We
invest in
advise
accelerate
visionary founders
We invest in founders at the earliest stages who are working on ideas that create a better future for us all.
Our focus is on empowering those visionary founders right from the start—individuals who are resilient, experts in their industries, and exemplary in their leadership. These are the innovators who commit to their dreams relentlessly, often at great personal cost. We stand by founders who embody grit and persist in the face of challenges until they succeed.
We leverage our extensive network, including pivotal players such as Siemens and Douglas Elliman, to provide comprehensive operational assistance. This support enables us to track our founders' growth actively and invest strategically at inflection points. Our investments are focused on FinTech, PropTech, IoT, AI, MedTech, CleanTech, and ventures making a significant impact.
Track Record
Over the past 3 years we’ve been the first investor in numerous successful startups including Brius, PlantSwitch, Irrigreen, Autotmotus, DressX, and Purlin. We’ve served as Board Members or C-Level executives at Acorns, UNest and Madison Marquette. We are building on the success of our inaugural fund launched in 2022.
DRESSX is a forward-thinking digital fashion startup that provides digital-only collections from various brands and 3D designers.
Ovation partners with banks, credit unions, and various financial institutions, aiding their members in tracking and enhancing their financial health.
Automotus is spearheading innovations in curb management utilizing its proprietary computer vision technology.
Brius provides the best way to straighten teeth and improve the orthodontic experience for the patient and the orthodontist.
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!"
Dillon Baxter
Founder, PlantSwitch
"SUM Ventures has delivered significant value beyond their investment in Plantswitch. Notably they connected us with Siemens which led to a multi-million dollar debt facility catalyzing the launch of our new manufacturing center in North Carolina. This momentum attracted an extra $8 million in investments from NexPoint Capital, CIM Group, and others. With these developments, PlantSwitch is confidently on track to begin delivering on sizable contracts with multiple Fortune 500 companies. Most importantly, through SUM's support we are making a positive impact on the planet by providing low cost plastic alternatives. Garrett is one of the most passionate VCs out there, and he truly goes above and beyond to add value to his portfolio companies."
Giorgi Chigogidze
Founder/CEO, Purlin
"The best introductions to venture capitalists, much like the best investment opportunities, often come from other founders. So, when a trusted founder insisted I had to meet Garrett, I didn't hesitate to seize the opportunity. It was back in 2019, during the early stages of building our AI platform, a time when I frequently encountered skepticism, summed up in questions like 'Are people really going to use AI to find homes?' With Garrett, however, the conversation was different. I was immediately impressed by his sharp focus on the critical risk and reward aspects of our AI strategy. After our initial meeting, it was clear that SUM's investment would bring benefits far beyond just capital. Since then, working closely with Elizabeth Spears and Peter Jun, our SUM Board member, has been enlightening. Each has brought tremendous value to our company in areas as diverse as development strategy, business development, product horizontal expansion, and machine learning. The SUM team is deeply invested in the success of our company, focused on adding value where we might have blind spots. We're grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration. Thank you, SUM VC!"
Team Spotlight
Raj Khoshoo, Venture Partner View Profile
“Congratulations to Raj Khoshoo for his impressive honor as Siemens Top Innovator of the Year at this year’s Werner von Siemens Awards. Raj’s impressive 40+ year career at Siemens has made a major impact on extending the market reach of Siemens Digital Industries Software.
“Through his expertise, Raj has been responsible for many of our most strategic software acquisitions and partnerships, securing game-changing deals and helping accelerate our customers’ digital transformation. Colleagues, please join me in congratulating Raj on this honor and thanking him for his many contributions to our success.”
Tony HemmelgarnPresident & CEO at Siemens Digital Industries Software
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