Training Example: Kickstart – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] Backing outliers early
As the Mountain West's first seed fund, we invest in bold founders building companies that thrive in a distinct ecosystem: our own backyard.since2008KickstartSalt Lake
[H2] Early stage venture capital with heart,
[H2] For founders with grit.
What sets Kickstart apart is a rare combination of deep regional expertise, hard-earned empathy from having been founders ourselves, and nearly two decades of experience helping outliers succeed.
[H2] Partnering early with founders blazing new trails
View Portfolio >>
[H2] We believe the Rocky Mountain frontier is still wide open.

[H1] Backed before it was obvious.
We invest early in founders building enduring companies across the Mountain West.Thank you! Your submission has been received!Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.companycategoryInitial InvestmentCurrent Stage/OtherSeedSeedWebsiteaervivo.comFounded2020LocationCaliforniaKickstart teamDalton WrightTanner PotterAboutWireless infrastructure that offers fiber-grade connectivity across communities via a mesh IoT internet network./Fintech/OtherSeedSeedWebsitealignxglobal.com/Founded2017LocationColoradoKickstart teamGavin ChristensenMatt SmithAboutEnterprise infrastructure platform to configure, finance, procure, deploy, and lifecycle-manage technology and equipment./Enterprise SaaSSeries BGrowthWebsitealianza.comFounded2009LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenTanner PotterAboutFull-stack cloud infrastructure platform that services large scale telecom companies/OtherPre-SeedSeedWebsitealtitudeai.aiFounded2021LocationUtahKickstart teamTanner PotterAboutAI robotic workstations designed to automate dangerous and manual meat production tasks./Enterprise SaaSPre-SeedSeedWebsitealysio.aiFounded2022LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutVisualization platform that uses AI to recognize and optimize sales performance behaviors./EcommerceSeedSeedWebsiteanagram.aiFounded2023LocationUtahKickstart teamTanner PotterAboutBoost conversions, increase engagement, and reduce returns with Anagram, your AI product expert./ConsumerPre-SeedExitedExitedWebsiteangel.comFounded2013LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutAngel Studios is a crowdfunded movie studio that allows investors to choose which titles are funded, produced, and distributed by the company./Enterprise SaaSSeedSeedWebsiteapaluma.comFounded2024LocationNew MexicoKickstart teamAlex SoffeMatt SmithAboutAI data operating system for critical property development, including water rights, environmental permitting, air quality, land management, and energy infrastructure./Healthtech / BiotechSeedExitedExitedWebsiteartemishealth.comFounded2013LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutHealthcare analytics platform designed to optimize benefit programs and minimize spending. Acquired by Nomi Health./Enterprise SaaSSeries AExitedExitedWebsiteaumni.fundFounded2018LocationUtahKickstart teamAlex SoffeAboutInvestment analytics platform that generates strategic insights related to the economic position and legal rights of investors. Acquired by J.P. Morgan./SMB SaaSSeedSeries AWebsitebandwango.comFounded2012LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutTravel experience platform designed to curate community experiences targeting any visitor with local attractions and activities./Enterprise SaaSSeedExitedExitedWebsite/Founded2009LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutPredictive analytics software used to upload and select data, select metrics to predict, and build scenarios for prediction and visualization. Acquire by Qlik./ConsumerPre-SeedPre-SeedWebsiteblerp.comFounded2016LocationUtahKickstart teamNo items found./AboutSoundbite search engine used to create and share audio bites and internet humor. Giphy for soundbites./SMB SaaSSeedExitedExitedWebsiteblyncsy.comFounded2015LocationUtahKickstart teamAlex SoffeAboutTraffic grid data platform built on a network of connected devices and other data collection endpoints/Enterprise SaaSPre-SeedExitedExitedWebsite/Founded2013LocationUtahKickstart teamAlex SoffeAboutAccounting software designed for SMB owners. Acquired by KPMG Spark./Enterprise SaaS/EdtechSeries ASeries BWebsitebrainstorminc.comFounded1995LocationUtahKickstart teamAlex SoffeKat KennedyAboutTraining platform that helps companies accelerate the adoption of new software platforms into their businesses/Enterprise SaaS/EdtechPre-SeedPre-SeedWebsitegetcampfire.comFounded2020LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutLeadership training and gamified virtual learning platform used by remote and geographically distributed teams./Healthtech / Biotech/MarketplaceSeedExitedExitedWebsitecarecar.coFounded2017LocationColoradoKickstart teamMatt SmithAboutGig marketplace for non-emergency medical transportation./FintechSeedSeries AWebsitecarputty.comFounded2020LocationGeorgiaKickstart teamDalton WrightTanner PotterAboutAutomotive credit lending fintech platform designed for modernizing auto financing and ownership./FintechSeedExitedExitedWebsite/Founded2010LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutDispute management platform that helps merchants prevent and manage chargeback fraud. Acquired by Sift./Enterprise SaaS/SMB SaaSSeries ASeries AWebsitechargezoom.comFounded2020LocationUtahKickstart teamAlex SoffeAbout/Consumer/EcommerceSeedGrowthWebsitechatbooks.comFounded2013LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAbouteCommerce tool that allows users to easily and automatically turn digital photos into photo books/FintechSeedExitedExitedWebsitecheddarup.comFounded2012LocationColoradoKickstart teamAlex SoffeAboutPayment platform designed to collect and track online group payments, primarily used by youth sports teams, fundraising groups, and other collective purchasing groups./SMB SaaSSeedSeedWebsitecinch.ioFounded2016LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyMatt SmithAboutIncrease customer retention and grow your local business with Cinch's multi-channel marketing automation platform./Enterprise SaaS/SMB SaaSSeedSeedWebsitecirca.coFounded2015LocationNew MexicoKickstart teamNo items found./AboutEvent management platform designed to assist in managing venues, visitors, and event support in one flexible dashboard./Enterprise SaaSSeedSeries BWebsiteclaravine.comFounded2012LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutCampaign automation platform that creates shared data standards for enterprise marketing teams./Marketplace/EdtechPre-SeedExitedExitedWebsitecarebyclay.comFounded2021LocationNew YorkKickstart teamNo items found./AboutPlatform that provides parents and teachers with behavioral and mental health resources for students with behavioral challenges/SMB SaaSSeedSeries AWebsiteclientbook.comFounded2017LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyDalton WrightAboutRetail clienteling software designed to modernize relationship-based selling in high-touch retail settings./ConsumerSeries ASeries AWebsitecolorfactory.coFounded2017LocationUtahKickstart teamTanner PotterAboutImmersive and experiential museums that celebrate color, material design, and visual art./OtherSeedSeries BWebsiteconextionsmed.comFounded2011LocationUtahKickstart teamAlex SoffeAboutInnovative tendon repair medical device./OtherSeedSeedWebsiteconverus.comFounded2009LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutRobotic lie detection technology that uses machine vision to monitor eye movement and other physical behaviors./ConsumerSeedExitedExitedWebsitecotopaxi.comFounded2014LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutLifestyle clothing and outdoor gear brand built on a social mission to do good./FintechPre-SeedSeedWebsitetrycrew.comFounded2023LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyTanner PotterAboutThe best all-in-one banking app for your whole crew./Enterprise SaaSPre-SeedPre-SeedWebsitedataqualityco-op.comFounded2024LocationUtahKickstart teamTanner PotterAboutData Quality Co-op ensures it's clients' business decisions, marketing campaigns and AI models are informed by high-quality, high-value data. Their platform empowers organizations with the insights and tools to confidently navigate the complex 1st party data landscape./Enterprise SaaS-GrowthWebsitedegreed.comFounded2012LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutEmployee upskilling platform that directs employees on which skills to improve in order to enhance employee leadership capacity./SMB SaaSSeries AExitedExitedWebsitedirectscale.comFounded2013LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutInfluencer marketing software that allows direct selling companies to effective scale their go-to-market efforts. Acquired by Exigo./Enterprise SaaSSeedSeedWebsitediversifi.aiFounded2024LocationUtahKickstart teamTanner PotterAboutDiversiFi is an AI-powered SaaS platform that helps 3PLs modernize shipping workflows—optimizing dynamic pricing, carrier routing, and billing to boost margins, reduce costs, and streamline operations./FintechPre-SeedPre-SeedWebsitedollarize.meFounded2017LocationCaliforniaKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutInvestment platform that allows Latin American users to stablize their money by pegging savings accounts to the stable US dollar./Ecommerce/SMB SaaSSeedExitedExitedWebsitedsco.ioFounded2011LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutDrop-shipping