DENVER – Today, the Venture Capital Authority (VCA), supported by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), released an overview of its 2025 investments to support the growth of Colorado businesses. A special purpose authority of the State of Colorado, the VCA contributed over $8 million to 29 investments into 26 unique companies across the state, which directly supported 365 jobs and acted as a catalyst for the companies to leverage $53 million in funding.

"Colorado is the best place to start and grow a business, and the Venture Capital Authority's investments are attracting new businesses, fostering innovation and creating more jobs. Investments into Colorado's businesses are investments into our communities. Expanding venture capital investment is good for the economy, providing new opportunities for start-ups, creating jobs, and helping our communities thrive," said Governor Polis.

The VCA provides critical seed and early-stage investment capital to innovative businesses throughout Colorado by partnering with private fund managers experienced in supporting high-growth companies through funding, advising and other resources. The VCA has just opened an application for professional venture fund managers that are forming funds designed to support Colorado's strategic industries and opportunities. Application details can be found on the program webpage.

"Innovative Colorado startups are essential to our economy, driving job creation and advancing new technologies that will benefit Coloradans and beyond. To strengthen Colorado's future, the VCA is focused on expanding access to venture capital through limited partnerships with competitively selected funds that directly participate in early stage Colorado companies' first investment round. By supporting founders in rural communities and urban areas that align with state and local economic development goals, we can help ensure that opportunity is available to visionary business owners and contribute to a thriving and inclusive economy," said Thea Chase, VCA Board Chair.

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Notably, 48% of the VCA's 2025 investment capital went to businesses in rural areas and 28% went to businesses in urban Enterprise Zones established to support economic growth in areas with high unemployment rates, low per capita income or slow population growth. The companies supported by these funds operate across a wide range of industries, including:

• Aerospace ventures in satellite tracking, space debris recycling, and propulsion systems
• Software and artificial intelligence ventures simplifying data management, insurance compliance, and local government operations
• Outdoor recreation companies producing sustainable backpacking food, technical apparel, and sporting goods
• Healthcare and life sciences companies advancing new medical treatment technologies and specialized care services
• Agriculture and advanced manufacturing ventures advancing autonomous farming tools and semiconductor development.

"OEDIT is dedicated to empowering every Coloradan to thrive, and the VCA's mission is foundational to that commitment. By providing critical seed and early-stage capital, the VCA is directly strengthening our state's economy and promoting long-term job creation—supporting 365 jobs last year alone. Crucially, OEDIT provides the administrative support necessary to ensure entrepreneurs across the state, especially those in rural communities and urban Enterprise Zones, have access to the funding they need to grow and build successful businesses," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT, which provides staffing and administrative support to the VCA.

From the program's inception in 2005 through 2025, the VCA has participated in 296 total investments, investing $81.9 million in VCA funds to support 111 Colorado companies. To date, these investments have supported the creation or retention of 1,903 jobs across the state, with 40% supporting rural businesses and 21% financing businesses in Urban Enterprise Zones. The VCA is funded in part by the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBC), and has met or exceeded federal benchmarks to support very small businesses as well as socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

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About the Venture Capital Authority

A special purpose authority of the State of Colorado, the Venture Capital Authority (VCA) plays a crucial role in strengthening Colorado's economy by assisting local entrepreneurs and startups in accessing the funding they need to grow. The VCA collaborates with professional venture capital fund managers to invest in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage businesses. The VCA's objective is to support Colorado's innovative economy by catalyzing investments in small businesses and emerging industries.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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