At a Glance
Valor Ventures operates as a mission-driven early-stage venture capital firm targeting underrepresented founders across the Southeast, with particular strength in Atlanta's emerging tech ecosystem. The firm was established by Christopher Burnap and Lisa Calhoun in 2014 with a dual mandate: generate returns while addressing diversity gaps in venture capital funding. With $25 million in assets under management, Valor Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed investments ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 in enterprise software, consumer technology, digital health, and artificial intelligence companies. The firm has positioned itself as a bridge between promising diverse entrepreneurs and larger institutional capital, often serving as the first institutional investor for underrepresented founders who face systemic barriers to funding. Valor Ventures' portfolio reflects this thesis, with investments spanning companies led by women, minority, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. The firm's approach centers on identifying strong technical teams with deep domain expertise, particularly those building solutions for large addressable markets that benefit from diverse perspectives. Beyond capital, Valor Ventures provides portfolio companies with access to its network of corporate partners, follow-on investors, and executive advisors throughout the Southeast. The firm has established relationships with major Atlanta-based corporations and has worked to create pathways for portfolio companies to access pilot programs and enterprise sales opportunities. As Atlanta's startup ecosystem has matured, Valor Ventures has become recognized as a consistent early-stage investor, particularly for companies that might otherwise struggle to access traditional venture networks. The firm's investment committee includes successful entrepreneurs and operators who bring operational expertise to portfolio company evaluations. While Valor Ventures maintains its focus on underrepresented founders, the firm emphasizes that investment decisions are ultimately driven by market opportunity, team quality, and potential for venture-scale returns. This balanced approach has helped establish credibility within the broader venture community while staying true to its diversity mission.
“Investing in underrepresented founders building scalable technology companies in emerging ecosystems.”
Lisa Calhoun serves as General Partner, bringing extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and startup advisor in the Atlanta ecosystem. She previously founded several technology companies and has been active in developing Atlanta's venture community. Christopher Burnap, the firm's co-founder, contributes operational expertise from his background in enterprise software and business development. The Valor Ventures team includes experienced venture professionals who combine investment experience with operational backgrounds in technology companies. The firm's investment committee draws from successful entrepreneurs and executives who provide sector-specific expertise in enterprise software, healthcare technology, and consumer products.
Valor Ventures launched its initial fund in 2014 with a focus on early-stage investments in underrepresented founders across the Southeast. The firm has maintained consistent investment activity since inception, deploying capital through a single fund vehicle focused on pre-seed and seed stage companies. With $25 million in assets under management, Valor Ventures has established itself as an active early-stage investor in the Atlanta market while maintaining its original thesis around diversity and inclusion in venture capital.
Valor Ventures primarily invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages. This means they focus on companies that are at the earliest idea or prototype phase.
Valor Ventures is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Many of their portfolio companies are also based in this region, though they invest across geographies.
Valor Ventures focuses on investments in Enterprise, Consumer, Digital Health, AI. Their portfolio reflects deep expertise and networks within these sectors.
Valor Ventures's typical investment check size ranges from $100K to $500K. Actual amounts may vary based on the stage, sector, and specific opportunity.
Valor Ventures manages approximately $25M in assets under management (AUM) across their funds.
