Rafaella Fontes

Defense & Space Tech Vertical Lead

2025

Partner, Head of Capital Formation

2024

FVG backs early-stage companies developing breakthrough dual-use technologies that bolster national security. We target innovations that bridge defense and commercial markets, ensuring the U.S. stays ahead in global defense through strategic investments in visionary founders. Focus: Early-stage (Pre-seed & Seed) aerospace & defense-adjacent technologies Key Sectors: AI, Energy, Advanced Manufacturing & Materials, Supply Chain & Logistics, Cybersecurity, Space, Computing What sets us apart? We’d like to share more about how we’re identifying the most promising investment opportunities and how you can be a part of our journey. I’d love to set up a time to discuss how we can work together to make a tangible impact on our country’s future.

Member

2024

Investor

2024 - 2024

Climate Tech investment strategy under Sound Ventures ($1B AUM) • Supported and executed fundraising strategies, driving capital formation efforts for institutional raise, and collaborated with top tier service providers • Advised and connected portfolio companies to follow-on capital partners • Conducted thematic-driven research to identify emerging trends, guiding investment decisions across key sectors and supporting a strategic approach to sourcing high-potential opportunities

Co President

2021 - 2024

Investor

2022 - 2024

• Sourced investment opportunities across dev tools, healthcare, enterprise software, and climate tech • Oversaw diligence through IC approval, and created marketing materials for corresponding SPV raises

Investor

2022 - 2023

• Sourced investment opportunities and managed deal pipeline, cataloging >3K deals since June 2021 and investing in 18 companies • Oversaw diligence and market mapping across sectors such as: cold chain, ag tech robotics, supply chain traceability, regenerative CPG • Led weekly investment committee meetings. Some notable investments: FoodReady (B2B enterprise SaaS); Partnerslate (B2B Marketplace & SaaS); Robigo (AgTech); Michroma (B2B ingredient tech); Aquacultured Foods (B2B2C ingredient biotech) • Designed and documented process from sourcing to investment. Developed intake, screening, and diligence frameworks • Led analysis on investment pipeline trends, conversion rates as deal quality indicators, productive deal sources, and founder diversity progression • Represented firm as a panelist, judge, volunteer, or committee member at investor and start-up industry events globally • Developed partnerships with 10 top universities and managed cumulative 14 students from top Master’s programs for 10-16 week fellowships

Venture Capital Fellow

2021 - 2022

InSITE Venture Fellow

2020 - 2021

Premier venture capital and startup fellowship for graduate students

Event Director

2020 - 2021

Largest and longest-running competition for student-led climatetech startups in the world with over $2.8M in awarded prizes.

U.S. Brand Director

2018 - 2020

Developed the company's brand strategy, identified market opportunities and designed a marketing plan to implement campaigns that would expand the company's target audience.