Run Ventures Launches $290 Million Fund to Support Tech Startups in Emerging U.S. Markets

Run Ventures announced the launch of a $290 million early-stage venture capital fund focused on leading Series A investments for technology companies in high-growth ecosystems across the United States. Founded by veteran investors Brandon Tidwell and Ben Dahl and based in Salt Lake City, the firm will back ambitious entrepreneurs building companies in artificial intelligence and other transformative sectors.

The firm's name reflects its core philosophy of helping founders accelerate their entrepreneurial journey. Tidwell and Dahl previously invested together across two funds at Signal Peak Ventures, with a track record that includes companies such as Filevine, Authenticx, and Bark. Run Ventures builds on that experience with a strategy centered on Series A leadership while also selectively participating in seed-stage investments.

The fund represents a significant shift in venture capital distribution, targeting markets beyond traditional coastal investment hubs. Traditionally, Series A firms have preferred to invest close to home, concentrating capital in Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston. Run Ventures operates on a different premise, using Salt Lake City as its base with strong national connectivity to lead investments in emerging markets such as Austin, Denver, and Atlanta.

We're witnessing a powerful convergence of talent, opportunity, and technology across the country's rising tech centers, said Tidwell. At the same time, AI is accelerating company-building faster than ever before. By combining our investment experience with a commitment to founders outside the coasts, we're positioned to identify and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs solving previously intractable problems.

For entrepreneurs, Run Ventures promises a deeply engaged, hands-on approach. It's often more enjoyable to go running with a partner than hitting the pavement alone, said Dahl. We see ourselves as the running partners to founders - encouraging, coaching, and pushing them forward. The firm has assembled a dynamic team committed to founder success, embodying a mindset of grit, momentum, and shared victories.

Ryan Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Filevine, attested to the firm's collaborative approach. What sets the team at Run Ventures apart is their authenticity and accessibility. Throughout Filevine's accelerated growth, they've transcended the typical investor role to become essential collaborators - helping us raise subsequent rounds of capital, recruit key additions to our team, and provide substantive expertise precisely when it matters most.

The launch of this substantial fund signals growing recognition of the innovation potential in emerging tech ecosystems beyond traditional coastal centers. This development could significantly impact regional economic development, providing crucial capital and expertise to startups in markets that have historically received less venture attention. For more information, visit https://www.run.vc.