TLDR:
- Boston VC firm J2 Ventures raises $150 million for its second investment fund focused on national security technologies.
- The firm, founded by combat veteran Alexander Harstrick and Jonathan Bronson, backs startups with the potential for civilian use as well.
J2 Ventures, a Boston venture capital firm, has raised $150 million for its second investment fund. The firm, founded by combat veteran Alexander Harstrick and Jonathan Bronson, is focused on technologies that could improve national security. J2 has backed startups such as MesaQuantum in New Mexico and Femtosense in California, with a focus on innovation that does not involve guns or products that harm people. Harstrick and Bronson have atypical backgrounds for the VC industry, with Harstrick serving as a health care consultant and military intelligence officer and Bronson earning a PhD in chemistry and working in private equity. The firm aims to work closely with governments and help their companies secure public funding to develop technology with both military and civilian applications.
J2’s advisers include retired Navy vice admiral Raquel Bono, who commended the firm’s efforts to bring top capabilities to military personnel. Despite a challenging fundraising climate in the VC industry, J2’s $150 million second fund is more than double its initial fund from 2021. Investors in the new fund include JP Morgan, the State of New Mexico Investment Council, and MetLife. J2 Ventures’ approach to investing in national security startups signifies a dedication to innovation with a higher purpose and potential civilian benefits.
