S3 Ventures

S3 Ventures is the largest and longest-serving venture capital firm born in Texas and investing nationwide. Founded in 2005 and backed by a single philanthropic limited partner, S3 leads Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds in Business Software and Healthcare Technology with $1B+ in assets under management.

Our single-LP model is of great benefit to our entrepreneurs: without the distraction of constant fundraising, our entire team can dedicate more time and resources to helping our portfolio companies succeed. With this unique structure, we are unencumbered by many of the mandates and timing constraints faced by traditional venture capital firms — better aligning us with the needs of founders and their companies.

About

About S3 Ventures: Firm history, single-LP model, and philanthropic mission.

Our Commitments: Patient Capital, True Resources, and Big Impacts philosophy.

Our Team: Investment team, partners, and operations staff.

Key Facts

Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Austin, TX
AUM: $1B+
Latest Fund: Fund VIII; $250M; announced December 2025
Portfolio: 75+ companies, $3.5B+ raised, 35+ exits valued over $3B
Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
Initial check size: $500K–$15M+
Focus: Business Software, Healthcare Technology
LP Structure: Single philanthropic family LP

Team

Brian R. Smith: Managing Director

Charlie Plauche: General Partner

Eric Engineer: General Partner

Aaron Perman: General Partner

Joe Curry: Principal

Nicole Bentz: Vice President

Anthony Marfisi: Associate

Kevin Haley: Associate

Will Omberg: Associate

Kathryn Deebel: Director of Platform & Network

Shelley Graves: Controller

Portfolio

All Companies: Full list of active and exited portfolio companies across Business Software and Healthcare Technology.

Active Companies: Currently active portfolio companies.

Exited Companies: Portfolio exits valued collectively over $3B.

Founder Spotlights: Stories and interviews from S3-backed entrepreneurs.

Startup Toolbox

Startup Toolbox: Free homegrown resources to help founders build their companies.

SaaS Operating Model: Financial model template for SaaS businesses.

Term Loan Calculator: Calculate term loan payments and structures.

Stagger Charts: Visualize cohort and revenue stagger data.

Cash Management Best Practices: Guide to startup cash management.

Sales Quota Workbook: Build and manage sales quotas.

Sales Forecast Workbook: Model and track sales forecasts.

Capitalization Table Template: Track equity ownership and dilution.

Option Grants Workbook: Manage employee stock option grants.

Unit Economics Workbook: Calculate CAC, LTV, and unit economics.

Starter Kit for Texas Founders: Resources specific to founding a company in Texas.

Meeting One: Guide to preparing for the first investor meeting.

Optional

News & Insights: Latest news and perspectives from S3 and portfolio companies.

Talent Network: Career opportunities across the S3 portfolio.

Media Kit: Press and brand assets.

Newsletter: Sign up for the S3 Ventures newsletter.