The 81 Collection is a Chicago-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2021 by Vijen Patel. The firm invests in founders building across 'hard industries'—the 81% of U.S. GDP underserved by traditional venture capital, including manufacturing, real estate, skilled trades, and other foundational sectors. Its inaugural $41 million fund launched in December 2022.
Deal activity decreased year-over-year (1 deal in the last 12 months vs 2 prior). Their most common stage is seed (82% of deals). Average disclosed round size is $7.5M (across 11 rounds with reported amounts).
Portfolio
9
Fund Size
$41M
Top Stage
Seed
Last 12 Mo
1
Team
Portfolio Breakdown
Stage Distribution
Sector Distribution
Investment Activity
DealsAvg Round Size
Portfolio
11 investments
| Company | Round | Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 Grounded | Seed | $5M | Aug 2026 |
 Goose | Seed | $13.4M | Feb 2025 |
 Goose | Seed | $13.4M | Feb 2025 |
 Mezo | Strategic | $7.5M | Jul 2024 |
 Pinch | Seed | $3.5M | Jan 2024 |
 Milu Health | Seed | $4.8M | Jan 2024 |
 Pinch | Seed | $3.5M | Jan 2024 |
| Mezo | Series A | $21M | Dec 2022 |
| PParentaly | Seed | $1.4M | Jan 2022 |
 Ponte Labor | Seed | $3M | — |
| Mezo | Seed | $6M | — |
Top Co-Investors
BoxGroup3 shared
Draper Associates3 shared
First Round Capital2 shared
B Capital2 shared
Imaginary Ventures2 shared
Permanent Capital2 shared
Starting Line2 shared
Lightbank2 shared
Building Ventures2 shared
Chicago Ventures2 shared
Y Combinator1 shared
PagsGroup1 shared
Andreessen Horowitz1 shared
Real Ventures1 shared
Harlem Capital1 shared
NFX1 shared
Wischoff Ventures1 shared
Better Tomorrow Ventures1 shared
Network Ventures1 shared
Ledger Cathay Capital1 shared
Last updated: 20 October 2026