Kalos Ventures Debuts With $78.8M Fund for Human Infrastructure

NEW YORK, NY – May 11, 2026 – Kalos Ventures, a new thesis-driven venture capital firm, today announced the closing of its oversubscribed $78.8 million inaugural fund, signaling strong investor appetite for technology that addresses deep-seated societal shifts. Led by an all-women founding team, the firm will write lead checks for early-stage companies building critical infrastructure in the workforce, care, and education sectors.

The fund attracted a notable roster of limited partners, including Pivotal Ventures, a Melinda French Gates organization; ZOMA Capital; GCM Grosvenor; MassMutual; and Sorenson Impact Advisory. Their backing underscores a growing consensus in the investment community that the most significant opportunities lie in solving fundamental human challenges amplified by technology and demographic change.

“Our founders are building real solutions to help people thrive in this time of major societal and economic upheaval, and Kalos is positioned at the center of this transformation,” said Ashley Bittner, Managing Partner of Kalos. “We take an intentional, hands-on approach with our investments, writing lead checks and rolling up our sleeves with every founder we back. We measure our impact by what we contribute to our founders beyond capital.”

Investing at the Intersection of AI and Demographics

Kalos Ventures is planting its flag at the convergence of two powerful, economy-altering forces: the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and a historic demographic inversion. The firm’s investment thesis is built on the reality that an estimated 50-55% of U.S. jobs will be reshaped by AI in the coming years, while by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in the nation's history.

Instead of viewing these trends as disruptions to be weathered, Kalos identifies them as the bedrock for a new generation of essential companies. The firm is targeting what it calls “critical infrastructure needs”—the foundational technologies required for society to adapt and flourish. This includes platforms for reskilling the workforce, solutions that enable seniors to age with dignity and independence, and educational tools that prepare learners for the jobs of tomorrow.

Bittner’s background uniquely positions her to lead this charge. Her journey spans roles as a Teach for America teacher in the Bronx, a Special Assistant in the Obama Administration’s Department of Education, and an early-stage investor at Owl Ventures, the world's largest EdTech-focused VC firm. This blend of on-the-ground, policy, and investment experience informs the firm’s conviction-led approach.

A New Era of Women-Led Venture Capital

The successful close of an oversubscribed fund is a significant achievement for any new firm, but it is particularly noteworthy for one led entirely by women. The Kalos Ventures founding team includes Bittner; Partner Renée Beaumont, who brings over 25 years of investment experience from Goldman Sachs and Generation Investment Management; Principal Kate Ballinger; and Head of Investor Relations and Community Toni Alejandria.

This leadership composition is part of a broader, albeit slow-moving, shift in the venture capital landscape, which has historically been dominated by men. The firm's success demonstrates the increasing recognition that diverse leadership teams can unlock unique insights and access different networks, leading to differentiated deal flow and investment strategies. The backing from LPs like Pivotal Ventures, which has a specific mandate to support women and emerging fund managers, highlights this alignment.

“The success of Kalos Ventures’ latest fund underscores the need to meet the demands of radical shifts in the future of work and our aging population,” commented Erin Harkless Moore, Managing Director of Investments at Pivotal Ventures. “So much of what companies need to scale comes down to the ability to access the right tools and advisors. Ashley and her team understand this deeply and have carefully built a portfolio of companies that are changing how we work, learn and age.”

Beyond the Check: A Partnership-First Model

In an ecosystem where capital can often feel like a commodity, Kalos is differentiating itself with a deeply hands-on model. The firm’s strategy centers on making concentrated bets—aiming for a portfolio of around 15 companies—and providing intensive support far beyond the initial investment. This approach is particularly crucial for startups navigating the complex and often regulated markets of education, healthcare, and workforce development.

This “beyond the check” philosophy includes advisory on capital formation, helping founders build their next funding rounds; ecosystem building, connecting them with customers and partners; and talent strategy, assisting in the recruitment of key hires. By leading investment rounds and often taking board seats, the Kalos team embeds itself as a true partner in the critical early stages of a company's life.

This model resonates with both founders and investors who recognize that early-stage success is about more than just funding. “In this complex macroeconomic environment, founders in work, care and education are looking for hands-on support to navigate moments that are crucial for long-term success,” said Lauren Sercu, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Sorenson Impact Advisory. “Kalos is set up to execute on this and be that first call.”

The Thesis in Action: A Look at the Portfolio

Kalos's early investments provide a concrete look at its thesis in practice. The portfolio includes Manifest, an AI-native platform designed to empower small and medium-sized business owners. Founded by education technology veteran Sarah Horn, Manifest provides SMBs with enterprise-grade AI tools, business intelligence dashboards, and a learning community, directly addressing the “workforce” and “education” pillars of the firm’s strategy.

Another portfolio company, Rosarium Health, is building the infrastructure for aging in place. Founded by healthcare operations expert Cameron Carter, the platform connects therapists, contractors, and individuals to coordinate home modifications—from wheelchair ramps to fall-prevention systems. This directly tackles the challenges of the “care” economy, driven by the demographic wave of aging Americans who wish to remain in their homes.

The firm has also backed a stealth company founded by Jeff Wald, a serial entrepreneur and thought leader in HR technology whose previous company, WorkMarket, was acquired by ADP. This investment in a seasoned founder with deep domain expertise underscores the firm’s strategy of backing experienced leaders with unique insights into their target sectors. As these foundational pillars of society continue to transform, Kalos Ventures has positioned itself not just as a financial investor, but as a dedicated architect of the technological solutions designed to navigate the changes ahead.