Plum Alley Ventures Research
Investment Thesis
Plum Alley Ventures is a pioneer in democratizing access to early-stage venture capital while championing diversity and inclusion in technology and healthcare innovation. Founded in 2011 by Deborah Jackson with an initial mission to increase access to funding for women entrepreneurs, the firm has evolved into a sophisticated venture platform investing in frontier technologies and medical breakthroughs that create transformative positive change for humanity, industry, and the planet.
The firm's core investment thesis rests on three fundamental beliefs: (1) that frontier technologies and medical breakthroughs represent the best opportunities to address global challenges, (2) that exceptional founders exist across all demographics and backgrounds, and (3) that diversity of perspective drives innovation and superior returns. By mandating at least one woman founder per portfolio company, Plum Alley has created a sustainable filtering mechanism that not only advances gender equity but also brings differentiated perspectives to technical problem-solving.
Sector and Technology Focus
Plum Alley maintains a diversified yet focused portfolio across multiple high-impact sectors:
Core Sectors:
- Biotech & Life Sciences: CRISPR therapeutics (Mammoth Biosciences), computational drug discovery (Juvena Therapeutics), precision medicine for animals (One Health), cellular reprogramming for women's health (Gameto), and immunology innovations (Helaina, Siren Bio, BioEclipse)
- Climate & Clean Energy: Rare earth metal recycling (Phoenix Tailings), air quality monitoring (Aclima), agricultural biotechnology (InnerPlant, Air Protein), water testing automation (Ketos), and sustainable textiles (Evrnu)
- Advanced Hardware & Robotics: Autonomous logistics (Einride), robotic hospital automation (Diligent Robotics), industrial corrosion monitoring (Arix Technologies), and medical imaging (Openwater)
- AI & Automation: Autonomous retail (AiFi), AI-powered content monetization (Markable/Mai), critical thinking education software (ThinkCERCA), wastewater epidemiology (Biobot Analytics), and antimicrobial lighting (Vyv)
- Healthcare Infrastructure: Cardiovascular diagnostics (Cordex Systems), bone regeneration (EpiBone)
Technology Preferences: The portfolio demonstrates strong concentration in AI/ML, computer vision, biotechnology, hardware innovation, and robotics. The firm shows particular expertise in deep tech applications where regulatory approval, scientific validation, and long development cycles create defensible competitive advantages.
Stage Focus and Check Size
Plum Alley invests primarily in early-stage companies with a preference for entrepreneurs who can demonstrate strong credentials, previous success, and distinctive visions. Typical check sizes range from $750K-$3M, with willingness to participate in larger follow-ons for strong portfolio companies. The Venture Fund I data shows concentration around company formation through Series A, with deployment of $22M across 14 companies by 2023.
Recent Activity & Fund Status
Venture Fund I Status:
- Closed 2023 at $22M
- Fully deployed by 2023 into 14 companies
- Notable exits and strong performance tracking
Fund II Development:
- Launching in 2025 with expanded thesis and domain expert GP partnerships
- Signaling increased AUM and acceleration in deployment velocity
- Integration of sector-specific expertise through dedicated fund managers
Recent Investments:
- January 12, 2026: Juvena Therapeutics Series B participation (company has raised $85M total, current round oversubscribed at $40M)
- Continued participation in SPV portfolio follow-ons and new opportunities across healthcare, climate, and advanced tech
Portfolio Highlights
Notable portfolio companies across the 36-company portfolio include: Mammoth Biosciences (CRISPR with $1.6B+ pharma partnerships), Juvena Therapeutics ($85M+ raised), Einride (autonomous electric freight), AiFi (autonomous retail), InnerPlant (AgTech), Gameto (women's health), Air Protein (sustainable protein), Openwater (medical imaging), Helaina (human milk proteins), Ketos (water testing), Aclima (air quality), Arix Technologies (industrial inspection), Diligent Robotics (hospital automation), and Biobot Analytics (wastewater epidemiology).
Team & Leadership
Founding Partners & GPs:
- Deborah Jackson: Founder, CEO, visionary leader with 14+ years building firm thesis
- Avantika Daing: Managing Partner with founder IPO exit experience and global reach
- Andrea Turner Moffitt: GP of PA Venture Fund I
Operating Team:
- Sunil Rao: COO/SVP Finance managing partnerships and infrastructure
- Nate Wang: VP of Investments leading deal sourcing and monitoring
- Parker Fay: Venture Associate handling finance and investor relations
- Selby Drummond: Senior Strategic Officer supporting portfolio companies
The 7-person core team demonstrates clear specialization with capacity for 2-3 active funds simultaneously.
Geographic Focus
Primary investment geographies include the United States (innovation hubs), Europe (portfolio companies like Einride), and global reach for exceptional deep tech founders. SPV syndicate structure suggests relationships with family offices, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.
Decision Process & Founder Preferences
Investment decision involves partnership model among GPs with sector-specific fund vehicles. Patient capital approach consistent with deep tech/biotech timelines (5-10 year holds). Founder mandate requires at least one woman founder; preference for domain expertise, deep technical credentials, previous success, vision for solving major human challenges, and ability to attract world-class advisors.
Lead vs. Follow Tendency
Plum Alley demonstrates a "follow with influence" model: comfortable leading seed-stage rounds with network and operational support; more likely to co-lead or participate in later rounds where company has de-risked. Recent investments (Juvena, Phoenix Tailings Series B participation) show pattern of meaningful follow-on support and strong conviction.
Strategic Direction
Plum Alley is transitioning from boutique founder-focused platform into multi-fund operator with specialized sector vehicles. Fund I success validates thesis and provides LP confidence for larger Fund II fundraising. Expansion to dedicated sector funds (climate, biotech, advanced tech) signals confidence in operational team and desire to capture increasing deal flow.
Research Confidence Notes: Investment thesis, sectors, portfolio highly confident (website source). Check size range moderate confidence (inferred from Fund I). AUM lower confidence ($100M deployed confirmed). Team high confidence. Geographic reach moderate confidence. Recent activity high confidence (PitchBook verified).