Great Oaks Venture Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in New York, United States. The firm focuses on seed and Series A investments across consumer internet, fintech, and marketplace businesses. Over time, Great Oaks has extended its thesis into the crypto and blockchain space, backing a small number of projects where the team sees long-term infrastructure or consumer adoption potential.
The firm operates with a lean structure and a concentrated portfolio approach, preferring fewer, higher-conviction bets over broad diversification. Public information about total assets under management is limited – Great Oaks has not disclosed AUM figures publicly. Its crypto-related portfolio stands at approximately six known investments, reflecting selective deployment rather than a spray-and-pray strategy common among larger multi-stage funds.
Great Oaks was founded by David Siegel, a New York-based entrepreneur and investor with a background in technology and consumer products. Siegel previously co-founded and led several startups before moving into venture. The firm has operated primarily out of New York since its founding, though it backs companies across the United States and occasionally beyond. Detailed information about additional partners or investment staff is not widely published.
Notable investments
- Betterment – automated investment platform; one of Great Oaks' most widely cited early bets in consumer fintech
- Kickstarter – crowdfunding platform backed in early stages
- Several early-stage crypto and blockchain infrastructure projects (specific names and deal terms are not fully disclosed in public filings)
Public information about specific crypto portfolio companies beyond general mentions is limited. The firm has not issued press releases on individual crypto deals, and no major public database (Crunchbase, PitchBook) lists a complete, verified set of blockchain investments as of early 2026. Interested parties should consult Great Oaks' Crunchbase profile for the most current deal disclosures.
Team
David Siegel is the primary publicly identified figure at Great Oaks. He has been active in the New York startup ecosystem for over a decade, participating in founder communities and early-stage dealflow networks. Further information about analysts, associates, or additional general partners is not available in public sources.
Recent activity
Great Oaks has maintained a low public profile over the 2024–2026 period. There are no announced new fund closes, high-profile portfolio exits, or major crypto bets that have drawn significant press coverage in that window. The firm does not appear to be in active fundraising mode based on SEC EDGAR filings reviewed through early 2026, though smaller exempt offerings may not require full public disclosure. For regulatory filings, see SEC EDGAR Form D search.
Great Oaks remains a niche early-stage player with a modest but focused crypto footprint. Its concentrated approach means individual investments carry significant weight within the portfolio. The firm is unlikely to lead large rounds, but its early involvement in fintech winners like Betterment gives it a credibility signal that can matter at the seed stage for founders seeking smart, patient capital rather than headline-grabbing check sizes.