Holly Ventures has officially launched its debut $33 million cybersecurity fund, introducing a solo-led model that gives early-stage cyber founders direct access to the firm’s decision-makers and a concentrated, high-value support network. The San Francisco-based fund, created by former YL Ventures Senior Partner John Brennan, is positioned as an alternative to significant platform funds that often emphasize capital scale or broad AI narratives over hands-on founder engagement.
The firm’s strategy centers on working with founders at Day Zero, the earliest stages of company formation, when access, guidance, and market connectivity can significantly influence a start-up’s trajectory. Holly Ventures intends to offer the brand strength and network depth commonly associated with major venture platforms while preserving the agility and optionality of smaller, founder-friendly funds.
The new fund is backed by a wide array of limited partners, including investors from Bessemer Venture Partners, Ballistic Ventures, CRV, Wing VC, IVP, TCV, Notable Capital, Team8, Brightmind, and Ten Eleven Ventures. Larger institutions such as Vanderbilt University and Okta Ventures also committed capital. This LP base creates a broad network of operators, customers, co-investors, and global security leaders that founders can access without the structural overhead associated with multi-partner venture platforms.
Holly Ventures has already made six seed investments. Two have progressed to Series A with leads from top-tier U.S. and Israeli firms such as Index Ventures, Notable Capital, Team8, Cyberstarts, Sequoia, General Catalyst, and Foundation Capital. Brennan’s experience across both U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity ecosystems enables the firm to act as an immediate link between technical founders and early customers. Holly Ventures intends to serve as a collaborative syndicate partner rather than a competing lead investor, typically participating in seed rounds of $5 million to $10 million.
The firm aims to be the first call for founders facing critical decisions and challenges across areas like board preparation, executive hiring, and customer engagement strategies. Its model prioritizes the appropriateness of support over capital volume, appealing to founders who have multiple funding options but seek deeper involvement from their early investors.
KEY QUOTES
“Great early-stage security founders generally aren’t lacking for capital, but not all investor capital is created equal,” Brennan said. “Holly Ventures exists to work directly with teams as early as their ideation processes and is laser focused on supporting founders at the earliest stages of company building.”
John Brennan, Founder of Holly Ventures
“John was with us on the ground during the early days at Medigate. Whether it was customer introductions, or more strategic support, we always knew we could call him with any question, big or small,” said Jonathan Langer. “He was incredibly supportive, but also wasn’t afraid to deliver harsh feedback when needed. It’s a hard line to walk as an investor, but we always knew he was in our corner.”
Jonathan Langer, Co-Founder and Former CEO of Medigate
“John was our Board Member at MIND, sure, but he was always willing to roll up his sleeves in the weeds. He was incredibly supportive, but also wasn’t afraid to deliver harsh feedback when needed. It’s a hard line to walk as an investor, but we always knew he was in our corner.”
Eran Barak, Co-Founder and CEO of MIND and Former Co-Founder and CEO of Hexadite
