Koch Fund

Koch Fund – High-Level Overview

Koch Fund refers to Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT), the venture and growth investment arm of Koch Industries, one of the largest private conglomerates in the United States. KDT’s mission is to identify and invest in emerging, high-growth technologies that have the potential to disrupt traditional industries and enhance Koch’s core business capabilities. The firm’s investment philosophy centers on long-term value creation, leveraging Koch’s vast operational expertise and global network to support portfolio companies. KDT targets sectors including healthcare, supply chain, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation, with a focus on early-stage to late-stage growth opportunities. Its investments have helped accelerate innovation in areas such as medical devices, 3D printing, and logistics automation, making KDT a significant player in the startup ecosystem for industrial and deep-tech ventures.

Origin Story

Koch Disruptive Technologies was launched in 2016 as part of Koch Industries’ broader strategy to drive innovation and stay ahead of technological change. The fund was established under the leadership of Jason Illian, who serves as managing director, and operates with the backing of Koch’s substantial resources and decades of experience in scaling complex businesses. KDT’s evolution reflects Koch’s shift from a traditional industrial conglomerate to a forward-looking organization embracing disruptive technologies. Early investments in companies like INSIGHTEC, Ibotta, and Desktop Metal signaled KDT’s intent to back transformative technologies with real-world impact, setting the stage for its reputation as a strategic and hands-on investor.

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: KDT combines venture capital with deep operational support, offering portfolio companies access to Koch’s global infrastructure, supply chain, and industry expertise.
• Network Strength: Backed by Koch Industries, KDT provides unparalleled access to a network of industrial partners, customers, and technical resources.
• Track Record: KDT has led high-profile investments in breakthrough technologies, including MRI-guided surgery, mobile rewards platforms, and metal 3D printing.
• Operating Support: Unlike traditional VC firms, KDT actively collaborates with founders to scale operations, enter new markets, and solve complex technical challenges.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

KDT is riding the wave of industrial digitization and the convergence of physical and digital technologies. The timing is critical as industries from healthcare to manufacturing face pressure to innovate and adapt to new technologies. Market forces such as the rise of automation, the demand for sustainable solutions, and the need for resilient supply chains are working in KDT’s favor. By investing in companies that bridge the gap between traditional industries and cutting-edge tech, KDT is helping shape the future of industrial innovation and influencing how large enterprises approach digital transformation.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Koch Disruptive Technologies is poised to remain a key player in the industrial tech investment space, with a growing portfolio of companies at the forefront of innovation. As the lines between physical and digital continue to blur, KDT’s ability to combine capital with operational expertise will be increasingly valuable. The firm is likely to expand its reach into new sectors such as AI-driven logistics, advanced materials, and next-generation healthcare technologies. Koch’s long-term, principle-based approach ensures that KDT will continue to influence not just the startups it backs, but the broader trajectory of industrial innovation.