Corazon Capital, a Chicago-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage investing, announced the final close of its fourth fund at $100 million. The new fund will target pre-seed, seed, and Series A startups, with a particular emphasis on AI-native companies designed around enduring human behaviors.
The firm is led by operators behind well-known consumer platforms such as SparkNotes, OkCupid, Match, Tinder, ShopRunner, and Grindr. With Fund IV, Corazon is continuing its strategy of partnering closely with founders building technology that transforms how people learn, connect, transact, work, and live.
Corazon Capital has invested in a range of consumer and technology companies, including SpotHero, PrettyLitter, Telnyx, TradingView, Brilliant, and Noble Mobile. As its portfolio has expanded, the firm has grown beyond its Chicago roots, now maintaining a national presence with team members in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.
Alongside the fundraise, the firm also announced internal promotions and a new partner addition. Greg Johnston and Smriti Jayaraman were promoted to partner from principal roles, and Alison Stillman, previously a founding partner at Serena Ventures and a venture partner at Corazon, was named partner.
Fund IV reflects Corazon’s continued focus on backing founders who use artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, aligning with the firm’s “Start with Heart” investment philosophy.
KEY QUOTES:
“In an AI-native world that enables anyone to build sophisticated technology, the ability to achieve product-market fit and scale products and organizations will define the winning companies. Those founders will need partners who bring the rare combination of trust and expertise to help them navigate their most challenging decisions. One without the other falls short; together, that combination materially improves a founder’s chances of success.”
Sam Yagan, Co-Founder And Managing Partner, Corazon Capital
“AI has dramatically expanded how much and how fast founders can build. We invest in founders who use AI to amplify human potential, not replace it; in a world racing toward automation, we’re investing in humanity.”
Phil Schwarz, Managing Partner, Corazon Capital
“Throughout my decades-long investing career, I’ve learned that building an enduring firm requires developing talent from within while also bringing in leaders who expand perspective. Greg, Smriti, and Alison demonstrate the courage, humility, and curiosity required to build invaluable partnerships with founders.”
Steve Farsht, Co-Founder, Corazon Capital
