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Steven Cadavid

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About Steven Cadavid

Investor type

Solo angel

First check

$50k to $500k

Themes

esports sports edtech robotics
learning management system
entertainmentLMS
play
interactive entertainment
gamedev
learning
gaming
videogame
sport
fitness future of work
videogames
VR
sportstech
+12
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Countries of investment

Who I am

I am a CV/ML Ph.D. with 20+ publications. Founder/Ex-CEO of KinaTrax (acquired by Sony). I invest $50k–$500k in CV, ML, Robotics, Sports Tech, & Biomechanics. I take an active role, providing engineering guidance & entrepreneurial insights from a successful exit to help founders bridge the gap between research and commercial success.

Funding Requirements

I invest in computer vision, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, sports tech, biomechanics, biometrics

Value add

I support founders via:

Technical Sounding Board: CV/ML architecture & bottlenecks.
Operational Pathfinding: R&D-to-product transition, IP, & M&A readiness.
Hiring: Vetting senior CV/Robotics talent.
Domain Context: Specialized Sports Tech & Biomechanics expertise.
Strategic Intros: Access to my deep-tech & industry network.

Frequently Asked Questions

I typically look for an ownership target in the 1% to 5% range. However, I am more focused on the quality of the partnership and the technical fit than a rigid percentage. I am happy to adjust based on the round size, valuation, and the level of active advisory I’ll be providing to the team.
My process is structured but efficient, typically moving through three phases. First, I focus on the technical architecture and the 'moat'—evaluating the underlying CV/ML models, data pipelines, and IP defensibility. Second, I look at founder-market fit to ensure the team has the unique insight and 'grit' required for the sector. Finally, I perform a light review of the business fundamentals and go-to-market strategy. I aim to be thorough without being a bottleneck to the founder’s momentum.
I typically move from a first meeting to a firm decision in 2 to 4 weeks. I value transparency and aim to provide clear feedback quickly, ensuring founders aren't left in limbo while they focus on building.
I look for a collaborative and transparent partnership. At a minimum, I expect consistent monthly updates that cover 'the good, the bad, and the ugly.' Beyond that, since I take an active role, I expect founders to leverage me as a resource—whether it’s a quick technical gut-check on a new feature or high-level strategic advice as you prepare for your next milestone or exit.
I am generally focused on Advisory Seats where I can provide direct technical and strategic value without the formal governance overhead. However, I am open to discussing a formal Board seat in specific cases where my background is particularly critical to the company’s long-term roadmap or specialized sector.
Yes, I reserve a portion of my capital for follow-on rounds in portfolio companies that demonstrate strong technical execution and clear market traction. I believe in doubling down on teams where I have developed a close working relationship and high conviction.
Yes, I am open to investing in solo founders, provided they demonstrate exceptional domain expertise and a clear roadmap for scaling their core team. I look for founders who have the technical depth to build the 'V1' and the leadership potential to attract top-tier talent as they grow.
Success is twofold: a meaningful financial return through a successful exit (M&A or IPO) and the satisfaction of seeing a complex technology successfully transition from a research-level prototype to a world-class product. Ultimately, I measure success by the quality of the long-term relationship built with the founders and the impact the technology has on its industry.

Location

105 Churchill Way, Florida, 33462, United States HQ

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