Arizona-based venture capital firm AZ-VC has rebranded as Copper Sky Capital as it broadens its platform to back early-stage technology companies across North America, with a sector-agnostic strategy and a focus on AI software products.
Founded in 2021, the firm is led by Managing Partners Jason Pressman, a long-time partner at Shasta Ventures, and Jack Selby, a former PayPal executive. The rebrand reflects the firm’s expanded mission to lead Seed and Series A rounds in companies primarily located outside traditional technology hubs such as Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston.
Copper Sky Capital maintains its core conviction that high-quality companies are being founded and scaled across North America. The firm believes that while regions outside major tech hubs represent the majority of the U.S. population and economic activity, they continue to receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital investment. Copper Sky views this imbalance as a structural opportunity to invest in regional technology ecosystems where innovation is developing organically.
The firm builds on the foundation established by AZ-VC, including its inaugural Fund I, which raised over $115 million in committed capital, and a growing portfolio of high-growth software companies. Copper Sky remains focused on Seed and Series A rounds, primarily backing companies with early product-market fit and revenue. Its approach emphasizes long-term partnership, operational rigor, and capital structures designed to preserve founder flexibility.
In addition to providing capital, Copper Sky has developed a platform of operating partners with deep domain expertise to support founders as they scale their businesses.
Rather than pursuing inflated early valuations, the firm emphasizes disciplined entry points aimed at helping founders avoid what it describes as the “valuation trap,” which can limit future strategic and financing options. Copper Sky believes this approach enables a broader range of successful outcomes for founders, employees, and investors.
KEY QUOTES
“Venture capital has spent the last decade confusing proximity to Silicon Valley with quality and value. Extraordinary founders are building companies with tremendous potential all across the country, supported by world-class AI and software engineering university programs across the U.S. Copper Sky exists to deploy capital directly into these markets—without forcing companies into inflated hubs and valuation frameworks that often distort long-term outcomes. We believe that being thoughtful about how a company is capitalized early on creates room to grow sustainably, maintain optionality over time, and maximize enterprise value. That discipline helps founders focus on building lasting value rather than chasing short-term signals from the market.”
Jack Selby, Managing Partner, Copper Sky Capital
“Our mission is to help founders build durable companies, not flashes in the pan. We’ve assembled a network of experienced operating partners who work alongside teams to develop the capabilities and playbooks needed to scale with confidence and independence.”
Jason Pressman, Managing Partner, Copper Sky Capital
