Over the past several years, AI has become an increasingly potent tool for established and new businesses alike. As more industries across the globe have actively incorporated AI into their management systems, it has inspired a new wave of innovation within the technical sector, rushing to meet these growing needs. However, the next AI-driven boom will not be confined to Silicon Valley. Run Ventures is filling the Series A gap by backing ambitious founders in high-growth ecosystems nationwide.
Run Ventures is a new $290 million Series A fund led by veteran investors Brandon Tidwell and Ben Dahl. It distinguishes itself by betting that future tech growth will accelerate outside traditional hubs. With decades of venture experience and successful investments like Cloudflare, Integral Ad Science, Bark, and Filevine, Tidwell and Dahl aim to capitalize on a key overlooked opportunity: AI-driven companies expanding into underserved regions.
Inspiration behind the innovation
Tidwell started his career in Silicon Valley when the venture industry was still a boutique, partnership-driven business. Dahl has backgrounds in both investing and operating, and he has earned a reputation for providing steady, long-term support to founders. Together, they bring decades of experience and success within the sector.
Both of them still believe in the original venture model: long-term, hands-on partnerships with entrepreneurs who want an aligned investor at their side for the decade-plus it takes to build something enduring. In tandem with this, the duo recognized a clear, ever-widening gap in the market. Series A has historically been a “local” business, but founders are increasingly choosing to live in places with a lower cost of living and better quality of life. To this end, they aimed to create a firm that shows up for those founders, wherever they are.
Success from anywhere
As a result, Run Ventures’ approach is not limited by factors such as geography, with the team’s work instead being rooted in assessing founder quality. The firm supports entrepreneurs who, according to Dahl, “are willing to go the distance.”
With a network spanning the Mountain West, Texas, the Midwest, and beyond, Run Ventures can discover promising founders early and assist them through board involvement, recruitment support, and follow-on funding. The company is located in Salt Lake City, but has a national reach. While much of the industry has retrenched to the Bay Area for AI deals, Run Ventures sees that as an opportunity. By being willing to travel and engage in alternative ecosystems, the firm is tapping into goldmines that others are passing over.
Exploring broadening horizons
The convergence of AI-driven growth, talent migration, and undercapitalized Series A opportunities makes now an ideal moment for Run Ventures to initiate its launch. The $290 million fund signifies a pledge to support the upcoming wave of industry-defining companies, regardless of their location.
Founders can now raise a proper Series A without relocating to San Francisco. For investors, the key takeaway is that top opportunities are emerging in overlooked areas. Run Ventures believes the upcoming AI boom won't be limited to Silicon Valley but will occur across various locations. Brandon Tidwell and Ben Dahl are prepared to support the founders spearheading this shift.
Investing involves risk and your investment may lose value. Past performance gives no indication of future results. These statements do not constitute and cannot replace investment advice.
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