Motivate
Motivate is a company.
Financial History
Leadership Team
Key people at Motivate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Motivate?
Motivate was founded by Tom Patterson (CEO and Founder).
Motivate is a company.
Key people at Motivate.
Motivate was founded by Tom Patterson (CEO and Founder).
Motivate was founded by Tom Patterson (CEO and Founder).
Key people at Motivate.
Motivate Venture Capital (Motivate VC) is a seed-stage investment firm focused on backing ambitious founders who tackle significant, durable problems with high-growth potential. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), software-as-a-service (SaaS), and industrial automation. Motivate VC provides not only capital but also strategic support and connections to help early-stage startups achieve product-market fit and scale effectively. Their investments typically range from $250K to $3M, targeting pre-seed and seed rounds, and they maintain a presence in major U.S. innovation hubs like Chicago and New York[1][2].
Founded in 2019 in Chicago, Motivate VC was co-founded by David Wieland and Lauren DeLuca. David Wieland brings extensive entrepreneurial and investment experience, having founded RIVS, a successful video hiring platform, and co-founded IrishAngels, a prominent angel investor group. The firm evolved from Wieland’s deep involvement in early-stage investing and his desire to support founders with both capital and operational expertise. Motivate’s team includes seasoned professionals like Jackson Bubala, who specializes in fintech and enterprise software investments, and Courtney Trunk, with a background in venture capital and financial consulting[3][4].
Motivate VC rides the wave of early-stage innovation in sectors undergoing rapid transformation, such as fintech, AI, and industrial automation. The timing is favorable due to increasing demand for digital solutions in finance and industry, alongside growing startup ecosystems in U.S. innovation hubs. By providing early capital and operational support, Motivate helps accelerate the growth of startups that address large, evolving markets, thereby influencing the broader ecosystem by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the ground level[1][2].
Looking ahead, Motivate VC is poised to continue expanding its influence in the seed-stage venture space, particularly by supporting founders who combine domain expertise with innovative technology. Trends like AI adoption, fintech disruption, and industrial digitization will likely shape their investment focus. As the firm grows, its role as a connector and enabler in the startup ecosystem is expected to deepen, potentially increasing its impact on emerging sectors and early-stage venture capital dynamics[1][2][4].
Motivate VC’s commitment to empowering visionary founders and its strategic positioning in key growth sectors make it a notable player in shaping tomorrow’s technology landscape.