Organization · Micro VC
LongJump
LongJump is a Chicago-based micro-VC fund focused on pre-seed investments in early-stage companies, particularly in the Midwest. The fund aims to support founders by providing capital, connections, and community.
Overview
What LongJump does
What LongJump is
LongJump is a Chicago-based micro-VC fund focused on pre-seed investments in early-stage companies, particularly in the Midwest. The fund aims to support founders by providing capital, connections, and community.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and community 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
- Micro VC
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Community
- Last reviewed
- May 5, 2026
Official channels
Find LongJump elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
LongJump as a funder
Investment thesis
LongJump aims to be the earliest institutional investor for overlooked founders building tech-focused or tech-enabled companies in the Midwest, especially Chicago. The fund seeks founders with momentum, unique insights, and a business where a small first check can create measurable progress.
Focus narrative
LongJump invests $110,000 at the earliest stages of company development, primarily targeting businesses based in the Midwest. The fund is industry-agnostic but emphasizes technology-focused or technology-enabled companies that can scale quickly. LongJump seeks to support founders who have not yet raised significant outside capital and values the strength of the founding team and their unique market insights.
Value beyond capital
LongJump adds value to its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also connections and community support. The fund hosts monthly co-working sessions and quarterly community events to foster collaboration and networking among founders, helping them to scale their businesses effectively.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $110,000
- Sweet spot
- $110,000
Focus and fit
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 45
Portfolio context
Avant Health: Uses AI to automate benefits tasks and create personalized care plans. Eventnoire: A ticketing platform that connects culture and community. Blip Energy: Develops smart home batteries for better grid management. Bilin Academy: Provides multilingual learning experiences for children. FreshX: A supply chain software company focused on cold-chain transportation. Rivet: An AI-driven community management platform for artists and content creators.
Capability profile
LongJump as a community
Community overview
LongJump is a Chicago-based micro-VC fund dedicated to investing in early-stage companies, particularly at the pre-seed stage. Founded by experienced founders and operators, LongJump aims to support entrepreneurs by providing not only capital but also valuable connections and a strong community. The organization focuses on helping founders build scalable businesses, with a particular emphasis on those located in the Midwest.
Community focus
LongJump primarily invests in early-stage companies, specifically at the pre-seed stage. The fund has a strong preference for businesses based in the Midwest, especially Chicago, and is open to various industries, including technology-focused and tech-enabled sectors. LongJump seeks to be the earliest institutional investor for overlooked founders, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
Member value
Members of the LongJump community benefit from access to capital, mentorship from experienced founders, and networking opportunities within a supportive ecosystem. The fund hosts community gatherings and co-working sessions, allowing founders to connect, collaborate, and share insights. Additionally, LongJump provides resources and guidance to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building their businesses.
Membership
- Recorded members
- 45
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- hybrid
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
Audience and fit
- Audience
- Founders · Investors
- Benefits
- network-access and mentorship
- Program types
- community
- Selection criteria
- open
- Stages
- Pre-seed
- Regions
- North AmericaUnited States
Community activity
- Annual events
- 4
Events and activity
LongJump hosts community gatherings and participates in events such as TechChicago Week, where they engage with founders and share insights on fundraising and entrepreneurship. They also conduct monthly co-working sessions and quarterly portfolio gatherings to foster collaboration among members.
Notable members
Key team members include Rebecca Kahnweiler (Managing Partner), Tina Hrabak (Partner), Brian Luerssen (General Partner, CEO of Draftbit), Ablorde Ashigbi (General Partner, CEO of 4Degrees), Garry Cooper (General Partner, CEO of Rheaply), Ale Breuer (Founder Partner, Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business), Kristen Sonday (Founder Partner, CEO of Paladin), and Tim Grace (Founder Partner, Managing Director of Techstars Columbus).
Common questions
What to know about LongJump
Upseed classifies LongJump under the Micro VC organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and community 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 5, 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.