About

Desert Forge Ventures was created to transform Las Vegas into a nationally recognized innovation hub. As the first venture fund of its kind in the region, we invest in founders and technologies that help diversify and strengthen Nevada’s economy — while generating world-class returns.
We believe the future of innovation doesn’t belong to Silicon Valley alone. It belongs to bold cities like Las Vegas that are ready to build something lasting.

“We don’t just invest in startups — we forge legacies for Nevada.”

Len Jessup, former UNLV President
$25

Million

Early-Stage Fund
3x

Faster

Growth in Las Vegas’ startup ecosystem
$200

Thousand

Minimum Investment

We started Desert Forge Ventures with a simple belief:
Innovation should be local, lasting, and community-powered.

With support from the Economic Development Agency and in partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, we’re building more than a fund—we’re building an ecosystem. Our investments focus on early-stage startups that not only have the potential to scale but also to make a measurable impact on Nevada’s economic future.
We are proud to be catalysts in a new chapter for Las Vegas—where ideas are forged into world-changing companies.

Investing with Purpose. Delivering Performance.

At Desert Forge Ventures, we believe strong returns and meaningful impact go hand in hand.
We’re raising capital to fuel the next generation of innovation in Nevada—backing startups that not only scale, but uplift. By investing in early-stage, tech-enabled companies with ties to UNLV and the broader region, we aim to generate top-tier returns and strengthen Nevada’s economic future.
But we go beyond capital.
We mentor founders, support university-driven innovation, and actively build a more inclusive, resilient startup ecosystem.
This isn’t just venture. It’s venture with vision.
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