From Concept To Market Traction
Startup ROI
Ventures
Our team manages high growth concept stage AI in Energy startup investments by ensuring Product Market Fit and guaranteeing growth or a timely pivot.
We’re not your average venture builder. We’ve designed a model that removes obstacles to growth from concept to exit.
Our Thesis
Startup ROI Ventures is launching a $7 MM Seed fund in Houston to back US AI in Energy startups, leveraging the partner’s startup accelerator experience, university and industry partners, and dialed in investment criteria targeting consistent, efficient, and cost effective power for all through de-risked early stage investments.
Investment Criteria
We target validated AI in Energy Startups that directly advance and unlock power for all with improved fuel supply reliability, higher conversion efficiency, lower outages, and streamlined delivery.
Our Partners
We partner with Universities, Operators, Energy companies, and related consortia and innovation initiatives who share mutual interest in gaining a stake in or first access to data-informed AI in Energy startups.
Scaling Model
We guarantee consistent growth or a timely pivot with founder/concept matching and recruiting, incremental investment, hands on advisory, and regular reviews.
Key Investment Targets
We strategically allocate capital across three key targets driving US AI in Energy innovation:
Technology
- Deep Learning
- Generative AI
- Robotics
- Computer Vision
Energy Value Chain Focus
- Fuel Refining
- Storage & Terminals
- Midstream Transport
- Power Generation
- Electric Transmission & Distribution
- End Use: Electricity Grid & Consumers
Outcome Drivers
- Improved Fuel Supply Reliability
- Higher Conversion Efficiency
- Lower Outages
- Streamlined Delivery
Investment Strategy
We merge the objectives of universities and industry partners to identify and validate ideal solutions to scale. In exchange, we grant these partners first access or the option to gain equity after we’ve invested and laid a growth foundation. Our venture studio produces startups with:
- Strong founding teams
- Lean, scalable business models
- Clear competitive advantages
- Early advisory board members
- Large addressable markets
- Clear, early customer validation
Deal Sourcing
Proactive partnering with universities to steer AI in Energy innovation through scaling framework implementation and industry player concept validation and early engagement.
Due Diligence
We leverage our portfolio generation framework to validate key startup investment signals such as data trend proof, technical feasibility, founding team needs, market sizing, competitive outlook, business model scalability, and customer buy-in ahead of investing to accomplish MVP development and pilot enablement with first customers.
Our Team
Kiara Thomas
Studio Founder & Investment Operator
- Early to Growth Startup Advisor
- Founder of AI Startup Accelerator
- Previous Venture Partner at AI Fund
- Innovation Leader at Offshore Drilling
Company
Ajith Murthy
Startup Technical Advisor
- 30 years Oil & Gas Technology Deployment and New Business Development
- Deep Expertise in Technology for Business Excellence and Sustainability
Cheryl Parks
Corporate AI Sales Advisor
- AI Certified Consultant
- Top B2B Corporate Sales Advisor and Influencer
- $25M+ Sold to Enterprise companies
- Top 300 Women in SaaS
Jacob Vizinat
Startup Technical Advisor
- 25+ years of Energy Leader experience
- Advises on Energy sector Scaling and
Commercialization - Management experience at Hess,
Chevron, and SLB
How We Deliver Results
Guaranteeing growth or a timely pivot with incremental investment, hands on advisory, and regular reviews.
Product Market Fit
Fueled by an in-house Portfolio Management Application and our university and industry partners, the studio identifies lean startup concepts with high growth potential, validates buy in with ideal customer interviews, and presents top startup concepts and success roadmaps.
Supervised Growth
Made up of a community of voluntary advisors, the accelerator provides two to three early board members with skillsets matching roadmap needs. The group supervises the recruiting of two founders, a business and technical role, and advise startup growth.
Monitored Investment
The Fund board reviews annual presentations and selects one to three startup concepts for investment. The investment covers a minimum founder salary, MVP development, and lean operational costs. The early board members provide quarterly reports and the fund maintains an annual exit option.
Why Startup ROI?
We de-risk AI investments at crucial failure points with a model that addresses key issues from the start.
Poor Product Market Fit
34% of startups fail within 1-5 years due to poor product market fit. This is a result of little to no market research prior to building a product. Founders often become convinced a concept’s success without validation.
Team Related Issues
18% of startups fail within 1-5 years due to team related issues. Founders often lack domain, business, marketing, or technical knowledge leaving the startup vulnerable.
No Transparency or Control
Investors are often left in the dark while founders struggle behind flashy presentations. Despite quarterly reports, founders withhold vital information out of fear. Investors often miss the opportunity to course correct. The investment fails due to a lack of communication and delayed intervention.
Improve Funding Applications
Improve your application with our AI Prompts for Pre-Investment Validation.
Connect with Kiara Thomas on LinkedIN and add “AI Validation Prompts” to your connection request note.
Join Our Advisor Community
True global scale is the objective. Due to so many obstacles, only 5% of venture-backed startups succeed and 95% cause investors to lose money. Our team works with each startup to ensure scalability at every milestone. We’re looking for likeminded advisor partners. Join an ecosystem that puts power and equity in your hands.