platform designed to provide product push and predictive supply chain models. Acquired by CommerceHub./Enterprise SaaSSeries ASeries AWebsiteepistemix.comFounded2018LocationPennsylvaniaKickstart teamTanner PotterAbout/Healthtech / BiotechSeedSeries BWebsiteevisit.comFounded2013LocationArizonaKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutTelehealth and virtual care platform used to optimize remote patient consultation and monetize after-hour visits./SMB SaaS-GrowthWebsiteexigo.comFounded2000LocationTexasKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutDirect selling platform that provides point-of-sale, commission management, reporting and CRM functionality./SMB SaaSSeedSeedWebsitefederated.computerFounded2021LocationColoradoKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutWe develop privacy-first, distributed, secure, open-source applications for workplace productivity./Enterprise SaaSPre-SeedPre-SeedWebsitefusaware.comFounded2023LocationSalt Lake CityKickstart teamTanner PotterAbout/FintechSeedExitedExitedWebsite/Founded2010LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutPayments platform that facilitates the transfer of funds onto any U.S. bank-issued cards. Acquired by Ingo Money./Fintech/Healthtech / BiotechSeries AExitedExitedWebsitegalileo-ft.comFounded2014LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutPayment processing platform that offers superior fraud detection, security, decision-making analytics, and regulatory compliance functionality. Acquired by SoFi./Enterprise SaaS/SMB SaaSSeedSeries AWebsitegrain.coFounded2018LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutAI-powered meeting recording for remote and hybrid teams. Grain automates note-taking, record-keeping, and insight capture from every conversation./Enterprise SaaSSeedSeries AWebsitegraphiteconnect.comFounded2018LocationUtahKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutB2B network designed to simplify procurement and risk management transactions by connecting buyers, suppliers, and compliance teams./Enterprise SaaSSeedSeries AWebsitegravwell.ioFounded2017LocationIdahoKickstart teamTanner PotterAboutFull-stack data platform used to address visibility gaps in firewall logs, event logs, and other points of cyber vunerability./SMB SaaSSeedExitedExitedWebsite/Founded2011LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutSocial media marketing tool that allows users to build and track their Facebook and Twitter pages. Acquired by Keap./SMB SaaSSeedExitedExitedWebsitegrow.comFounded2014LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutDashboarding platform that offers enterprise-grade ETL, data warehousing, and visualization for SMBs. Acquired by Epicor./EdtechSeedSeedWebsitehalda.ioFounded2016LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutHybrid workforce managment platform that allows for hybrid office scheduilng and hybrid team collaboration./EdtechPre-SeedPre-SeedWebsitehallo.aiFounded2017LocationUtahKickstart teamNo items found./AboutLanguage learning platform that allows learners to speak with a native ai agent at any time in any context./Consumer/MarketplaceSeries AGrowthWebsitehavenly.comFounded2014LocationColoradoKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutMarketplace that connects consumers with remote interior designers/Enterprise SaaS/SMB SaaSGrowthExitedExitedWebsitehirevue.comFounded2004LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutTalent hiring platform designed to offer digital screening and video interviewing of job applicants. Acquired by The Carlyle Group./MarketplaceSeedGrowthWebsitehomie.comFounded2014LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutOnline real-estate marketplace for buying or selling residential properties with low-touch agents, enabling homeowners to maximize their equity value./SMB SaaSSeedSeedWebsitehuckabuy.comFounded2014LocationUtahKickstart teamNo items found./AboutSEO automation platform used to drive growth, investigate competition, track rankings, and optimize website content./Enterprise SaaSSeedExitedExitedWebsiteidaciti.comFounded2014LocationColoradoKickstart teamAlex SoffeAboutFinancial data feed from publically traded companies used to analyze, visualize, and share market trends in real-time/FintechSeedGrowthWebsiteingomoney.comFounded2001LocationGeorgiaKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutPush payments for fintechs, banks, and businesses. The company offers deposit, transfer, check cashing, and other digital disbursement solutions/Enterprise SaaS/SMB SaaSSeedSeries AWebsitekadence.coFounded2013LocationCaliforniaKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutHybrid work and collaboration platform used to coordinate flex work and hybrid