South Loop Ventures
South Loop Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2022 by Zach Ellis. The firm specializes in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, providing up to $500,000 to startups led by diverse founders, particularly those of color. South Loop Ventures aims to address inequities in venture capital distribution by empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and fostering innovation within the local tech ecosystem. The firm closed its inaugural fund in May 2025, securing $21 million in committed capital from notable investors, including Rice Management Company and Chevron Tec
Investing activity
South Loop Ventures appears in 2 AI deals tracked by the AI Lounge deals desk. The rounds are mostly Pre-seed, with a median round size of $5M. The most recent are Beagle Labs (Pre-seed, $4.1M, Sep 2026) and Smart Bricks (Pre-seed, $5M, Jun 2026).
South Loop Ventures most often invests alongside Chingona Ventures, Red Bike Capital, Sovereign’s Capital and C2 Ventures, and the companies it backs on AI Lounge are mostly in AI.
Deals
Frequently asked questions about South Loop Ventures
What AI companies has South Loop Ventures invested in?
South Loop Ventures's AI investments include Beagle Labs and Smart Bricks. The 2 rounds on AI Lounge are listed on this page with amounts, dates and co-investors.
Where is South Loop Ventures based?
South Loop Ventures is based in Houston, Texas, United States.
What stage does South Loop Ventures invest at?
In the rounds tracked on AI Lounge, South Loop Ventures has invested at Pre-seed, with a median round of $5M.
Who does South Loop Ventures co-invest with?
South Loop Ventures's most frequent co-investors on AI Lounge are Chingona Ventures (1 deal), Red Bike Capital (1 deal), Sovereign’s Capital (1 deal), C2 Ventures (1 deal) and Remarkable Ventures (1 deal).
How can founders reach South Loop Ventures?
Founders on AI Lounge can see South Loop Ventures's contact details in AI Investor Contacts (paid plans), check for a warm introduction through members who worked with the firm under Warm Paths, and add South Loop Ventures to their Investor Pipeline to track the conversation.