Organization · Venture Capital
Dark Star Ventures
Dark Star Ventures is a U.S.-based venture capital firm that invests in innovative early-stage startups across various sectors, including technology and consumer packaged goods. Founded by Jackson Killion, J.D., the firm emphasizes hands-on support and strategic connections for its portfolio companies.
Overview
What Dark Star Ventures does
What Dark Star Ventures is
Dark Star Ventures is a U.S.-based venture capital firm that invests in innovative early-stage startups across various sectors, including technology and consumer packaged goods. Founded by Jackson Killion, J.D., the firm emphasizes hands-on support and strategic connections for its portfolio companies.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
Official channels
Find Dark Star Ventures elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Dark Star Ventures as a funder
Investment thesis
Dark Star Ventures seeks to partner with innovative and unique early-stage companies across various sectors, leveraging their extensive experience in advisory and startup financing to foster growth and innovation.
Focus narrative
Dark Star Ventures invests in early-stage companies, particularly those that have graduated from prominent accelerator programs like Y Combinator and Techstars. The organization emphasizes a hands-on approach, empowering startups to innovate and grow within diverse sectors, including technology, CPG, and cannabis.
Value beyond capital
Dark Star Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies through hands-on support, leveraging their extensive experience in legal and startup financing. The team provides strategic guidance, access to a broad network of investors, and operational insights to help startups navigate challenges and accelerate growth.
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Regions
- United States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Not published
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 4
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include: Quadratic: An AI spreadsheet that connects data and utilizes AI for analysis, producing shareable and repeatable workflows. Urban Sky: A stratospheric balloon and sensing platform designed for defense, intelligence, commercial data, and scientific applications. Vartega: A company focused on recycled carbon fiber materials for compounding and thermoset applications. Pepper: A consumer apparel brand specializing in better-fitting bras for AA, A, and B cup customers.
Common questions
What to know about Dark Star Ventures
Upseed classifies Dark Star Ventures under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.