scheduling for modern teams./SMB SaaSSeedGrowthWebsitekeap.comFounded2001LocationArizonaKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutCRM and sales and marketing automation platform designed for small businesses/OtherSeries ASeries BWebsitekiln.comFounded2017LocationUtahKickstart teamKat KennedyAboutFlex office space and lifestyle-oriented coworking network with locations throughout the Mountain West and Southern California./Other/Healthtech / BiotechSeedExitedExitedWebsiteknownmed.com/Founded2020LocationUtahKickstart teamNo items found./AboutMachine learning and predictive biomarker platform used to identify best possible treatment for cancer patients/Deep tech / Frontier techPre-SeedGrowthWebsiteleapspace.oneFounded2022LocationColoKickstart teamDalton WrightMatt SmithAboutOrbital launch and space logistics/SMB SaaSSeedSeedWebsitelifespotapp.comFounded2015LocationColoradoKickstart teamDalton WrightAboutEmergency response platform used by schools and other public venues to respond in real-time to active shooter threats./EdtechPre-SeedSeedWebsiteliteralapp.comFounded2018LocationUtahKickstart teamTanner PotterAboutGamified reading platform designed to make reading entire books fun, engaging, and addictive even for the most reluctant readers./Enterprise SaaSSeries AGrowthWebsitelucid.coFounded2010LocationUtahKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutProductivity platform that allows teams to create flowcharts, mind maps, organizational charts, wireframes, and other visual diagrams/Enterprise SaaSSeedSeries AWebsitemarketdial.comFounded2016LocationUtahKickstart teamAlex SoffeAboutAnalytics platform empowers large retailers to design and analyze statistically sound small-scale tests for optimized larger rollouts./SMB SaaSSeries AExitedExitedWebsitemobilize.ioFounded2014LocationCaliforniaKickstart teamGavin ChristensenAboutDirectory and messaging platform u

[H1] Low ego, high spirits
We're operators and optimists who became investors. We’ve founded companies, built products, and lived through the challenges you're facing.
[H2] Meet your future partners
(Our Team)
[H3] Gavin Christensen
Founder & General Partner
[H3] Kat Kennedy
General Partner
[H3] Dalton Wright
General Partner
[H3] Alex Soffe
General Partner & CFO
[H3] Tanner Potter
Partner
[H3] Kristin Gonzalez
Director of Finance
[H3] Matt Smith
Principal
[H3] Anna Sophia Rowe
Associate
[H3] Kimball Palmer
Associate
[H3] Karen Zelnick
Senior Director of Platform
[H3] Rebecca Trusty
Community & Content Associate
[H2] Values-driven venture capital
(How We Operate)01
[H3] Belief before proof.
We back the outliers early, when conviction matters most.02
[H3] Play the long game.
We stay steady and patient to unlock enduring outcomes.03
[H3] Put humans first.
Relationships drive returns— founders always come first.04
[H3] Raise the barn together.
You don’t have to go it alone; we build as a community.05
[H3] Make conviction contagious.
Our optimism and courage fuel the people we partner with. After all, venture loves good company.
[H2] From first call to ride-or-die.
Pitch Us >>

[H1] In it for the long climb
Our Story
[H2] Kickstart was founded from a trailer in New Mexico during a recession. Our focus then and today is on overlooked founders in the Utah, Colorado, and Mountain West territory.
Who we areLead. We are your lead for pre-seed, seed, and an occasional Series A. We set terms, syndicate rounds, and typically take board seats at the seed round.Local. Our offices in Utah and Colorado, with <2 hr flights to 95% of our portfolio. Our founders, LPs, and operator network are where you are.Generalists. We underwrite elite founders wherever they are building. Partners bet on non-consensus ideas across the innovation stack.Early. We believe fund size, team, and culture are a fund’s strategy; we thrive at the earliest stages, and our firm reflects this.2008 Gavin at the iconic Utah event: Startfest2012:Fund 2 ($26M), Dalton re-joins Kickstart as a Partner, and focuses on SaaS as it booms in the Mountain west2014Kickstart creates Campus Founders Fund to help students learn venture and raises Fund 3 ($39M)2016:Kickstart the named most active investor in Utah and raises fund 4 ($74m)2019:Kickstart raises fund 5 ($110m) as the region continues to grow and a co-invest fund ($50M)
2022 Kickstart opens an office in Denver Colorado and finalizes fund 6 ($175M)
[H2] Investing in our backyard.
We are building the strongest network of entrepreneurs, operators, and investors across Utah and Colorado, with a growing presence in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and New MexicoID XX companiesAZ XX companiesMT XX companiesUT XX companiesCO XX companiesNM XX companies
[H2] From first call to ride-or-die.
Pitch Us >>