In the crowded world of seed-stage venture capital, differentiation is key. Cove Fund, based in Southern California, has carved out a unique niche by leveraging its community-driven approach, deep regional focus, and active member engagement.

At Cove Fund, we’re always scanning the horizon for promising opportunities — sectors undergoing disruption, industries ripe for change, and technologies that can deliver lasting impact. Recently, we have seen several interesting companies that have captured our attention as particularly compelling

Carlsmed, a Carlsbad-based medical device company specializing in personalized spine fusion surgery, has filed to raise up to $100 million in an IPO. It markets its AI-enabled aprevo Technology Platform, including custom implants and single-use tools for lumbar procedures. With $32 million in revenue, Carlsmed aims to become the standard of care in spine fusion. It plans to trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol CARL. BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs, and Piper Sandler are leading the offering. Pricing terms have not been disclosed.

Venture capital has always been more than just capital—it’s about people, networks, and perspective. At Cove Fund, we’ve long believed that our Limited Partners (LPs) are not only investors, but also active collaborators and invaluable contributors to our ecosystem.

In the competitive landscape of startup ventures, having a robust local network can be a game-changer. Cove Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Irvine, California, exemplifies this by leveraging its deep roots in the Southern California ecosystem to provide startups with unparalleled support and opportunities.

In venture capital, “no” is the most common answer. At Cove Fund, every year we review hundreds of startups, yet only a fraction make it to formal due diligence — and fewer still receive an investment. So what separates the promising from the passed-over?

Raising your first institutional round is a pivotal milestone in a startup’s journey. It’s not just about securing capital; it’s about laying the foundation for sustainable growth, building lasting relationships, and demonstrating your startup’s potential to investors.

For founders, timing a seed raise is as much an art as a science. Raise too early, and you risk dilution before proving value. Wait too long, and you may stall growth or miss critical windows. So when is the right time to raise seed capital?

At Cove Fund, due diligence is a rigorous process of evaluating a startup’s viability before investment. Identifying red flags during this phase can prevent costly missteps.