S3 Ventures

S3 Ventures is the largest and longest-serving venture capital firm born in Texas and investing nationwide. Founded in 2005 and backed by a single philanthropic limited partner, S3 leads Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds in Business Software and Healthcare Technology with $1B+ in assets under management.

About

About S3 Ventures: Firm history, single-LP model, and philanthropic mission.

Our Commitments: Patient Capital, True Resources, and Big Impacts philosophy.

Our Team: Investment team, partners, and operations staff.

Key Facts

Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Austin, TX
AUM: $1B+
Portfolio: 75+ companies, $3.5B+ raised, 35+ exits valued over $3B
Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
Initial check size: $500K–$15M+; total capacity $25M+
Focus: Business Software, Healthcare Technology

Team

Brian R. Smith — Managing Director
Charlie Plauche — General Partner
Eric Engineer — General Partner
Aaron Perman — General Partner
Joe Curry — Principal
Nicole Bentz — Vice President
Anthony Marfisi — Associate
Kevin Haley — Associate
Will Omberg — Associate
Kathryn Deebel — Director of Platform & Network
Shelley Graves — Controller

Portfolio

All Companies: Full list of active and exited portfolio companies across Business Software and Healthcare Technology.

Active Companies: Currently active portfolio companies.

Exited Companies: Portfolio exits valued collectively over $3B.

Founder Spotlights: Stories and interviews from S3-backed entrepreneurs.

Startup Toolbox

Startup Toolbox: Free homegrown resources to help founders build their companies.

SaaS Operating Model: Financial model template for SaaS businesses.

Term Loan Calculator: Calculate term loan payments and structures.

Stagger Charts: Visualize cohort and revenue stagger data.

Cash Management Best Practices: Guide to startup cash management.

Sales Quota Workbook: Build and manage sales quotas.

Sales Forecast Workbook: Model and track sales forecasts.

Capitalization Table Template: Track equity ownership and dilution.

Option Grants Workbook: Manage employee stock option grants.

Unit Economics Workbook: Calculate CAC, LTV, and unit economics.

Starter Kit for Texas Founders: Resources specific to founding a company in Texas.

Meeting One: Guide to preparing for the first investor meeting.

Optional

News & Insights: Latest news and perspectives from S3 and portfolio companies.

Talent Network: Career opportunities across the S3 portfolio.

Media Kit: Press and brand assets.

Newsletter: Sign up for the S3 Ventures newsletter.