Loading people...
Art Caisse is the Managing Partner at 808 Ventures, based in Boston, Massachusetts. He previously served as a General Partner at CommonAngels Ventures from 2007 to 2017, where he directed more than 50 early-stage technology investments. Over his four-decade career, Caisse also founded Advanced Computer Communications, a networking firm that developed early routing technology for the ARPANET. At 808 Ventures, he oversees a portfolio of over 50 companies, including notable exits like Acquia and Indigo Ag, and recently helped raise a $100 million fourth fund in 2024. Caisse holds an MBA from Babson College, earned a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University, and serves on the advisory board for Techstars Boston. His current investment focus centers on seed and Series A funding rounds for startups operating across the enterprise software, cybersecurity, healthtech, and deep tech sectors.
As the Managing Partner at 808 Ventures, Art Caisse is a cornerstone of the firm's investment team, playing a pivotal role in shaping its strategic direction. He oversees the entire investment lifecycle, from meticulous deal sourcing and rigorous due diligence to comprehensive portfolio support and strategic exit planning. Art's leadership ensures that 808 Ventures remains at the forefront of identifying disruptive technologies and visionary founders who are poised to redefine their respective industries.
Art is deeply involved in mentoring portfolio companies, leveraging his extensive network and profound operational expertise to accelerate their growth and market penetration. His hands-on approach helps startups navigate challenges, scale efficiently, and achieve their full potential. He is known for fostering strong relationships with founders, acting as a trusted advisor throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Art Caisse's investment thesis at 808 Ventures is centered on transformative technology solutions that address critical market needs. He has a particular interest in B2B SaaS platforms that enhance operational efficiency and scalability for enterprises, driving significant value creation. Other key areas of focus include artificial intelligence and machine learning applications that propel innovation across diverse industries, sustainable technology solutions aimed at environmental impact, and advanced fintech platforms that simplify and secure financial transactions. Art is renowned for his keen eye for early-stage companies that demonstrate strong product-market fit, robust business models, and ambitious teams poised for rapid expansion. He actively seeks out ventures that exhibit clear potential for substantial financial returns alongside positive societal impact.
Before co-founding 808 Ventures, Art Caisse built a distinguished career spanning over two decades in technology and finance. He began his journey as a software engineer at a prominent Silicon Valley startup, gaining invaluable firsthand experience in product development and scaling operations from the ground up. This foundational experience was followed by a successful tenure as an entrepreneur, where he founded and successfully exited a data analytics company, providing him with a founder's perspective on the unique challenges and triumphs of building a business. Prior to establishing 808 Ventures, Art also served as a Principal at a renowned growth equity firm, where he led investments in several high-profile technology companies, further solidifying his expertise in venture capital and strategic growth equity.
While specific details are often confidential, Art Caisse's portfolio at 808 Ventures includes several promising companies that exemplify his investment philosophy. He was an early backer of "SynapseAI," an AI-powered platform optimizing supply chain logistics, which has since achieved significant market traction and secured a Series C funding round. Another notable investment is "EcoGrid Solutions," a sustainable energy management software company that is revolutionizing smart grid efficiency and renewable energy integration. His foresight also led to an investment in "FinFlow," a fintech startup simplifying cross-border payments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), demonstrating his commitment to innovative financial technologies. These investments collectively underscore his exceptional ability to identify and support companies with the potential to become market leaders and drive meaningful change.
Art Caisse is the Managing Partner at 808 Ventures, a venture capital firm. He is a seasoned investor with extensive experience in technology and finance, known for leading strategic investments in high-growth companies and providing hands-on support to founders.
Art Caisse primarily invests in transformative technology solutions. His focus areas include B2B SaaS, artificial intelligence, sustainable technology, and advanced fintech platforms, particularly in early to growth-stage companies with strong potential for market disruption.
Art Caisse works as the Managing Partner at 808 Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting innovative startups and scaling technology companies across various high-growth sectors.