Kalos Ventures Management is making its debut into the early-stage venture market with an all-women team and a thesis centered on addressing an aging population and the reshaping of jobs by AI.
The New York-based venture firm has raised $78.8 million in an oversubscribed round from a roster of impact-focused limited partners including ZOMA Capital, GCM Grosvenor, MassMutual, Sorenson Impact Advisory and Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures.
Kalos Ventures is looking to make at least 15 investments in tech companies addressing education, care and the workforce.
“We believe the greatest investment opportunities are at the intersection of major technological advancements, like AI, automation and robotics, and rapid demographic change,” Kalos’ Ashley Bittner told ImpactAlpha “Our founders are building real solutions to help people thrive in this time of major societal and economic upheaval.”
Relational capital
Kalos believes that the most valuable thing a VC can offer isn’t capital, but relationships. “Practcally, this looks like working with founders hand-in-hand to build financing syndicates and grow their boards,” Bittner said.
“So much of what companies need to scale comes down to the ability to access the right tools and advisors,” said Erin Harkless Moore of Pivotal (see, “How ‘Impact LPs’ are supporting fund managers long after the raise”).
Kalos has backed 10 companies to date, including Rosarium Health, a Houston-based company that works with healthcare providers, specialized clinicians and families to design safe home environments for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Clasp, based in Boston, helps employers attract and retain talent via student loan-linked hiring.
