About
Cowles Ventures
Originating in Spokane, WA, Cowles Ventures has grown its impact to encompass high-growth companies across the Western United States and beyond. We are on the lookout for ambitious entrepreneurs whose businesses align with our vision and values. If your venture meets our criteria and you share our commitment to making a significant impact, we invite you to connect with us. Please submit your information and take the first step towards potential partnership by following the link below. Let’s explore how together, we can drive the future of innovation and growth.
Cowles Company
is a fourth-generation, family-owned enterprise based in Spokane, WA, with a diverse portfolio of legacy companies primarily located in the Inland Northwest. The company’s holdings span across broadcasting, newsprint manufacturing, forestry, print media, and real estate. In 2006, recognizing the need to look toward the future, Cowles Company began investing in startups, aiming to identify the next wholly owned operating subsidiary. Following successful liquidity events between 2015 and 2017, the company strategically evolved its startup investment portfolio into a diversified growth vehicle, independent of the need to find a new operating entity.
Cowles Ventures (CV)
was born out of this evolution as the venture capital arm of Cowles Company. With assets under management (AUM) totaling $125M, CV has made 42 direct investments and committed to 21 managed funds to date. The fund focuses on early-stage companies that demonstrate clear defensibility, market validation, and scalability. At CV, we value trust, community, and hard work, and we are eager to partner with like-minded organizations. Our investment strategy remains regionally focused in the Inland Northwest, with key areas of interest including Healthcare, AgTech, Media, and vertical SaaS.
Cowles Ventures has participated in several high-profile exits, including StemCentrx (acquired by AbbVie for $9.8B), ZipWhip (acquired by Twilio for $850M), VOKE AI (acquired by Intel Sports), etailz, Scientia Vascular, and Demand Energy (acquired by Enel Green Power). These exits returned nearly 3x invested capital, with an IRR of over 60%.
Our active portfolio features industry leaders such as Spiceology, the fastest-growing spice company in America; Revival Tea, the fastest-growing tea company in America; and Quintar, the frontrunner in XR sports spatial experiences with Apple Vision Pro.
Focus
Our target investment is a first check of $250,000 to $1 millions in a Series Seed to Series A round.
Industries
Sectors we focus on include Healthcare, Media, Environmental Advancement, and B2B SaaS.