Victor Gutwein

Founder & Managing Partner at M25 · Joined 2015

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Biography

Victor Gutwein grew up in rural Indiana in a family of entrepreneurs, launched a bubblegum vending business in middle school, and after a stint on Walgreens' corporate strategy team, started M25 at age 23 with $1 million to invest exclusively in Midwest tech startups - a region he felt was constantly overlooked by coastal venture capital. He simultaneously became the youngest member of Hyde Park Angels, investing in 21 startups as its consumer deal team lead. Alongside founding partner Mike Asem, Gutwein grew M25 into the most active early-stage investor in the Midwest, backing more than 150 startups across 11 states and closing the firm's largest fund yet, $36.5 million, on its 10-year anniversary in 2025. The firm's portfolio has gone on to raise more than $600 million in follow-on funding.

Education

Previous Experience

Notable Investments

AuthenticxXStereotypeCarefeedContinuum TechnologiesRentgrataMoonnox

Career Timeline

2015
Launches M25 at age 23 with $1 million to invest exclusively in Midwest tech startups, after a stint at Walgreens.
2016
Raises $11 million for M25's second fund.
2019
Raises $31.8 million for M25's third fund alongside partner Mike Asem.
2025
Closes M25's largest fund yet, $36.5 million Fund IV, on the firm's 10th anniversary.

Sources & References

Forbes Profile ↗Crain's Chicago Business ↗