
Darren Eng
Executive Director, LAVA
"From the minute I first met Garrett, he has been a solid resource of insights, connections and introductions. He's one of those rare people who follows through with what he says he will do and simply gets things done. Extremely capable, competent and connected, especially in the startup space, Garrett has been an amazing resource to me and to LAVA. He's a true believer in entrepreneurial endeavors and is a champion of founders here in Los Angeles and the greater so cal region."
Sam Rad
Co-Founder & COO, LifeFoundry
"Garrett is a visionary. He was the first investor to really understand and appreciate our vision at BRIUS Technologies. He made numerous introductions to other investors and angel groups and almost all of them invested in our round. We even met our series A investor in one of the meetings he invited us to. He hustled, followed up and never gave up and with his help, we closed two over-subscribed convertible note rounds within 4 months of his initial introductions which was amazing!"
Carter Russ
Co-Founder & CEO Campions Round
"As an investor into our company, Champions Round, Garrett has gone above and beyond to ultimately ensure he provides value well beyond simply capital. He's been an integral advisor throughout every facet of the business, has made a bevy of strategically-beneficial introductions, and has provided significant cache to our company simply by association. It's been an honor to have Garrett as a member of our team, and he provides tremendous value everywhere he goes. Thank you for being such a key part of our journey."
Ksenia Yudina
Founder & CEO, UNest
"I was lucky to land several amazing colleagues and advisors from the fin-tech industry who helped to make introductions, highlight my credentials, and participate in the investment discussions behind closed doors. One person I want to specifically highlight was Garrett Gilbertson, who after our first meeting not only became a loyal U-Nest customer and decided to invest personally, but also went a long way to advocate for me and the company with various Angel groups and syndicates. He went above and beyond by sharing his personal excitement and bringing other investors on board. Having people like this helping with the process significantly increases your chances for a successful fundraising experience."