Razor's Edge Ventures
UnclaimedAt a Glance
- Check Size
- $1M – $15M
- Stage
- Seed, Series A, Series B+
- AUM
- $500M+
- Sectors
- Aerospace & Defense, Cybersecurity, AI
- Founded
- 2009
- HQ
- Reston, VA
About Razor's Edge Ventures
Razor's Edge Ventures is a Washington, DC-based venture capital firm founded in 2013 that specializes in defense and national security investments. With over $500 million in assets under management, the firm has established itself as a leading investor in dual-use technology companies that serve both national security and commercial markets.
The firm's investment strategy focuses on backing companies developing critical technologies for national security challenges, including aerospace & defense, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence solutions. Razor's Edge Ventures typically invests across seed, Series A, and Series B+ rounds, supporting companies at various stages of growth. What distinguishes the firm is its backing by former military and intelligence community leaders, providing portfolio companies with unique domain expertise and strategic guidance.
Notable portfolio companies include Rebellion Defense, Second Front Systems, and Govini, all of which exemplify the firm's focus on companies bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and defense applications. The firm's Washington, DC location provides strategic proximity to government agencies, defense contractors, and policy makers, enabling them to facilitate crucial partnerships and navigate the complex defense procurement landscape. This positioning makes Razor's Edge Ventures particularly valuable to startups seeking to scale dual-use technologies in both commercial and government markets.
Investment Thesis
“Backs dual-use technology companies solving critical national security challenges.”
Leadership Team
Mark Spoto and Jack Kerrigan appear as executive officers on every Razor's Edge fund filing from the 2010 first close through Fund IV, and lead the firm as managing directors. Mary “Peggy” Styer, named on filings from Fund I onward, and Richard Moxley, another Fund I signatory, remain principals of the general partner. Steve Pann is listed on Fund I and each subsequent vehicle; Rob Painter signed the Fund I and Fund II-A offerings. That same group has carried across five funds and roughly $1.22 billion of registered offerings, an unusually stable partnership for a defense-focused manager. The firm's positioning rests on operating and investing experience drawn from the defense and intelligence communities, which is how it underwrites dual-use companies selling into both government and commercial buyers.
Sector Focus
Investment Stage
Notable Portfolio Companies
Fund History
Razor's Edge has raised four flagship funds from its Reston, Virginia base. Razor's Edge Fund, LP was organized in 2009 and recorded its first sale on November 12, 2010; successive Form D amendments lifted the offering from $40 million to $50 million and then to $55 million, and the vehicle closed fully subscribed at $55 million across 72 investors. Fund II followed in September 2016 with a $250 million offering, supplemented in March 2018 by Razor's Edge Fund II-A, a $63.5 million parallel vehicle. Fund III and a parallel Fund III-A were registered in December 2021 against a $350 million target. The firm returned to market in October 2024 with Fund IV and Fund IV-A, a $500 million offering and its largest to date. Registered offerings across the five generations total roughly $1.22 billion. Razor's Edge Ventures III, LLC and Razor's Edge GP IV, LLC serve as general partners, with Razor's Edge Management, LLC named as promoter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stage does Razor's Edge Ventures invest at?
Razor's Edge Ventures primarily invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B+ stages. This means they focus on companies that are building their initial product and finding product-market fit.
Where is Razor's Edge Ventures located?
Razor's Edge Ventures is headquartered in Reston, VA. Many of their portfolio companies are also based in this region, though they invest across geographies.
What sectors does Razor's Edge Ventures focus on?
Razor's Edge Ventures focuses on investments in Aerospace & Defense, Cybersecurity, AI. Their portfolio reflects deep expertise and networks within these sectors.
What is Razor's Edge Ventures's typical check size?
Razor's Edge Ventures's typical investment check size ranges from $1M to $15M. Actual amounts may vary based on the stage, sector, and specific opportunity.
How much does Razor's Edge Ventures have under management?
Razor's Edge Ventures manages approximately $500M+ in assets under management (AUM) across their funds.
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