“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
—Walt Disney

Josh Tolman

Managing Partner

Hi, I'm Josh

Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated by computers, primarily inspired by my dad. He was an early computer science major who took a job out of college at Digital Equipment Corporation. From the moment he installed the massive refrigerator-like computer in our basement, I was hooked. I wrote my first computer program at eight, started the computer team in high school, and went to Washington University in St. Louis to get my degree in computer science.

Once out of school, I quickly realized that there were a lot of programmers out there who were more skilled than me. But where I did excel was in leveraging technology to solve big business problems. In my career, I’ve had experiences across many different industries (consulting, healthcare, education, and financial services), wearing a wide variety of hats throughout (CTO, COO, CSO, CEO, and Board Director).

Living and learning as an entrepreneur over the years gives me a unique perspective when collaborating with founders in my current role as a VC.

I am passionate about the education space and anything that is mission-driven. I’ve had the opportunity to help start a school, advise a company driving charitable giving, work with a company assisting the disenfranchised get hired, and build a company that teaches critical thinking and writing. I mentor at 1871 in Chicago and informally whenever I have the opportunity.

But above all else, nothing fulfills me more than my family.

"...founders that turn setbacks into comebacks."

As a venture capitalist, my primary focus is identifying and nurturing exceptional entrepreneurial talent. I am particularly interested in founders who, while perhaps not having all the traditional trappings of what some might consider "ready for investment," possess an extraordinary vision. If you have been overlooked or underestimated, I want to hear your story.

The ventures that most capture my attention are those with the potential to bring about meaningful societal change. I look for not merely innovations that serve as 'nice-to-haves' but solutions that address compelling needs and challenges. I look for ideas that are not simply incremental improvements but are genuinely transformative.

However, vision and impact, while critical, need to be complemented by proof of traction. Evidence of growing revenue, an expanding user base, or any key performance indicator that lends credence to your venture is essential. Ultimately, I aim to invest in opportunities at the intersection of impact and profitability—a nexus that allows for financial return and meaningful contributions to society.

Strategy & LeadershipProduct & TechnologySales, Marketing, GTMFinance & AccountingInvestment & Exit StrategyOperations

  • Strategy & Leadership
  • Product & Technology
  • Sales, Marketing, GTM
  • Finance & Accounting
  • Investment & Exit Strategy
  • Operations

COMPANIES

Managed by Josh

Company
Description
Sector
Partner Since

Aerovy

Aerovy
The AI operating system helping hardware OEMs automate operations and unlock new products and revenue streams.
Automotive & Mobility
2025

Cableteque

Cableteque
AI-powered wire harness software helping manufacturers quote faster with higher accuracy to win more deals.
Manufacturing & Industrial
2026

Curated for You

Curated for You
AI-driven personalization helping retailers supercharge sales by matching products to their customers’ passions.
Consumer Goods & Retail
2025

FoodHealth Co.

FoodHealth Co.
AI-powered nutrition intelligence helping consumers, retailers, and brands make smarter food decisions.
Food & Beverage
2023

Honeycomb Credit

Honeycomb Credit
An investment crowdfunding platform that unlocks community-powered capital and connection for local businesses.
Financial Services & FinTech
2023

Implentio

Implentio
AI-powered logistics intelligence helping ecommerce brands recover margins and make smarter supply chain decisions.
Logistics, Supply Chain & Trade
2026

Laws of Motion

Laws of Motion
AI fit tech company empowering brands and creators to offer personalized perfect fit at scale and reduce returns.
Consumer Goods & Retail
2024

Lunch Payments

Lunch Payments
Turnkey embedded financing solutions helping businesses beat the cash flow crunch and get paid faster.
Government & Public Sector
2023

National Quality Systems

National Quality Systems
AI-enabled trauma registry platform helping hospitals improve workflows & capture revenue from care delivered.
Digital Health & HealthTech
2026

Polymer

Polymer
Real-time security intelligence for SaaS and AI risk management.
Cybersecurity
2023

Predict.law

Predict.law
Helping law firms take the right cases and win bigger outcomes.
Legal & LegalTech
2024

Sign AI

Sign AI
World’s first AI-powered bi-directional sign language platform bringing communication equity to deaf and hearing worlds.
HR & Workforce Tech
2025