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Seed Fund I  ·  US Applied AI

Operators
Backing
Applied AI

ARTA.vc backs the most ambitious Applied AI founders at the precise moment the application layer is beginning its most dramatic expansion.

$3M
Fund Size
17–23
Portfolio
$100–250K
Check Size
10 Years
Fund Life
Applied AISoftwareHardwareRoboticsDual UseSpaceAutomation$100K–$250KSeed & Bridge2,000+ Startups / YearOperator-LedApplied AISoftwareHardwareRoboticsDual UseSpaceAutomation$100K–$250KSeed & Bridge2,000+ Startups / YearOperator-Led
Market Opportunity - Q1’26 VC Record Quarter

$330.9B poured into VC.
The largest VC quarter ever!

ARTA targets the most underserved segment of the hottest venture market.

81%
Of total investments went to AI startups
55% YoY increase - AI is the defining technology of our era
↑ AI Hot
83%
Invested in US startups - $250B+
USA is the undisputed global leader in AI investment and talent
↑ US Leads
8%
Went to US AI early-stage startups
30% YoY decrease - almost all money went to a select few companies
↓ 30% YoY
3 AI IPOs
The 3 largest IPOs in history are coming in the next 6 months
All AI companies - signaling the AI era has reached the liquidity inflection point investors have been waiting for
↑ Historic
ARTA Ventures invests in the most underserved segment of the hottest venture market
Investment Focus

Six domains. One thesis.

*ARTA originates from “Fortress” in Quenya.

01⚡
Software
AI-native SaaS, developer tools, and intelligent applications transforming enterprise workflows at scale.
02🔧
Hardware
Purpose-built silicon, edge AI devices, and intelligent physical computing.
03🤖
Robotics
Embodied AI systems - autonomous, collaborative, and industrial-grade.
04🛡️
Dual Use
Technologies spanning commercial and defense/government markets, with deep DC roots.
05🚀
Space
Next-generation space platforms, satellite systems, and AI-driven exploration infrastructure.
06🏭
Enterprise Automation
Intelligent agents, process automation, and operational AI transforming how enterprises run.
Our Edge

What makes ARTA different

01
Operator Experience
Deep personal startup building and scaling experience. Both GPs have been CEO, CTO, and COO. We evaluate execution risk through both financial models and lived experience.
Founder-first
02
Proprietary Deal Flow
Tens of thousands of startups annually through mentorship (Founder Institute, Halcyon, Foundervine), communities we’ve built (Funders Anonymous, Founder Speakeasy, DEFCOM, and more), and Station Alpha - our Angel Investor network.
Tens of thousands / YR
03
AI-Powered Platform
Proprietary AI platform capturing, aggregating, visualizing, and aiding analysis of deal flow - letting a lean team evaluate thousands of opportunities with institutional rigor.
Proprietary tech
04
Track Record
Combined track record supporting ventures now valued at ~$700M¹. Extensive experience assisting startups through fundraising, go-to-market, and scaling.
~$700M¹ value
Managing Directors

Diversity is our edge.
Unity is our power.

Both ARTA GPs are multi-time founder-operators who collectively raised $40M¹ across five startups now valued at a combined ~$700M¹.

Anca Burke
Anca Burke
Managing Director & Co-Founder

With over 20 years of experience in consulting, SaaS, AI, enterprise software and hardware, healthcare, and government sectors, Anca is an executive and investor dedicated to developing high-performing teams and building transformative companies.

SaaSAIHardwareHealthcareGov InnovationFormer IBMNSINNotre Dame MBA
LinkedIn
Andrey Mikhalchuk
Andrey Mikhalchuk
Managing Director & Co-Founder

25+ years as operator, CEO, CTO, and COO - founder and co-founder of Craftus, 411Labs, Conceptant, and five more startups. Voted the DMV Superconnector twice. Advisor to Halcyon Accelerator, Founder Institute, and Foundervine. Community leader with over a dozen groups and co-founder of Station Alpha.

CEO/CTO/COOAIEnterpriseSecurityDC SuperconnectorM.S. CS
LinkedIn

Station Alpha - The Deal Flow Engine

Both GPs co-founded Station Alpha, a premier angel group serving as ARTA’s primary deal origination network. Combined with Founder Institute mentorships, Halcyon Accelerator partnerships, Foundervine, the partners run, and more - ARTA surfaces 2,000+ startups annually.

