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Learn which startups Cortical Ventures invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Igor Taber).
Key people at Cortical Ventures.
VC focused on AI companies across Physical AI, AI Production Gap, and AI for Good
Key people at Cortical Ventures.
Cortical Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to accelerating the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) companies. Its mission centers on identifying, incubating, and scaling startups that leverage AI to solve complex challenges across industries. The firm’s investment philosophy emphasizes early-stage support—spanning pre-seed to Series A—while actively collaborating with founders to co-create and incubate new ventures. Cortical Ventures specializes in three key AI domains: Physical AI (AI applied to robotics, hardware, and real-world systems), the AI Production Gap (tools and platforms that bridge the gap between AI research and real-world deployment), and AI for Good (AI solutions that drive positive social, environmental, or humanitarian impact).
By combining deep technical expertise with a hands-on approach, Cortical Ventures plays a pivotal role in shaping the AI startup ecosystem. The firm’s strategic focus on foundational AI technologies and its commitment to supporting founders from ideation through growth positions it as a key enabler of innovation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
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Founded in 2021 and officially launching its $50 million inaugural fund in early 2022, Cortical Ventures was established by Jeremy Achin, co-founder of DataRobot, and Igor Taber, who previously led corporate development at DataRobot and was an early investor in the company during his tenure at Intel Capital. Both founders bring extensive operational and investment experience in AI and technology, having led or participated in over 50 venture deals across North America and Europe.
The firm’s genesis was rooted in the belief that the next wave of AI innovation would require not just capital, but deep technical collaboration and strategic guidance. Cortical Ventures was built to be more than a traditional VC—acting as a co-creator and incubator for AI startups, leveraging its founders’ networks and industry relationships to unlock top-tier opportunities and support founders in scaling their businesses.
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Cortical Ventures is riding the wave of AI’s transition from research to real-world application. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in robotics, healthcare, manufacturing, and social impact initiatives, the firm’s focus on Physical AI and AI for Good positions it at the forefront of this shift. The growing demand for tools that bridge the AI Production Gap—such as MLOps, data infrastructure, and deployment platforms—further amplifies the firm’s relevance.
Timing is critical: with AI adoption accelerating across industries and regulatory, ethical, and technical challenges emerging, Cortical Ventures’ hands-on, founder-centric model is well-suited to nurture the next generation of AI leaders. By supporting startups that push the boundaries of what’s possible, the firm is helping to shape the future of technology and its impact on society.
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Cortical Ventures is poised to become a defining force in the AI venture ecosystem. As AI continues to mature and permeate every sector, the firm’s specialized focus, incubation capabilities, and deep technical expertise will be increasingly valuable. The next few years will likely see Cortical Ventures expand its portfolio, deepen its AI platform, and potentially launch follow-on funds to capture new opportunities.
Looking ahead, the firm’s influence will grow not just through financial returns, but through the transformative impact of the startups it supports. Whether enabling smarter robots, more efficient AI deployment, or solutions that address global challenges, Cortical Ventures is helping to build the foundation for an AI-driven future. As the line between AI research and real-world impact blurs, Cortical Ventures stands ready to lead the charge—just as its founders envisioned.
