DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 4, 2025--
Denver Ventures, a cornerstone of Colorado’s startup ecosystem, today announced its launch with the successful close of its first dedicated seed fund, Denver Ventures Seed Fund I, oversubscribing the target raise with over $20 million in capital commitments. The new investment platform builds on the foundation established by Denver Angels, the original investment group, and currently manages over $60 million in assets across multiple investment vehicles.
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Denver Ventures has participated in funding rounds for leading startup companies, such as Boom Supersonic, Urban Sky, RADICL and Pepper. Its successful track record investing in more than 45 companies has resulted in one of the nation’s largest networks of investors. Kenny Monfort, an original founder, will continue to serve as Chairman of Denver Ventures.
Denver Ventures represents a natural progression in the organization’s growth, reflecting its transformation from an angel investment group to a professionalized investment platform. The organization will continue to use its powerful network of CEOs, family offices, and operators of large enterprises, which have driven exceptional deal flow, momentum, and outcomes for both founders and investors.
“We’re building on a strong foundation to create something even more powerful,” said David Prichard, CEO of Denver Ventures. “Our investor network remains the backbone of our community, and now Denver Ventures offers a more synergistic platform that helps us move faster, support founders more effectively, and deliver exceptional returns for our investors.”
Distinctive "Founder DNA" Drives Investment Strategy
Central to Denver Ventures’ investment approach is its focus on entrepreneurs with distinctive “Founder DNA”—a rare combination of traits that sets extraordinary entrepreneurs apart. The firm targets founders who embody seemingly contradictory qualities: simultaneously bold yet pragmatic, audacious yet humble, and laser-focused on execution yet highly adaptable.
“We champion relentless visionaries who turn obstacles into momentum,” said Elyse Kent, Partner at Denver Ventures. “When we identify leaders with this distinctive ‘Founder DNA,’ we go all in—bringing capital, connections, community, and an unmatched network that amplifies their potential.”
Reinforcing their commitment to identifying and supporting Founder DNA, Denver Ventures has welcomed Martin Dubin as Human Capital Advisor. Marty, a clinical psychologist and three-time founder, brings deep expertise from his decade-long tenure consulting with Andreessen Horowitz and many of their portfolio companies.
"Identifying the key traits and motives that lead to entrepreneurial success is a mix of art and science. Denver Ventures is going beyond gut instinct and tribal knowledge by integrating pattern recognition with rigorous, science-backed methodology. I'm proud to partner with them in supporting founders on their path to greatness," said Marty Dubin.
With the launch of Denver Ventures Seed Fund, the organization will invest $250,000 to $800,000 in pre-seed and seed-stage companies with breakthrough innovations and high-impact potential. Denver Ventures' growth vehicles will continue to invest $1M-$3M in later-stage companies.
Network-Driven Investment Approach Offers Powerful Connections for Founders
“What truly sets Denver Ventures apart is their ability to make strategic introductions at exactly the right time,” said Chris Petersen, CEO of RADICL, a Boulder-based cybersecurity firm backed by the fund. “Their network opened doors to customers and partners we couldn't have accessed otherwise, which supercharged our growth trajectory. They recognized our vision when we were still early and understood the unique blend of technical expertise and market understanding needed to disrupt the cybersecurity landscape.”
“A small band of talented and dedicated engineers has accomplished what once required governments and billions of dollars—right here in Colorado,” said Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic. “Having a local investor who believes in our mission and understands what it takes to achieve great outcomes means a great deal as we bring the benefits of supersonic flight to the world.”
About Denver Ventures
Denver Ventures backs bold, visionary founders with the rare traits needed to build category-defining companies. We combine capital, insight, and an unrivaled network to turn ambition into momentum—delivering exceptional value for founders and investors alike. For more information, visit www.denverventures.co.
Denver Ventures Executive Team, from left: Ankur Kanotra, Principal, David Prichard, CEO and Blair Simpson, Principal. Photo by Kalen Jesse.
Denver Ventures Seed Fund Partners, from left: Elyse Kent, Amy Brandenburg, David Prichard, David Gold. Photo by Kalen Jesse.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Josh Allen took a pounding, doled out punishment and delivered Buffalo its first road playoff victory in more than three decades, 27-24 over Jacksonville in the AFC's wild-card opener Sunday.
