R1 Capital has announced its launch as an independent venture firm focused on backing founders across enterprise AI and software, deep tech, and life sciences who are solving complex, real-world problems in large and undercapitalized markets. Originally part of the investment activities within Rev1 Ventures, R1 Capital now operates with its own brand, funds, and investment strategy, supporting founders from company creation through growth and scale. The firm operates from Rev1 at The Peninsula, a founder-focused innovation hub in the Midwest.

The launch comes as venture funding concentration continues to intensify. In 2025, 33% of all U.S. venture capital dollars went to the top 1% of companies, and the 2026 NVCA Yearbook projects that concentration is expected to continue, creating a difficult fundraising environment for emerging founders outside the most visible markets. R1 Capital said its differentiated approach — combining disciplined, capital-efficient company building with deep hands-on partnership — is designed to address that gap, particularly for founders in markets that larger coastal funds often overlook.

R1 Capital is led by a team that has invested together across multiple fund cycles for more than a decade. Over that period, the team has supported more than 150 startups, helping founders build, validate, and scale companies across multiple technology cycles. The firm will continue collaborating with Rev1 Ventures and a broader ecosystem of operators, advisors, and strategic partners, offering support beyond capital through venture studio resources, early customer access, and commercialization support. R1 is led by CEO Tom Walker and Chief Investment Officer Ryan Helon, with a stated focus on Midwest roots and national reach.

KEY QUOTES:

“R1 Capital was built to back founders who are reshaping industries through technical innovation. Our focus has always been helping exceptional teams turn early momentum into enduring, category-defining businesses, and that commitment remains unchanged as R1 Capital begins this next chapter. We continue to support founders with the capital, expertise, and network needed to scale from product-market fit into durable market leadership.”

Tom Walker, Chief Executive Officer, R1 Capital

“This launch reflects continued momentum in the Midwest innovation ecosystem and growing demand for investors who combine a disciplined and capital efficient investment approach to company building with a strong partnership mentality.”

Ryan Helon, Chief Investment Officer, R1 Capital