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Redbud VC raises $25M Fund II to back outsider founders

Axios Pro report on Redbud VC's $25M fund for outsider founders.

From the Xiry library · Updated 10 October 2026

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An Axios Pro Deals exclusive reporting on Missouri-based pre-seed firm Redbud VC closing a $25 million second fund. Founded by EquipmentShare founders Willy Schlacks and Brett Calhoun, the fund targets non-traditional founders building outside conventional Silicon Valley networks with $250k–$500k initial checks.

What it's for

  • Research venture capital funds targeting non-coastal founders
  • Identify potential pre-seed investors for startups outside Silicon Valley networks
  • Track fundraise announcements and thesis models across early-stage VC

Features

  • Details on Redbud VC's $25 million Fund II raise
  • Overview of fund leadership by EquipmentShare founders Willy Schlacks and Brett Calhoun
  • Analysis of the fund's investment thesis targeting outsider founders
  • Context on pre-seed check sizes ranging from $250k to $500k
  • Axios Pro Deals coverage and venture capital context

Pricing

Paid. Requires Axios Pro subscription to read the full article

Details

Type
Article or course
Category
Business & Money
Topic
Venture Capital
Open source
No
Platforms
Web
For
Startup founders, venture capital investors, and tech finance analysts.
Alternative to
TechCrunch, PitchBook News, VentureBeat
Tags
venture capital, fundraising, pre seed, startups, investing, axios

Why it was saved

  • @brettcalhounn, 18 March 2026: The linked Axios piece explains the fund and its thesis of backing outsider founders outside elite Silicon Valley networks.

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