11 Tribes Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to investing in the resilience of entrepreneurs. The firm is known for its distinctive founder-first philosophy, combining capital with care. It supports entrepreneurs holistically: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, to help build durable, sustainable, and profitable companies. 11 Tribes’ mission is to empower purpose-driven founders and shift the venture capital model from burnout to flourishing.
11 Tribes Ventures primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, focusing on seed and Series A rounds. The firm targets purpose-driven entrepreneurs disrupting legacy industries, building capital-efficient businesses with sustainable growth models.
Its portfolio companies often aim for exit opportunities in the $75M to $300M range and are typically based in non-traditional tech hubs across the United States. A defining aspect of its investment thesis is a deep commitment to founder resilience and long-term well-being.
11 Tribes Ventures’ most recent vehicle, Fund II, closed at $46 million in April 2025.
The team is investing in founders who are generating between $500k-3M in revenue and aiming for a strategic acquisition in the $75M-300M range.
The fund enables the firm to take a lead investor role in most deals and is designed to support approximately 30 portfolio companies over a three-year period. As of April 2025, the fund has backed nine startups, including NuTrād, NQS, Legal Karma, Lease Up, GoNanas, Evercycle, Circadian Risk, Kidsy, and Alloy.
Leadership
11 Tribes is led by Founder and Managing Partner Mark Phillips, a former strategy consultant and entrepreneur known for his focus on founder purpose and resilience. Kristina Chapple, General Partner, is recognized for her empathetic diligence and deep commitment to founder well-being, and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in Venture Capital in 2024.
Jeff Baxter, General Partner and Head of Platform, plays a central role in supporting portfolio companies through operational partnerships and the development of strategic relationships. Isaac Arnold, Associate, oversees diligence processes and coordinates the firm’s investment committee operations.
Investment Strategy
The firm’s investment strategy is centered around what it calls “radical relational investment,” a model that supports the founder as a whole person, not just the business they are building.
This approach includes the “Handshake Agreement,” which emphasizes relationship-first investing alongside traditional financial diligence. As part of its commitment to founder well-being, 11 Tribes allocates 2% of all invested capital on a non-dilutive basis toward resources such as coaching, counseling, therapy, and organizational health services. The firm maintains a long-term focus on backing durable, sustainable, and profitable businesses.
Notable Investments
Notable investments by 11 Tribes Ventures include Alloy Market, Legal Karma, GoNanas, NuTrād, Lease Up, Circadian Risk, NQS, Evercycle, and Kidsy.
Notable Exits
There are currently no publicly disclosed exits.
