Brian R. Smith is the founder and Managing Director of S3 Ventures. See sector focus, stage focus and contact routes.
Brian R. Smith is the founder and Managing Director of S3 Ventures, an Austin-based venture capital firm where he oversees more than $900 million in assets under management. Before investing, he founded Crossroads Systems, leading it as CEO through its 1999 IPO, and previously worked in product development at IBM. His investment thesis targets Seed through Series B rounds in business technology, digital experiences, and healthcare technology, primarily in Texas and the Southwest. S3 Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $10 million per deal, often acting as a lead investor in early rounds. Notable portfolio companies include Alkami Technology, which went public in 2021, and startups acquired by Coca-Cola and H-E-B. Smith emphasizes being the largest Texas-focused VC firm and prioritizes “homegrown” Texas startups while investing nationwide when opportunities align. He has authored public content highlighting S3’s Texas-centric strategy and his belief in building venture capital from within the region.
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