NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a move that reflects the evolution of the firm and better embodies its team, values and strategy, Corigin Ventures announced its rebrand to Alpaca VC, effective today. The name Alpaca signifies the founder-focused mentality that the firm brings to early-stage companies that are seeking not only capital, but an experienced partner to guide them through the ups and downs of the startup journey. Alpaca is a venture capital firm created by founders, for founders.

“Simply put, our name didn’t reflect who we have grown to become, and we found that it was creating confusion relating to our investment strategy and areas of expertise,” said Ryan Freedman, General Partner of Alpaca. “Our thesis has always been focused on investing in companies that layer technology over daily life to transform how the real world works. However, given our early success investing in proptech companies, there was an assumption that this was our primary area of focus. In reality, our portfolio comprises a diverse array of startups spanning many sectors. As Alpaca, we are shedding (or shearing) this legacy perception and better defining who we are and where we invest.”

Alpaca invests in the people, products and processes that power commerce in the physical world. Together with founders, the firm has a track record of kickstarting real change with outsized impact in the consumer, B2B marketplace, global commerce infrastructure, edtech, wellness, gaming, hardware, virtual community, femtech, famtech, supply chain, subscription commerce, and fintech sectors. A collection of former founders, Alpaca specializes in helping startups prioritize what really matters to accomplish big things.

“Having been in the entrepreneurial hot seat, we have the empathy and practical, hands-on experience building strategy, growing teams, executing, tracking and making hard decisions to guide founders through the formative years of their growing businesses,” said General Partner Aubrie Pagano. “We are not career investment professionals who assess companies without having walked the walk, and this is why we believe we can better partner with startups as they go from seed to series A and beyond – we’re the investors we wish we had.”

Along with the name change, Alpaca is introducing a new logo and brand messaging, as well as a re-designed website at Alpaca.vc. The firm’s new brand messaging reinforces the four pillars that drive its unique promise and set it apart, including:

• Spot the fit: Every founder has a story. We back founders who were put on this planet to run the businesses they’re building.
• Support, support, support: We are here for our founders. Whether it’s through our OneHerd platform or a late Friday text, we’ve got your back every step of the journey.
• It’s all about respect: Respect isn't always about saying what's good or what's easy. But when the going gets tough, honesty and respect are critical for success.
• Make something real: We invest in people, products and processes that layer technology over daily life to transform how the real world works. That’s where we unlock the most value.

Commenting on the firm’s new brand identity, General Partner David Goldberg added, “Alpaca feels fresh, a little less buttoned up, and technology-related. Alpacas (and llamas) are internet sensations, and to us, the name reflects the tech-forward, meme-centric consumer culture we love to invest in and be part of. Today, we’re moving forward with a clear identity and the same conviction as before – as one herd, with an all grit, no BS mentality.”

About Alpaca VC:

Alpaca is a founder-focused early-stage venture capital firm investing in high-growth companies that layer technology over daily life to transform how the real world works. As former founders, our value creation strategy is predicated on practical, hands-on experience and working closely with founders to provide actionable insights, dedicated support and honest feedback to fuel long-term growth. Successful investments include Compass, Transfix, Latch, Wheels Up, Imperfect Foods and Bowery Valuation. For more information, please visit: www.alpaca.vc.