Desert Forge Ventures

Originally envisioned as Scarlet Capital, Desert Forge Ventures has now been created to catalyze and nurture the growth of early-stage technology startups through venture investment while simultaneously providing significant returns to shareholders and the community. Desert Forge Ventures was established through use of Economic Development Agency funding and through collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Desert Forge Ventures is actively fundraising and seeking potential investment opportunities, with increased focus on start-up companies having an association to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. To find out additional information or how to become a limited partner (investor) contact Dr. Len Jessup at len@desertforgeventures.com or visit the .

Who Does Desert Forge Ventures Invest In?

Strong Teams: Startups led by experienced, high-quality teams

Innovative Technology: Disruptive technologies that address demonstrable market needs

Scalability: Technologies that can show a feasible path to scale 

Traction: Startups that have a proven demand and feasible plan for acquiring customers

How Does Desert Forge Ventures Invest?

Fund Size: Targeted at $20m to $25m

Investment Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A

Check Size: $100k to $1m

Affiliation: Preference will be given to start-ups having a tie to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, or strong presence in the Las Vegas valley and/or Southwest Region.

Empower and fund the innovation ecosystem of Southern Nevada
Drive economic impact and diversification in Nevada and throughout the region
Expand local opportunities in venture capital and finance for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students.

Fund Structure and Management

Managing Partner Collaborator

Led by former 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ President, Len Jessup, as managing partner, the Desert Forge Ventures team has a deep understanding of market trends and a proven ability to identify and nurture innovative startups, as well as in-depth knowledge and experience with the Las Vegas ecosystem. While Desert Forge Ventures is a completely separate entity outside 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, Dr. Jessup and his team work closely with Executive Director Zach Miles, Esq. and Associate Director, Jamie Schwartz, MBA, to maximize the relationship between the fund and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.

Limited Partners Collaborator (Investors)

Individuals, corporations, family funds, fund-to-funds, and any accredited investor is welcome to become a Limited Partner Collaborator with a minimum investment of $200k.

Analysts

The force behind Scarlet Capital's Desert Forge Ventures Fund will be bright 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students. The Fund’s lead analyst is Christel San Diego (christel@desertforgeventures.com), a recent 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ graduate majoring in Finance, with service on the Rebel Venture Fund, and a startup to her credit. The Fund also employs two analyst fellows (interns), Chris Rosales and Sean Curry, both current 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students with related experience. Primary due diligence support and guidance will come from the partners, advisors, investment committee members, and other experienced investors, subject matter experts, and consultants. Analysts are responsible for: Deal flow & Sourcing, Preview Memo Creation, Due Diligence, and Market Research.

Additional Information

For more information or to inquire about participating, please contact The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Research Foundation team:

Zachary Miles

Executive Director, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Research Foundation
Zachary Miles
Mail Code: 1092
Phone: 702-895-4507
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Jamie Schwartz

Associate Director, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Research Foundation
Headshot of Jamie Schwartz
Office: HR1 Suite 400
Mail Code: 1049
Phone: 702-895-5641
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