What does Carey Smith invest in?

Carey Smith at Unorthodox Ventures (Austin, Texas, United States) — sector focus: Agtech Food.

How do I contact Carey Smith?

Carey Smith's published profile links (website, LinkedIn or X where available) are listed on the StartupFundraising.com investor profile.

Where is Carey Smith based?

Carey Smith is based in Austin, Texas, United States.

Carey Smith, Unorthodox Ventures

About Carey Smith

Carey Smith is the Founding Contrarian (often described as Managing Director) of Unorthodox Ventures, an Austin-based venture firm he launched after selling his previous company, Big Ass Fans, for $500 million in 2017. His investment thesis explicitly excludes software ventures, focusing instead on early-stage physical product companies in sectors like medtech, contech, and consumer goods that prioritize rapid profitability and founder equity retention. Smith typically invests $1 million to $5 million in Seed and Series A rounds, often acting as a lead investor while providing hands-on operational support in engineering and supply chain management. Notable portfolio companies include Awkward Essentials (post-intimacy cleanup sponges), Vibrant Gastro (cardiology devices), Tushy (bidet manufacturer), and Shotgun Seltzer. A distinctive point of view for Smith is his rejection of traditional venture return expectations; he advises founders to build plans to break even rather than raising money for future Series A or B rounds, arguing that "raising money is really not business".

Carey Smith at a glance

Role: Managing Director
Organization: Unorthodox Ventures
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Investor type: Venture Capital

Frequently asked about Carey Smith

What does Carey Smith invest in?: Carey Smith at Unorthodox Ventures (Austin, Texas, United States) — sector focus: Agtech Food.
How do I contact Carey Smith?: Carey Smith's published profile links (website, LinkedIn or X where available) are listed on the StartupFundraising.com investor profile.
Where is Carey Smith based?: Carey Smith is based in Austin, Texas, United States.

Details on this investor come from filing and round data held in the StartupFundraising directory, refreshed on ingest. Founders use profiles like this one to qualify fit and to shortlist investors in Austin.

Carey Smith, Unorthodox Ventures

About Carey Smith

Carey Smith at a glance

Frequently asked about Carey Smith

Investors similar to Carey Smith (20)

Browse related investor lists (4)

Compare Carey Smith (8)