Open Access Ventures sponsors the 2025 Startup World Cup, offering a $100K investment to the winner and empowering founders with capital and operational expertise.
-- Open Access Ventures Takes a Hands-On Approach to Empower Founders
Open Access Ventures (OAV), led by multi-exit CEO Steven Gelley, is revolutionizing early-stage venture capital. Rather than merely offering capital, OAV combines investment with strategic operational expertise, giving startups the tools they need to grow faster and scale more efficiently. By deploying an experienced C-suite-level team to work alongside entrepreneurs for 10 months, OAV helps founders achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of scaling.
This holistic approach is designed to create value beyond financial backing. Through OAV's guidance in product development, marketing, and financial management, companies can reach product-market fit with fewer resources and a clearer path to long-term success. This commitment has earned OAV a reputation for reducing capital waste and mitigating founder risk, allowing companies to grow at an accelerated pace.
OAV’s Investment Structure and Hands-On Approach
OAV’s innovative investment model sets it apart from traditional venture capital firms. The firm’s lead investment of $100K is part of a larger $350K bridge round, structured to provide essential capital while also embedding a full operational team within the company. This unique approach allows startups to push forward critical milestones with greater efficiency.
OAV’s engagement doesn't stop at funding. The firm’s team works directly with founders on a daily basis, providing hands-on support and expertise in key operational areas. Weekly meetings help track progress, set new objectives, and ensure alignment with the company’s goals. OAV’s network of industry experts further enhances the experience, offering additional insights and strategic guidance.
Sponsorship of the 2025 Startup World Cup
Demonstrating its commitment to supporting founders on a global scale, Open Access Ventures has signed on as a sponsor of the 2025 Startup World Cup. The competition brings together the best startups from around the world, offering them a platform to showcase their innovations and attract global attention.
As a sponsor, OAV will provide more than just financial resources—it will also offer the winner of the 2025 Startup World Cup AZ regional competition a $100K lead investment. This investment is designed to help the startup gain critical early-stage funding, combined with OAV’s operational expertise to accelerate their growth trajectory.
Steven Gelley, CEO of Open Access Ventures, will also serve as a judge for the competition. His experience in building and exiting companies for over $70 million gives him a unique perspective on what makes a startup successful. “The Startup World Cup is an opportunity to discover and support the next generation of visionary founders,” Gelley said. “We’re excited to empower the winner with the resources they need to accelerate their journey.”
OAV University: Preparing Founders for Success
In addition to its direct investments, OAV has launched OAV University, a unique program designed to help early-stage founders become investment-ready. The program offers a range of resources and mentorship for founders who are not yet prepared for a full investment partnership but still need help refining their pitch, financial models, and business strategies.
OAV University offers two levels of support: Essential and Premium. The Essential tier provides group mentorship and access to key resources, while the Premium tier includes personalized 1:1 mentorship, pitch deck creation, and the potential for a $100K term sheet from OAV. This program helps emerging entrepreneurs prepare for success, even before they receive funding.
Real Results: Success Stories from OAV’s Portfolio
Open Access Ventures’ hands-on approach has yielded impressive results for its portfolio companies. Entrepreneurs such as Justin Boruchov, founder of Scratch Social, Inc., have praised OAV for its operational support. "OAV didn’t just give us capital—they rolled up their sleeves and helped us execute. We accomplished in 10 months what would have taken two years with traditional VCs," Boruchov said.
Similarly, Jelani Port, founder of ChefXPort, LLC, shared, "OAV’s execution throughout our entire project allowed me to focus on my daily routines without disruption. Their seamless integration was truly remarkable."
Open Access Ventures: Best VC Firm for Founder-Focused Investment Models in 2025
Open Access Ventures has been recognized as the Best VC Firm for Founder-Focused Investment Models in 2025. This prestigious accolade highlights OAV’s commitment to supporting startups with a hands-on, founder-first approach. By embedding operational expertise alongside capital, OAV has set a new standard for early-stage venture capital, providing real value to the startups they support.
Steven Gelley, CEO of Open Access Ventures, explains: “We’re not just investing money—we’re investing our time and expertise. The startup ecosystem is evolving, and venture capital must evolve with it. Founders need more than capital; they need a team to help execute their vision.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Venture Capital
Open Access Ventures continues to lead the way in transforming the venture capital landscape. By combining capital with operational expertise, OAV is setting a new benchmark for how venture capital should work—empowering founders to achieve faster growth with fewer resources and less risk.
For more information on how Open Access Ventures is shaping the future of venture capital, visit OAV.ventures.
About Open Access Ventures
Open Access Ventures (OAV) is a modern venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage founders. OAV provides a lead investment of $100K as part of a $350K bridge round, combined with embedded operational expertise. By working closely with portfolio companies for 10 months, OAV accelerates growth and helps startups achieve product-market fit faster while reducing capital waste and founder risk. OAV's unique approach is transforming the venture capital landscape, empowering the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs.
Media Contact
Steven Gelley
CEO, Open Access Ventures
Email: hello@oav.ventures
Website: oav.ventures
LinkedIn: Open Access Ventures
Contact Info:
Name: Steven Gelley
Email: Send Email
Organization: Open Access Ventures
Website: https://oav.ventures/
Release ID: 89157898
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