From TechCrunch · Connie Loizos · · 1m 20s
Olaf Sakkers bets on beating emerging manager squeeze
Olaf Sakkers aims to beat VC fundraising odds with small-scale, high-impact investments.
In brief
Olaf Sakkers aims to beat VC fundraising odds with small-scale, high-impact investments. Olaf Sakkers' RedBlue Capital, a first-time fund manager, targets 50%+ returns through small investments in robotics and logistics with 15 of 28 deals marked up. Originally reported by TechCrunch.
Emerging manager squeeze
PitchBook data shows first-time funds captured only 4.5% of U.S. VC fundraising dollars in first nine months of 2026.
Olaf Sakkers' background
Sakkers founded RedBlue Capital in 2021 after studying anthropology at Princeton and serving in Israel Defense Forces.
First fund success
RedBlue's first fund closed with $5 million in 2023, backing cybersecurity-focused automotive startups.
Second fund strategy
Sakkers' second fund targets $50 million with small checks of $50,000-$100,000 for robotics and logistics companies.
Investment results
15 of 28 investments marked up with net internal rate of return significantly above 50%.
Key clients
RedBlue backed HappyRobot, Westmag, Flai, and Humble Robotics with strong exits.
Sakkers' approach
Sakkers uses AI tools to track relationships and meetings while avoiding guesswork.
Market context
Smaller vc funds outperform larger ones at net tvpi across recent vintages.
Sakkers' outlook
Sakkers says life is short and regrets last forever, focusing on long-term trust building.
The takeaway
Olaf Sakkers' RedBlue Capital, a first-time fund manager, targets 50%+ returns through small investments in robotics and logistics with 15 of 28 deals marked up.
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