2,000+
Startups / Year
$40M¹
Raised Together
~$700M¹
Combined Value
Conflicts of Interest Disclosure The managing directors have relationships with organizations that may source investment opportunities to the fund, including Station Alpha, Funders Anonymous, Founder Speakeasy, DEFCOM, and affiliated communities. These relationships represent potential conflicts of interest that are disclosed to investors in the fund's governing documents. The managing directors may also co-invest alongside the fund in certain portfolio companies.
Transparent by Design

How ARTA Works

Radical transparency - exactly how we evaluate startups, what we look for, and what we do not. No black box.

Our Investment Process

From application to wire - every step, in order.

01

Submit Your Information

Head to our Startups page and fill out the intake form. We only accept inbound applications. Be thorough - we read every submission.

02

AI-Powered Research

Our proprietary platform automatically gathers data about your startup, team, market size, competitive landscape, and traction signals before a human opens your file.

03

Thesis Matching & Visualization

We use data visualization to identify startups that match our thesis and demonstrate exceptional potential. Making it through this filter puts you in the top tier of what we see.

04

First Call

We reach out to schedule an initial conversation - focused, no-fluff, about your company, team, and opportunity.

05

Watching & Diligence

We spend time watching your progress, speaking with our advisor network, and evaluating the market. This can take weeks or months. We are not in a rush - and you should not rush us.

06

Term Sheet & Negotiation

If everything aligns, we put a term sheet on the table and negotiate fair terms. We are operator-founders - we know what reasonable looks like.

07

Investment

We invest $100K–$250K at Seed or Bridge stages. Then the real work begins - we are your partners, not just your check.

✦

If You Do Not Hear From Us

No response means you do not currently match our thesis or criteria. That is completely fine - there are thousands of funds. Where applicable we will refer you to others. It takes a VC village to raise a startup.

We Invest In ...

These are the signals that make us move fast.

“The #1 angel investor just backed our startup and now leads our business development...”
A marquee name joining your cap table and actively working the business is a massive signal. It validates your ability to attract exceptional people and accelerates go-to-market.
“We have an exclusive contract, won against 15 competitors, with a huge customer - backed by our patented technology...”
A proven win in a competitive process, protected by IP, with a major customer. That proves differentiation and that someone with real budget believes in you.
“We are growing like crazy and need money to scale up...”
That is a great problem to have. If your unit economics are healthy and you are capital-constrained, we can help you pour fuel on the fire at the right moment.
We Watch ...

Not ready yet, but on our radar. Keep building - we are watching.

“We are not fundraising yet - we are building up our traction...”
That is absolutely the right approach. Focus on revenue, customers, and product velocity. When you are ready to fundraise, we will be ready to act.
“We are a bunch of geeks who built awesome technology...”
Cool tech is necessary but not sufficient. You need a product, a customer, and a market. We can help with connections and context.
“We know the problem very well and are actively testing our solution with prospects...”
You are earlier than our check size allows, but you are asking the right questions. Starting with the problem is how the best startups are built.
We Don’t Invest In ...

Honest answers that save everyone’s time.

“I have a cool idea - give me $5M and I will build it...”
It is 2026. Ideas are abundant; execution is rare. Without proof that you have started, we have nothing to evaluate.
“My MVP will be ready in 1 month. My valuation is $20M...”
A startup without traction is almost never worth $20M. Show us the traction that justifies the valuation first.
“We use AI to [solve problem]...”
Lead with the problem, not the tool. “We use AI” is not a differentiator in 2026. Tell us the specific problem and why you are uniquely positioned to solve it.
“I need $1M to hire a team and build my MVP...”
This tells us you may not appreciate what modern AI tooling can accomplish. A determined solo founder can ship an MVP for a fraction of that today.
What Makes You Stand Out

These factors move your application to the top of our list.

👥
Outstanding Team
All bases covered. A team of one who leverages modern AI to punch above their weight absolutely counts. We back people, not just companies.
🏰
Impressive MOAT
Patents, trade secrets, exclusive partnerships, customer lock-in, network effects - every layer of defensibility matters.
⚡
High Velocity
2 months in with MVP and traction? Let us talk immediately. 12+ months with no product? We are not interested. Speed signals execution.
🦄
Unicorn Potential
If your ceiling is $10M in 5 years, we are the wrong fund. We need to believe in a path to a meaningfully large outcome.
🎯
Reasonable Expectations
Founders who present calibrated terms close faster. Inflated valuations are a red flag, not a negotiating tactic.
🧩
Portfolio Fit
If your problem space creates synergy with other portfolio companies, we are extra motivated.
Limited Partners

Invest in the
Applied AI Wave

Access an operator-led seed fund at precisely the moment when the AI application layer is beginning its most dramatic expansion.

