Contrary Venture Capital Firm and Its Investment Focus

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Diverse colleagues collaborative brainstorming at office briefing. Business woman manager explaining analysis at the meeting startup work.
Credit: pexels.com, Diverse colleagues collaborative brainstorming at office briefing. Business woman manager explaining analysis at the meeting startup work.

Contrary is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage startups with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.

The firm's investment focus is primarily on startups that are developing innovative technologies in these areas, with a goal of helping them scale and grow.

Contrary's investment team is led by experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and the potential for growth in the AI and data science space.

The firm's investment approach is centered around partnering with entrepreneurs who share their vision and values, and who are committed to building sustainable and successful businesses.

About Contrary VC

Contrary VC is a decentralized, university-focused venture capital fund that aims to identify and support potential campus entrepreneurs.

Eric Tarczynski, a 25-year-old Northeastern University graduate, started Contrary VC after a road trip to visit 55 top research universities.

Contrary VC's network of student investors consists of the most connected students on each campus for entrepreneurship, with over 100 students from 55 schools.

Credit: youtube.com, Aspiring VC #26: Rishub Nahar (Contrary Capital)

The fund provides between $50,000 and $200,000 of funding to student founders, along with access to Contrary VC's nationwide network of student investors and connections with top tech entrepreneurs and venture capital firms.

Contrary VC's vision is to bridge the gap between smaller university grant funding and big league venture capital funding, bringing true seed funding to campus entrepreneurs.

Indra Sofian and Wesley Samples, both well-known campus entrepreneurs, are part of Contrary VC's student investor network.

Contrary VC's model focuses on sourcing and being a part of entrepreneurial communities, with Contrary partners meeting with student founders each month to share information and learn about their companies.

Contrary VC's chief of staff, Will Robbins, believes that the fund is building the first venture capital fund focused solely on backing the brightest individuals and most bleeding-edge technologies coming out of universities.

Contrary VC's powerful tools aim to support the great student entrepreneurs on campus and help build the student entrepreneur community.

Investments and Funding

Credit: youtube.com, Kyle Harrison: Contrary GP on Talent & Research-Driven Investing

Contrary Capital has made investments in a variety of companies, including DoorDash, Anduril, and Zepto, a grocery delivery company based in India.

Contrary's current investments include a range of companies, such as Armada, Ramp, Vise, Kyte, Maev, Memora Health, Check, Stytch, Hallow, Parfait, and Zepto, among others.

Contrary made its first investment in Zepto in July 2020, and Zepto has since raised $560 million in funding from investors like Y Combinator and Breyer Capital.

Contrary announced a $20 million fund in October 2021, known as Fund II, and later closed a $75 million fund in March 2022, known as Fund III.

Contrary's investment strategy focuses on supporting student entrepreneurs and startups, and the firm has established a network of student investors across the country.

Contrary's nationwide network of student investors provides valuable resources and connections to campus entrepreneurs, including funding, mentorship, and access to top tech entrepreneurs and venture capital firms.

Credit: youtube.com, Eric Tarczynski - Contrary Capital

Contrary's funding model aims to bridge the gap between smaller university grants and big league venture capital funding, providing true seed funding to campus entrepreneurs.

Contrary's funding ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, and the firm helps entrepreneurs raise their next round of funding.

Contrary's vision is to identify and support the brightest individuals and most bleeding-edge technologies coming out of universities.

Contrary's team, including Indra Sofian and Wesley Samples, works closely with campus entrepreneurs to source deals and build the student entrepreneur community.

Contrary's model has the potential to support the growth of student entrepreneurship at universities across the country.

Contrary's investment in Zepto is a notable example of the firm's investment strategy and its focus on supporting innovative startups.

Contrary's funding model is designed to provide a unique opportunity for campus entrepreneurs to access venture capital funding and resources.

Contrary's team is committed to building a strong network of student investors and supporting the growth of student entrepreneurship.

Here's a list of some of the companies Contrary has invested in:

  • DoorDash
  • Anduril
  • Zepto
  • Armada
  • Ramp
  • Vise
  • Kyte
  • Maev
  • Memora Health
  • Check
  • Stytch
  • Hallow
  • Parfait

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the founder of contrary capital?

Contrary Capital was founded by Eric Tarczynski in 2016. He was also recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in the Venture Capital category.

What companies are like contrary capital?

Companies similar to Contrary Capital include Right Side Capital Management, Cota Capital, and SVG Ventures, which share similar investment strategies and focus areas. These firms offer alternative investment options for those looking beyond traditional venture capital.

Maggie Morar

Senior Assigning Editor

Maggie Morar is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in business and finance, she has developed a unique expertise in covering investor relations news and updates for prominent companies. Her extensive experience has taken her through a wide range of industries, from telecommunications to media and retail.

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