Zeal Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm focused on inclusive investing across early-stage, high-growth, tech-enabled startups. Founded and led by Nasir Qadree, Zeal is known for backing mission-driven companies shaping the future of learning, work, finance, and healthcare. The firm emphasizes equitable access to capital and economic mobility, supporting diverse founders and underserved markets. Zeal manages $186 million in assets across three funds and has invested in more than 40 companies to date.
Zeal Capital Partners invests in seed-stage companies operating at the intersection of financial technology, digital health, and the future of learning and work. The firm is particularly interested in companies improving systems that impact the everyday lives of working families. It targets technology-enabled solutions that address structural gaps in wealth creation, education, workforce development, and healthcare delivery.
In May 2025, Zeal Capital Partners announced the close of Zeal Fund II at $82 million. This four-year fund plans to invest in approximately 25 early-stage companies, with initial check sizes ranging from $1 million to $2.3 million. Zeal Fund II will lead or co-lead rounds and often take board seats to actively support portfolio growth. Notably, 50% of the fund’s capital is reserved for follow-on investments. LPs in this round include Capricorn Investment Group, Citi Impact Fund, M&T Bank, Wells Fargo, Hampton and Spelman Colleges, MassMutual, Zaffre Investments, and leading VC figures like NEA’s Scott Sandell and Emergence’s Jason Green. To date, Zeal Fund II has already invested in five startups, including Seven Starling (maternal mental health), Debbie (fintech platform for incentivizing financial health), and Rising Team (leadership development software).
Leadership
The firm is led by Founder and Managing Partner Nasir Qadree, a recognized voice in inclusive investing and emerging fund management. Under his leadership, Zeal has positioned itself as a differentiated firm that combines financial performance with measurable impact. The leadership team blends experience in venture capital, social impact, and financial services.
Investment Strategy
Zeal takes a lead investor role, supporting early-stage companies with active board participation and a hands-on approach to scaling. Its strategy is to back founders building scalable solutions to close wealth and opportunity gaps in society. Zeal applies a "market-backed thesis" approach — targeting companies solving urgent, measurable problems — and seeks to generate both financial returns and inclusive economic outcomes.
Notable Investments
Among its recent Fund II investments are:
Across its funds, Zeal has also supported a range of companies aligned with its thesis on education access, workforce equity, and financial empowerment.