ARTA Ventures is not registered as an investment adviser with the SEC or any state securities authority and does not act as a registered broker-dealer. The fund relies on applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

$3M
Fund Size
17–23
Portfolio Co.
2 / 20
Fee Structure
10 Years
Fund Life
Why ARTA Ventures
🎯
Right Timing
The AI infrastructure layer has matured. The application layer explosion is just beginning. ARTA is positioned at the exact inflection point where early-stage returns are historically highest.
🔬
Operator Due Diligence
Both GPs have operated companies, been CTOs, raised capital, and built products. They evaluate execution risk through lived experience - not just financial models.
🌐
Unmatched Deal Flow
2,000+ startups annually through proprietary networks. Most seed funds see a fraction of this. Better deal flow means better selection - and better returns.
🤖
AI-Augmented Process
Our proprietary AI platform lets a lean team evaluate far more opportunities with greater rigor than a traditional firm of the same size.
🔍
Full LP Transparency
Quarterly reports, real-time portfolio access, and direct lines to the GPs. No black box - ever.
⚖️
Ethical Investment Focus
We back only ethical applications of AI. No surveillance capitalism, no harmful automation.

Track Record

The ARTA GPs co-founded Station Alpha and raised $40M¹ across five startups now valued at a combined ~$700M¹ - demonstrating the ability to identify exceptional early-stage opportunities and support portfolio companies through to significant value creation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

$40M¹
Raised
5
Startups
~$700M¹
Combined Value
Express Interest

Fill out the form and a GP will follow up personally. All inquiries are held in strict confidence.

Contact Information
⚖ Regulatory Notice - Regulation D, Rule 506(c)This offering is made exclusively to accredited investors as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. By submitting this form, you represent that you are an accredited investor. This is not an offer to sell securities. All offers and sales will be made only pursuant to applicable exemptions from registration under Regulation D, Rule 506(c). Investments in early-stage venture funds are speculative and involve a high degree of risk, including potential loss of the entire amount invested. ARTA Ventures will verify accredited investor status prior to any sale. A Form D Notice of Exempt Offering of Securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this offering pursuant to Rule 503 of Regulation D. This offering has not been registered under the securities laws of any state. State securities laws may restrict the offer and sale of securities to residents of certain states.
Risk Factors

Investment involves substantial risk

Investing in early-stage venture funds involves significant risks. The following is a non-exhaustive summary; full risk factors will be provided to investors prior to any offering.

🔒
Illiquidity
Fund interests are not registered securities and have no public market. Investors may not be able to liquidate their investment for the 10-year fund life or longer. Transfers are subject to strict restrictions.
🌱
Early-Stage Investment Risk
The fund invests in early-stage companies that have limited operating histories, unproven business models, and minimal revenues. The majority of early-stage startups fail. Loss of the entire investment is possible.
🎯
Concentration Risk
The fund will hold a limited number of portfolio companies (17-23). Poor performance by a small number of investments could materially and adversely affect overall fund returns.
👥
Management Dependence
The fund's success depends substantially on the expertise, judgment, and continued involvement of the two managing directors. Loss of either key person could materially harm fund operations and returns.
❓
Uncertain Returns
There is no assurance that the fund will achieve its target returns or any return at all. All projected return scenarios are illustrative estimates. Past performance of related investments does not predict future results.
💸
Potential Total Loss
An investment in the fund is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Investors must be prepared to bear the risk of a complete loss of their invested capital. Only invest amounts you can afford to lose entirely.
Apply for Funding

Build Something
That Matters

We invest $100K–$250K in US-based Applied AI startups at Seed and Bridge stages.

SoftwareHardwareRoboticsDual UseSpaceAutomation
Why Apply

More than a check

ARTA Ventures invests $100K–$250K at Seed and Bridge stages in US-based Applied AI startups. But beyond capital, we offer something rare: two operator-founders with 40+ combined years of experience who have been exactly where you are.

By completing the form below you are also joining the ARTA Investor Network — gaining access to our broader community of investors, accelerators, mentors, and fellow founders across the DC ecosystem and beyond.

