Run Ventures announced the launch of a $290 million early-stage venture capital fund focused on leading Series A investments for technology companies in high-growth ecosystems across the United States. Founded by veteran investors Brandon Tidwell and Ben Dahl and based in Salt Lake City, the firm will back ambitious entrepreneurs building companies in artificial intelligence and other transformative sectors.
Tidwell and Dahl previously invested together across two funds at Signal Peak Ventures, with a track record that includes companies such as Filevine, Authenticx, and Bark. Run Ventures builds on that experience with a strategy centered on Series A leadership, while also selectively participating in seed-stage investments.
This fund represents a significant shift in venture capital distribution, challenging the traditional concentration of investment in coastal hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston. With Salt Lake City as its base and strong national connectivity, the firm is structured to lead investments in markets such as Austin, Denver, and Atlanta, providing capital and hands-on partnership wherever founders are building.
Tidwell emphasized the opportunity beyond traditional tech centers, stating, "We're witnessing a powerful convergence of talent, opportunity, and technology across the country's rising tech centers. At the same time, AI is accelerating company-building faster than ever before. By combining our investment experience with a commitment to founders outside the coasts, we're positioned to identify and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs solving previously intractable problems."
The firm's approach emphasizes deep engagement with founders, as described by Dahl: "It's often more enjoyable to go running with a partner than hitting the pavement alone. We see ourselves as the running partners to founders - encouraging, coaching, and pushing them forward." This philosophy is reflected in the firm's name and commitment to hands-on partnership.
Ryan Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Filevine, attested to the firm's collaborative approach, noting that the Run Ventures team "transcended the typical investor role to become essential collaborators - helping us raise subsequent rounds of capital, recruit key additions to our team, and provide substantive expertise precisely when it matters most."
The $290 million fund represents a substantial commitment to diversifying venture capital distribution and supporting innovation ecosystems across the United States. For more information about the firm and its investment strategy, visit https://www.run.vc.
