Loading people...
Eric del Balso is the Founder and General Partner of Kohala Ventures and the Founder of Ignite Advisors, based in Marin County, California. Over a 25-year career in the technology and media sectors, he has held senior commercial roles at prominent corporations including Microsoft, Yahoo!, and The Walt Disney Company. He began his professional background in television at ABC News in New York City before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995 to join Excite@Home. Through Ignite Advisors, established in 2008, and Kohala Ventures, an independent seed fund launched in 2018, he provides operational support and capital to early-stage companies from the pre-seed through Series B stages. Currently an active investor in startups like Nyquist Data since 2022, his primary investment focus centers on deeptech, aerospace, defense, and enterprise software.
As a General Partner at Kohala Ventures, Eric Del Balso stands at the forefront of identifying and nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking technology companies. His role involves not only leading investment rounds but also providing strategic guidance and operational support to portfolio companies, helping them navigate the complexities of growth and market entry.
Eric's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief in transformative technology and strong founder teams. He is particularly keen on early-stage ventures that are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), developing robust Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, and creating essential developer tools. These areas represent sectors where Eric sees immense potential for disruption and scalable impact. His hands-on approach means he actively collaborates with founders, drawing upon his extensive industry knowledge to help refine product strategies, scale operations, and build resilient businesses.
Before his tenure at Kohala Ventures, Eric Del Balso built a distinguished career within the technology sector, holding significant leadership positions at prominent tech firms. His background spans critical areas such as product management, engineering leadership, and scaling high-growth operations. This operational expertise provides him with a unique vantage point as an investor, allowing him to deeply understand the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage startups. He brings a founder-centric perspective, having experienced firsthand the journey of building and scaling technology products from conception to market success. This valuable experience is a cornerstone of his ability to offer practical, actionable advice to the companies Kohala Ventures supports.
While specific notable investments are part of Kohala Ventures' growing portfolio, Eric is actively involved in sourcing and evaluating new opportunities, consistently seeking out companies that demonstrate strong innovation, clear market fit, and exceptional leadership. His commitment extends beyond capital, aiming to be a true partner to entrepreneurs, helping them achieve their vision and make a lasting impact on the technological landscape. Eric Del Balso's dedication to fostering innovation and supporting visionary founders makes him a pivotal figure at Kohala Ventures and within the broader venture capital ecosystem.
Eric Del Balso is a General Partner at Kohala Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is an experienced tech investor known for his focus on AI, SaaS, and developer tools.
Eric Del Balso primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, and developer tools.
Eric Del Balso works as a General Partner at Kohala Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and supporting innovative early-stage technology startups.
