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Learn which startups Active Capital invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Cat Dizon).
Key people at Active Capital.
Active Capital is a venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed investments for early-stage companies. The firm primarily backs technical founders developing AI-native software, infrastructure, and products. Their core strategy involves providing crucial capital, often as the first significant funding, to support ventures building foundational artificial intelligence technologies addressing business challenges.
The firm was founded by Pat Matthews, an entrepreneur turned investor with over two decades of experience across startups. Matthews established Active Capital to support technical founders, leveraging his deep background in software, cloud infrastructure, and AI. Cat Dizon also serves as co-founder and Chief Financial Officer, providing key operational leadership.
Active Capital primarily serves founders building AI-native companies, aiming to be a strategic partner from inception. The firm empowers these entrepreneurs to create impactful businesses. Their long-term vision focuses on cultivating a robust ecosystem of AI-driven enterprises by delivering crucial early-stage capital and guidance, shaping a future driven by intelligent software.
Key people at Active Capital.
Active Capital is a San Antonio-based venture capital firm specializing in leading pre-seed and seed investments primarily in AI-powered business software and B2B SaaS companies, especially those outside Silicon Valley. Their mission centers on backing early-stage startups that leverage artificial intelligence to transform enterprise software, focusing on companies that can reach market efficiently with modest capital. Active Capital supports purpose-driven founders aiming to scale innovative technologies that reshape business operations. Their investment philosophy emphasizes concentrated, hands-on involvement in early rounds to maximize growth potential and founder support. Key sectors include AI, enterprise software, business services, and communications technology. By focusing on underrepresented geographies and early-stage innovation, Active Capital plays a vital role in expanding the startup ecosystem beyond traditional tech hubs, fostering diversity and innovation in emerging markets[2][3][4][5].
Founded in 2017, Active Capital was established by co-founders including Cat Dizon and Pat Matthews, who bring deep investment and entrepreneurial experience. The firm evolved with a clear focus on pre-seed investing in AI-driven business software, identifying a gap in early-stage funding outside Silicon Valley. Over time, Active Capital has grown its assets under management to over $100 million, recently closing its third fund at $28 million in 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence and a maturing investment thesis. This evolution highlights their commitment to supporting startups from inception through growth, particularly those leveraging AI to innovate enterprise solutions[2][5].
Active Capital rides the wave of AI integration into enterprise software, a trend reshaping how businesses operate globally. The timing is critical as AI technologies mature and demand for intelligent business solutions accelerates. Market forces such as digital transformation, remote work, and automation drive the need for innovative SaaS platforms, creating fertile ground for early-stage AI startups. By focusing on pre-seed investments outside Silicon Valley, Active Capital helps democratize access to capital and innovation, influencing the broader tech ecosystem by nurturing diverse founders and regional innovation hubs. This approach supports the decentralization of tech innovation and fosters a more inclusive startup environment[2][4][5].
Looking ahead, Active Capital is poised to continue expanding its influence by backing the next generation of AI-driven enterprise software startups. Trends such as increased AI adoption, cloud computing, and data-driven decision-making will shape their investment focus. Their role as a leading early-stage investor outside Silicon Valley positions them to capitalize on emerging regional innovation and founder diversity. As AI technologies evolve, Active Capital’s hands-on approach and sector expertise will likely enhance their portfolio companies’ growth trajectories and impact. The firm’s trajectory suggests a growing footprint in the venture capital landscape, further enabling transformative startups to scale and succeed beyond traditional tech epicenters[5].
