Act One Ventures

Act One Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Santa Monica, California, specializing in early-stage investments in business software companies. The firm focuses on sectors such as software-as-a-service (SaaS), fintech, compliance, and e-commerce infrastructure. Act One Ventures leads pre-Seed and Seed rounds, investing between $1 million and $3 million in each company. The firm has raised a total of $148 million across three funds and more than 10 special purpose vehicles, with a portfolio of over 60 companies. Act One Ventures is committed to supporting diverse founders, with over 70% of its portfolio companies led by women and people of color. The firm emphasizes a founder-centric approach, offering operational experience and a supportive community to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building scalable businesses. Act One Ventures has been recognized for its contributions to promoting diversity in the venture capital ecosystem, including the launch of the Diversity Term Sheet Rider to increase representation at the cap table.

Founded in 2016 by Alejandro Guerrero and Michael Silton, Act One Ventures has a track record of successful investments, including leading the Seed round for AuditBoard, which became the largest VC-backed software exit in the U.S. in 2024 at $3.15 billion. The firm's investment philosophy centers on identifying exceptional founders with a strong market fit, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to scale their companies effectively. Act One Ventures operates with a hands-on approach, leveraging its network of advisors and operational expertise to support portfolio companies in areas such as go-to-market strategy, team design, and capital strategy. The firm is dedicated to fostering long-term partnerships with founders, staying closely involved through the various stages of company growth to ensure sustained success.

Act One Ventures' commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its investment practices and the composition of its portfolio. By actively seeking out and supporting underrepresented founders, the firm contributes to a more equitable venture capital landscape. This focus on diversity not only enriches the firm's portfolio but also aligns with its broader mission to back innovative companies that are reshaping industries through technology. Act One Ventures continues to seek out visionary entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of enterprise platforms, aiming to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact in the business software sector.