With linebacker Devin Lloyd bearing down on him, Allen found Brandin Cooks for 36 yards just before the two-minute warning and then capped the go-ahead drive with a 1-yard touchdown run in which Jacksonville let him score.
On the play before his score, Allen gained 10 yards on a sneak, refusing to go down while being pushed and pulled to the goal line.
“Just trusting everybody on the field,” Allen said. "Great win, great team win. All we’ve got to do is play our game, find a way to win a football game. We’re on to the next.”
Buffalo will play at Denver or New England next week, a chance to build a road winning streak after a decades-long skid.
“We got to go do it again. We got to go do it again," Allen said.
Focused on getting rid of the ball quickly and negating Jacksonville’s pass rush most of the game, Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown. He ran for two scores, was sacked just once and played turnover-free football. Khalil Shakir caught 12 passes for 82 yards for the Bills.
It was necessary considering NFL rushing leader James Cook was mostly bottled up, finishing with 46 yards on 15 carries.
“You know, we’re going to play for each other, we’re gonna fight to the very last second, and you saw that here today,” Allen said.
Buffalo (13-5) intercepted a deflected pass on Jacksonville’s final drive to seal the victory.
The Bills had been 0-5 on the road in the playoffs under coach Sean McDermott, starting with a 10-3 loss at Jacksonville in the 2017 wild-card round. The Bills had dropped eight consecutive postseason games on the road since winning at Miami in the 1992 AFC championship game. It had been the NFL’s second-longest, active road playoff skid.
The Jaguars (13-5) took the lead with 4:03 to play on Trevor Lawrence’s third TD pass of the game, but they couldn’t hold it against the NFL’s reigning MVP.
Lawrence completed 18 of 30 passes for 207 yards, with TD throws to Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington and Travis Etienne. Washington finished with seven catches for 107 yards.
Coach Liam Coen surely will get questioned for not running the ball more against one of the league’s most porous run defenses.
Etienne and rookie Bhayshul Tuten combined for 118 yards on just 14 carries.
Allen, meanwhile, showed his toughness. He twice ended up in the medical tent in the first half but didn’t miss a snap. He got hammered in the head twice during one play, with Josh Hines-Allen landing on the side of his helmet right after teammate Travon Walker tackled him to the ground. His left ear appeared to be bleeding, but he got checked out and returned.
Allen later slammed his right hand into the helmet of right guard O’Cyrus Torrence after releasing the ball. And he completed the injury trifecta when his left leg got bent awkwardly on his 2-yard TD run.
Allen stayed on the ground following that last hit from Hines-Allen and gingerly walked to the sideline and back into the tent. But, as usual, the 6-foot-5, 237-pounder powered through and was back on the field making plays.
The Jaguars had a chance to tie the game at the end of the first half, but Cam Little was wide left on a 54-yarder. The miss ended a streak of 20 consecutive field goals made for the second-year pro from Arkansas.
Little kicked the two longest field goals in NFL history this season — a 68-yarder at Las Vegas and a 67-yarder last week against Tennessee.
He got a chance after the Bills were flagged for being offside following a 34-yard completion that got Little into range.
Bills S Jordan Poyer (hamstring) was ruled out to start the third quarter, a huge loss for an already banged-up secondary. It left the Bills to play with rookie Jordan Hancock and second-year Cole Bishop. WR Gabe Davis, who played for Jacksonville last season, injured his left knee in the fourth and was carted to the locker room and ruled out. WR Tyrell Shavers injured his left knee during a punt return but returned in the second half.
Jaguars RG Patrick Mekari (back) left in the third. LG Ezra Cleveland also was banged up and alternating plays with rookie Wyatt Milum. WR Parker Washington was evaluated for a concussion in the first half and cleared to return.
The Bills will play at Denver or New England next weekend.
The Jaguars will turn their attention toward improving a roster that lacked enough difference-makers on both sides of the ball.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Buffalo Bills' Ray Davis, bottom right, fumbles a kickoff return from the Jacksonville Jaguars as teammate Baylon Spector (54) and Jacksonville Jaguars' Devin Lloyd (0) try to recover the ball during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen gets up after collecting a first down near the Jacksonville Jaguars end zone later in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) pushes in for a first down as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) tries to stop him during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
