AIN Ventures

AIN Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York and Washington DC that invests in dual-use deep technology and veteran-led startups. The organization targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies developing advanced solutions with both commercial and national security applications across critical sectors like space exploration, healthcare, sustainability, disaster response, and defense technology. Operating with a dedicated team of four staff members, the firm currently manages three distinct investment funds and typically writes initial checks ranging from $50,000 to $1 million to support early-stage growth. The firm has built an active portfolio of more than thirty companies, backing recognizable industry names such as True Anomaly, Orbit Fab, ClimateAi, Shift, and Arcee AI. Generating revenue through standard management fees and carried interest, AIN Ventures was founded in 2019 by managing partners Sherman Williams and Emily McMahan.

AIN Ventures operates as a seed-stage venture fund, investing in dual-use technologies across space, civic, and defense sectors, alongside military veteran-led startups, often software-focused. The firm also actively supports ventures founded by underestimated minorities, prioritizing founders demonstrating exceptional leadership and determination in their investment strategy.

Co-founded by Sherman Williams II, a former Naval Intelligence Officer and M&A banker, and Emily McMahan, an entrepreneur who established an incubator for military founders, their combined military and industry experience defines their unique investment thesis. This insight underscores the distinct capabilities of veteran and diverse founders driving impactful technological innovation.

AIN Ventures supports a portfolio of pre-seed and seed-stage deep tech and veteran-led ventures, aiming for "Profit With A Purpose." The fund backs disruptive ideas with significant societal impact, envisioning a future cultivated by resilient founders, fostering forward-looking technological advancements, and contributing to meaningful innovation.