⚡
Fast, transparent process
AI-powered review within days, not months. We tell you where you stand.
🌐
Network access
Join the ARTA ecosystem — Funders Anonymous, Founder Speakeasy, Station Alpha, and more.
📊
Operator insight
Even startups we do not fund receive genuine feedback and warm intros to funds that may be a better fit.
↓ Complete the form below to apply for investment and join the ARTA network
Startup Information
📎
Click to upload or drag & drop
PDF or PowerPoint · Max 20MB
Contact Person
The Ask
Data Use & Confidentiality By submitting this form, you acknowledge that ARTA Ventures will review your submission and may share it internally for evaluation purposes. Your submission, including your pitch deck and company information, may also be shared with other investors in ARTA Ventures’ network who may be relevant to your fundraising. ARTA uses iXcelerator.com as its deal flow analysis platform; your submission will be processed and stored in that system. ARTA Ventures will use reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of submitted information. Submission does not create any obligation on the part of ARTA Ventures and does not constitute an offer of investment.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 1, 2026  |  Last Updated: May 1, 2026

1. Introduction

ARTA Ventures ("ARTA," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website at arta.vc (the "Site") or submit information through our investor or startup intake forms.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

  • Identity Data: First name, last name, LinkedIn profile URL.
  • Contact Data: Email address, telephone number.
  • Financial Data: Intended check size or investment amount, fund stage, valuation information submitted voluntarily.
  • Business Data: Startup name, website, incorporation status, pitch deck, customer descriptions, traction data, team information, and other business information voluntarily submitted through the startup intake form.
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, time zone, browser plug-in types, operating system, and other technology on the devices you use to access this Site.
  • Usage Data: Information about how you use our Site.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • To evaluate investment opportunities and conduct due diligence on startup submissions.
  • To respond to your inquiries and communicate with you about our fund.
  • To share startup submissions with investors in ARTA Ventures’ network who may be relevant to your fundraising efforts, as disclosed at the point of submission.
  • To process your information through iXcelerator.com, our deal flow analysis platform, for evaluation and portfolio management purposes.
  • To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements under applicable securities laws.
  • To verify your status as an accredited investor as required under Regulation D, Rule 506(c).

4. Sharing of Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

  • iXcelerator.com: Our deal flow analysis and portfolio management software provider. Submissions are stored and processed in their platform.
  • Investors in our network: Startup submissions may be shared with other investors relevant to your fundraising, as disclosed at the point of collection.
  • Service providers: Third-party vendors who assist us with website hosting, analytics, and business operations, subject to confidentiality obligations.
  • Legal and regulatory authorities: Where required by law, court order, or applicable regulation, including SEC reporting obligations under Regulation D.
  • Successors: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Investment-related records are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years to comply with securities law obligations.

6. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure, or access. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal information. To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@arta.vc. Note that certain data may be retained to comply with legal obligations even if you request deletion.

8. California Residents (CCPA)

California residents may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information). To submit a CCPA request, contact privacy@arta.vc.

9. International Visitors

Our Site is operated in the United States. If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that information we collect will be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States. By using the Site, you consent to this transfer.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes are effective when posted to the Site with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, contact us at privacy@arta.vc or:
ARTA Ventures, Washington DC / Reston VA

Terms of Use

Effective Date: May 1, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the ARTA Ventures website at arta.vc (the "Site"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Site. These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the Site.

2. Not an Offer to Sell Securities

Nothing on this Site constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Any offering of securities by ARTA Ventures will be made only to qualified and verified accredited investors in accordance with applicable law and any applicable exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933. This Site may constitute general solicitation within the meaning of Rule 502(c) of Regulation D, and any such offering is being made pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

3. For Accredited Investors Only

Information on this Site relating to investment in ARTA Ventures is directed solely at persons who are "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D. Non-accredited investors are not eligible to participate and should not use this Site for investment purposes.

4. Accuracy of Information

While we make reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of information on this Site, ARTA Ventures makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of any information on the Site. You rely on such information at your own risk.

5. Forward-Looking Statements

This Site contains forward-looking statements, including projected returns, financial estimates, and business plans. These statements are based on assumptions that may not prove correct. Actual results may differ materially. Past performance of any investment by the managing directors is not indicative of future results of ARTA Ventures Fund I.

6. Intellectual Property

All content on this Site, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of ARTA Ventures or its content suppliers and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

7. User Submissions

By submitting information through the startup intake or LP interest forms, you grant ARTA Ventures a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, store, and share that information for the purposes described in our Privacy Policy and disclosed at the point of submission, including sharing with potential co-investors.

8. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SITE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. ARTA VENTURES DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES.

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ARTA VENTURES AND ITS MANAGING DIRECTORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR USE OF THE SITE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED $100.

10. Indemnification

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11. Third-Party Links

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12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Delaware.

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes take effect upon posting to the Site with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact invest@arta.vc.