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

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

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.

Website: https://axios.com/pro/fintech-deals/2026/03/18/redbud-vc-seed-fund-outsider-founders

## What it is 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](https://xiry.app/topics/business-money.md)
- Topic: [Venture Capital](https://xiry.app/topics/business-money/venture-capital.md)
- 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](https://x.com/brettcalhounn/status/2034298784818352300): The linked Axios piece explains the fund and its thesis of backing outsider founders outside elite Silicon Valley networks.

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Updated 10 October 2026. Page: https://xiry.app/resources/redbud-vc-raises-25m-fund-ii-to-back-outsider-founders

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