The Evolution of
Commerce Enablement

Between Hawke Media's client base (400+ monthly brands), growth marketing expertise (200+ employees), and Hawke Venture’s track record in early stage investing, we have a strategic ability to attract and develop world class entrepreneurs in commerce enablement and marketing technology.

Hawke Ventures Overview

Hawke Ventures has a substantial advantage in that we have the ability to introduce portfolio companies to hundreds of brand customers that are clients of our partner digital marketing agency, Hawke Media. The ability to perform a deep level of diligence using this platform, along with Hawke Media being a driver of sales for our portfolio companies, has provided us with a significant "unfair advantage" when investing in companies in our target sectors.

Our Sector Focus

Commerce Tech

Advertising Tech

Marketing Tech

Emerging Marketing Channels

Commerce Enablement

We invest in the most ground-breaking technology that manages marketing processes and multifunctional campaigns across multiple channels automatically.

Marketing Tools & Software

From display ads to the rise of social and SMS, new channels are constantly evolving.

Emerging Marketing Channels

Top of the funnel is just the beginning for us. We have a deep understanding and interest in other categories outside of marketing that empower brands' eCommerce operations.

Emerging Marketing Channels

Top of the funnel is just the beginning for us. We have a deep understanding and interest in other categories outside of marketing that empower the brand's eCommerce operations.

In The Press

THE EVOLUTION OF COMMERCE FUND

“...we want to bring a strategic or ‘unfair’ advantage to the companies we invest in. As an example, Hawke Media works with thousands of brands, so if we invest in a company that is a great tool for those brands, we can be a catalyst to the growth of the company we invest in.”


Erik Huberman, General Partner

FAQ

  • • Where do you invest?

    We are agnostic when it comes to location. We tend to be able to add the most value to companies based in North America, but are open to considering investments in any region.

  • • What do you invest in?

    At Hawke, we invest in the future of commerce enablement. Historically, our sweet spot has been pre-seed and seed companies working on commerce enablement and marketing technologies. This is where our partnership with Hawke Media is able to add the most direct value.

  • • How big is your fund?

    We currently have $25M AUM between our Funds.

  • • What stage do you invest in?

    Post revenue Pre-seed and Seed deals. We shy away from investing in companies pre-product, pre-revenue. We like to see ~$20k MRR before we invest, so we can make introductions to Hawke Media and clients out of the gate.

  • • Do you lead rounds?

    We lead rounds in scenarios where we add exceptionally strategic advantages to create outlier outcomes. We like to start working with companies early in their life cycle and will typically begin with a $50k pre-seed check. Next, we work with those founders, adding strategic value over the next 3-12 months. In scenarios where a strategic fit is unlocked, we lead or co-lead Seed rounds at $500k.

  • • How long is the investment decision process?

    There is no one size fits all. In our diligence process, we typically use the technology on our own clients at Hawke Media to create our own case study + data set. It could take 4 weeks, it could take 12.

  • • Are you actively investing?

    Yes.

  • • How many investments do you make in a year?

    We will invest in ~46 companies during the life cycle of Fund II.

  • • If Hawke Ventures invests in my company, am I obligated to use Hawke Media as my marketing agency?

    No. We’re more than happy to be helpful with marketing, but portfolio companies are not required to use Hawke Media.

  • • Do you invest in consumer deals?

    Typically, no. Unless it is highly opportunistic and we can add value in a unique way.

  • • How do you add value to your investments?

    We are strategic investors alongside Hawke Media. We are very hands-on investors and help with product growth, GTM strategy, partner-led growth, and introductions to other VCs. We also like to use the technology we invest in on the Hawke Media clients, thus making sales on behalf of our portfolio companies.