Investing in startups that help small businesses stay local, scale efficiently, and compete in the AI economy.
Small businesses are the backbone of America, but the technology built for them has lagged for decades.
Technology should strengthen local ownership, not replace it.
Small businesses face increasing pressure from national chains and private equity consolidation. Meanwhile, their tech stack is designed for enterprise users—a fundamental mismatch for the operational realities these businesses face daily.
The Opportunity
Closing the innovation gap for SMBs
AI and modern development tools now let small founding teams build enterprise-grade technology faster and more cost-effectively than ever. This will unlock a new generation of startups serving small businesses.
45%
of annual software spending comes from SMBs
3%
of venture capital goes to SMB-focused startups
The best founders building these companies come from inside the industries they serve.
Operators who understand the real problems. People who have run restaurants, construction companies, logistics businesses, and service organizations. These are the founders Fireroad backs.
Investment Themes
Where we invest
We partner with entrepreneurs building technology that helps businesses operate with excellence and efficiency, serve customers better, scale without losing independence, and compete with larger organizations.
Frontline Excellence
Honoring the people who do the work
Solutions that give frontline workers predictable schedules, better tools, and a voice in how work gets done.
Intelligent Operations
Expanding paths to profitability
Business intelligence, workforce coordination, and systematic processes that create sustainable, profitable operations.
Modern Infrastructure
Leveling the playing field
Platforms that make any business discoverable, capable, and competitive in the modern economy.
Building for Legacy
Preserving what owners have built
Solutions for the 10 million businesses transitioning ownership this decade.
Our Team
Operators & Builders
A track record of creating lasting value and impact.
Christy Johnson
GP
- •Managing Partner on Fireroad Ventures Fund I
- •Brought training to 300+ global SMB entrepreneurs as COO of Ocean Programs
- •Accelerator portfolio of 62 investments (5x MOIC, $200M+ follow-on, 4 exits)
- •10 years scaling HR, marketing, IT, and new products for field organizations
Tim Metzner
Partner & CEO of Fireroad Holdings
- •CEO of Fireroad Holdings Inc; Partner, Fireroad Ventures Fund I
- •Co-founded Coterie, commercial insurtech for SMB market, raised $100M+
- •Co-founder of Differential, venture studio + dev shop, returned 5.5x & launched a unicorn
- •Angel investor in 55 startups (2x realized/3.3x combined MOIC, 44 still alive)
Get in Touch
Let's Build Together
Are you an industry insider building technology for small businesses? We'd love to hear from you.
Apply for Funding