About this programme
Battle Born Venture is Nevada's state venture capital program, established in 2013 and funded through the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). It is managed by the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED).
The program exists to help Nevada entrepreneurs stay local when they raise money, rather than having to leave the state to find investors. It invests in high-potential Nevada startups and has completed five exits to date.
Battle Born Venture makes equity investments. It does not issue grants.
How it works
The fund participates in rounds ranging from $200,000 to $20 million in total size, and can invest up to 50% of a round, with the exact share depending on the company's stage.
A company can receive up to $1 million from Battle Born Venture over time, but no more than $500,000 in its first round with the fund.
Investments use equity and equity-like structures, including convertible notes and SAFEs.
Battle Born Venture never leads a round. It co-invests alongside a secured lead investor, and that lead must be an independent third party: a venture capital firm, a corporate venture capital arm, or an incorporated angel fund. Family members or business partners do not qualify as the lead investor.
The process is blind: startups do not pitch to the investment team directly. The fund says this supports investment in a more diverse range of entrepreneurs.
Funding is not guaranteed even for companies that meet the mandate. The fund has limited capital and can only back a small share of eligible applicants.
Who can apply
The company must be a C-corp or S-corp; LLCs are not eligible.
It must hold a Nevada business license and have a Nevada address already in place before applying. Startups planning to relocate to Nevada are not eligible until they do so.
The company generally needs recurring revenue, though this is waived for startups spun out of Nevada research universities, Knowledge Fund affiliates, or deep-tech companies with active SBIR/STTR contracts.
The fund does not invest in gambling, alcohol, cannabis, firearms, real estate, or investment and lending businesses.
Battle Born Venture follows US Treasury and State of Nevada guidelines strictly and makes no exceptions to the mandate. Companies that don't fit are pointed to the Nevada SBDC for alternative funding sources.
Relatives or associates of program staff cannot receive funding, under the fund's conflict-of-interest policy.
How to apply
- Check your fit against the fund's mandate using the 'are we a fit?' quiz on the site; about 80% of submissions don't meet the requirements.
- Submit your information through the application page.
- Consult the FAQ page if you have further questions.
- Expect a wait for a response, since the fund anticipates high application volume.
Frequently asked
Does Battle Born Venture offer grants?
No. Battle Born Venture makes equity investments; it does not issue grants.
If I meet the mandate, is funding guaranteed?
No. The fund has limited capital and can only fund a small portion of eligible applicants.
Can the fund make exceptions to its eligibility mandate?
No. The mandate follows US Treasury and State of Nevada guidelines with no flexibility. Companies that don't fit are directed to the Nevada SBDC.
Can I apply if my startup plans to relocate to Nevada?
No. Applicants must already hold a Nevada business license and have an in-state address before applying.
Can I pitch directly to the Battle Born Venture team?
No. The fund operates a blind investment process, so startups do not pitch to the team directly.
Can Battle Born Venture help me build a pitch deck?
No, but the Nevada SBDC offers that kind of assistance.
More funding in Nevada
Collateral Support Program
Battle Born Growth (Nevada GOED / SSBCI) · Nevada
Backs Nevada bank loans with state collateral support when a small business otherwise falls short on collateral.
FundNV
StartUpNV · Nevada
A $50,000 convertible-note investment for pre-seed Nevada startups that join the StartUpNV accelerator.
Nevada APEX Accelerator
Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) · Nevada
Free one-on-one coaching and workshops to help any Nevada business win federal, state and local government contracts.
Standard Tax Abatement
Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) · Nevada
Cuts sales, payroll and property taxes for Nevada businesses that hit wage, investment or job-creation targets and sell mostly out of state.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.