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Learn which startups Okapi Venture Capital invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Marc Averitt).
Key people at Okapi Venture Capital.
Okapi Venture Capital provides early-stage capital and strategic management support for pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups. The firm identifies and nurtures innovative ventures through initial phases, equipping them with resources for foundational development and market entry. Okapi’s approach involves guiding promising tech enterprises toward sustainable growth.
Co-founded in 2005 by Marc Averitt and Sharon Stevenson, Okapi became Southern California’s original seed-stage venture capital fund. Averitt offered seasoned entrepreneurial insight, complemented by Stevenson’s expertise, including a Senior Vice President role at an early-stage pharma company. Their partnership addressed a local need for dedicated early-stage investment.
Okapi partners with talented technology entrepreneurs and founding teams. Its vision emphasizes collaborative engagement, extending beyond financial backing to assist founders navigating growth challenges. The firm seeks to cultivate innovative companies, empowering them to achieve market impact and drive future tech advancements.
Key people at Okapi Venture Capital.
Okapi Venture Capital is a seed and early-stage venture capital firm based in Newport Beach, California, founded in 2005. Its mission is to support innovative startups with high growth potential, primarily in the information technology and life sciences sectors. The firm invests mainly in seed and Series A rounds, focusing on sectors such as enterprise software, consumer internet, SaaS, medical devices, financial services, legal tech, real estate tech, and e-commerce. Okapi emphasizes long-term capital and active management support to help startups scale and succeed. Its portfolio includes notable companies like CrowdStrike, Welltok, Qualaroo, Babylist, and Daasity, reflecting a broad impact on the Southern California startup ecosystem and beyond by fostering technology-driven innovation and growth[1][2][3].
Okapi Venture Capital was founded in 2005 by Marc Averitt and Sharon Stevenson, alongside partners Jeff Bocan and John Waller, who bring extensive experience in venture capital and technology management. The firm’s name and philosophy draw inspiration from the okapi animal, known for its unique characteristics and ability to thrive in dense jungle environments, symbolizing the firm’s approach to navigating the complex venture capital landscape. The initial fund was launched with support from local business leaders who encouraged the creation of a seed and early-stage fund focused on IT and life sciences. Since closing its first fund in 2006, Okapi has evolved to become a key player in Southern California’s tech investment scene, maintaining a disciplined and engaged investment strategy[4][1][3].
Okapi Venture Capital rides the wave of increasing innovation in information technology and life sciences, sectors that are rapidly evolving due to advances in data analytics, SaaS, biotech, and digital transformation. The firm’s timing is advantageous as Southern California’s tech ecosystem grows in prominence, supported by a strong entrepreneurial culture and increasing venture activity. Market forces such as digitalization, healthcare innovation, and demand for smarter infrastructure align well with Okapi’s investment focus. By providing early capital and operational support, Okapi helps startups overcome initial scaling challenges, thereby influencing the broader ecosystem by nurturing companies that contribute to technological progress and economic growth in the region and beyond[1][2][3].
Looking ahead, Okapi Venture Capital is well-positioned to continue capitalizing on trends in SaaS, biotech, and emerging tech sectors, especially as digital health and data-driven solutions gain momentum. The firm’s deep regional roots and experienced team suggest it will maintain its active role in shaping Southern California’s startup landscape. Future growth may involve expanding investment size or geographic reach while continuing to provide hands-on support. As technology sectors evolve, Okapi’s influence is likely to grow through its portfolio companies’ successes and its ability to identify and nurture disruptive innovations early in their lifecycle[1][2][4]. This ongoing commitment ties back to its founding vision of thriving in the complex “jungle” of venture capital by backing precocious, high-potential startups.
