Carey Smith is the Founding Contrarian (often described as Managing Director) of Unorthodox Ventures. See sector focus and contact routes.
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".
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.
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