In 2007, Gavin worked in conjunction with co-founders Paul Ahlstrom and Dinesh Patel of vSpring and Brian Cummings of University of Utah to solidify and execute on a seed fund strategy that would help kickstart the development of seed stage companies in the Mountain West. Kickstart officially launch... More
In 2007, Gavin worked in conjunction with co-founders Paul Ahlstrom and Dinesh Patel of vSpring and Brian Cummings of University of Utah to solidify and execute on a seed fund strategy that would help kickstart the development of seed stage companies in the Mountain West. Kickstart officially launched in April, 2008. As Managing Director of Kickstart, Gavin is responsible for all aspects of managing the firm in addition to leading due diligence and investment decisions in conjunction with Kickstart's Investment Committee. In addition to Kickstart, Gavin heads vSpring's New Mexico office where he is focused on funding companies in New Mexico's technology-rich ecosystem.
Gavin joined vSpring as an associate in 2003, left in 2005 to attend the Kellogg School of Management, and in 2007 he rejoined vSpring as a Principal. Gavin's efforts have had a significant impact on vSpring's firm strategy and on the success of many of vSpring's Fund I and II companies. During business school, Gavin worked as a Vertical Strategy Associate for Google's direct sales organization. From 2000 to 2003, Gavin worked as a consultant in Monitor Group's Boston office where he advised clients on a range of strategic, operational, and organizational improvements. Gavin began his career at Fidelity Investments as an investments representative.
Gavin received a Masters of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Economics (with Honors), cum laude, from Brigham Young University. Gavin currently serves on the boards Intelisum and Symbiot.
Kickstart Seed Fund - Ideal Startup Investment
Kickstart Seed Fund invests in seed and pre-seed investments where we can leverage our unique relationships and where the money we put in will "kickstart" the company to achieve a meaningful milestone to 1) allow the company to qualify for Series A financing 2) allow the company to reach cash-flow positive 3) allow the company to exit.
Kickstart Seed Fund Invests In These Industries
• Biotechnology
• Marketing / Advertising
• Business Products and Services
• Media and Entertainment
• Clean Technology
• Medical Devices and Equipment
• Computers and Peripherals
• Mobile
• Consumer Products and Services
• Nanotechnology
• Education
• Networking and Equipment
• Electronics / Instrumentation
• Semiconductors
• Healthcare Services
• Software
• IT Services
• Telecommunications
• Industrial/Energy
• Travel
• Internet / Web Services
Kickstart Seed Fund Invests In Companies That Have Reached The Following Milestones
Concept Only - $1M in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue
Concept OnlyProduct In DevelopmentPrototype ReadyFull Product Ready$500K in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue$1M in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue$3M in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue$5M in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue$10M in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue$20M in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue$50M in Trailing 12 Mo. RevenueMore than $50M in Trailing 12 Mo. RevenueMore than $50M in Trailing 12 Mo. Revenue ►◄ Concept Only
Kickstart Seed Fund Invests In Companies With These Funding Needs
Pre-money Valuation: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000
Capital Seeking: $25,000 - $1,500,000
Previously Raised: $100,000 - $2,000,000
Kickstart Seed Fund Expects Their Investments To Generate
Expected Revenue By Year 5: $50,000,000 - $250,000,000
Expected Returns: 10x Investment - 30x Investment
Expected Years to Exit: 2 Years - 9 Years
Expected Years to Break Even: 1 Year - 5 Years
Kickstart Seed Fund Investment Portfolio
Last 12 Months
Kickstarter Program BetaMatchbin IncJackRabbit SystemsScintalla, IncorporatedMediProPharma, Inc.
Previous Investments
ProtoHIT Inc.Zerista - Social Event Software for Conferences and Trade ShowsPanoptic Security, IncWastewater Compliance Systems, Inc. (WCS)Catheter Connections, Inc.JSK Therapeutics
Group's Activity
Applications in last 30 days: 8
Days average screening time: 18
Until first view: 33 days
Member log ins in last 30 days: 65
Active members: 48
New members last 12 months: 4
Average views per deal: 7
Ask to Join as an Investor
Are you an accredited investor? Ask to join Kickstart Seed Fund by filling out their Membership Application.