Collide Capital, established by Brian Hollins and Aaron Samuels, closed a $95 million Fund II on Thursday. The firm, launched in 2021, supports early-stage firms in fintech, supply chain, and the future of work sectors.
With 75 companies backed since its initial $66 million Fund I in 2022, it took them approximately 13 months to raise the latest fund. They plan to invest it over the next 3.5 years. Despite challenges for new fund managers, Collide Capital’s team boasts substantial experience and credentials (Hollins with Goldman, Lightspeed, and Slow; Samuels with Bain, Lightspeed, and co-founding AfroTech, a large tech conference).
Limited partners for Fund II include the University of California Endowment (UC Regents), Accolade Partners, Fairview Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan. The average investment will range from $1 million to $3 million, targeting a minimum of 30 companies, with five already funded. The firm’s portfolio includes Culina Health and Helios.
Hollins expressed interest in platforms that facilitate automation, real‑time collaboration, and enhanced data-driven decision-making.
Beyond technology, Hollins and Samuels are eager to grow their Collide Campus program, initiated in 2022 to nurture upcoming founders and venture capitalists. The program operates separately from the fund-raising effort. It includes an undergraduate initiative educating students on VC and entrepreneurship and a graduate fellowship where students join Collide as investors and apprentices.
The undergraduate program spans over 20 campuses such as Harvard and Johns Hopkins. Over 50 students have participated, securing roles at prominent firms like General Catalysts and Collide. The program aids the firm in sourcing deals and talent, a resource Hollins and Samuels wish had existed during their student years.
“We’re connecting the best and brightest with venture capital to match their grit and determination to build businesses the world needs,” Samuels stated.