Solo GP Ashley Smith announces second $25M fund to back startups in AI, security and more

2026-07-08 · Source: TechCrunch · Field: Finance & Economics — Capital Markets & Investment Management, Venture Capital · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Vermilion Cliffs Ventures, founded in 2023 by solo woman GP Ashley Smith, announced the close of its \$25 million Fund II. Raised in approximately four months, primarily from existing investors, this fund will continue backing technical founders focused on AI infrastructure, security, and dev tools. Fund II plans to invest in at least 25 companies over the next two and a half years, with an average check size between \$500,000 and \$1 million, having already supported six startups. The firm's previous \$13 million debut fund backed 35 companies, including Keycard and CopilotKit. Smith leverages her marketing experience from Twilio, Facebook, GitHub, and GitLab to assist portfolio companies with crucial go-to-market strategies, particularly for selling to developers and security teams.

Key takeaway

For entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding, particularly in AI infrastructure, security, or dev tools, Vermilion Cliffs Ventures Fund II presents a targeted opportunity. You should consider approaching firms like Ashley Smith's that not only provide capital but also offer direct, experienced guidance on go-to-market strategies for technical products. This specialized support can significantly reduce costly trial-and-error in sales to developer and security teams, accelerating your path to market success.

Key insights

Vermilion Cliffs Ventures' \$25M Fund II targets AI, security, and dev tools startups, providing go-to-market expertise from a solo woman GP.

Principles

• Selling to developers and security teams requires specialized discipline.
• Specialized go-to-market support is crucial for technical founders.

Method

Ashley Smith assists portfolio founders by sharing go-to-market strategies, drawing on her marketing experience at major tech companies to help them avoid common, expensive mistakes when selling to developers and security teams.

In practice

• Technical founders should prioritize investors offering GTM expertise.
• Venture firms can differentiate by providing specialized GTM support.

Topics

• Venture Capital
• AI Infrastructure
• Cybersecurity
• Developer Tools
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Solo GP

Best for: Investor, Entrepreneur, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by TechCrunch.