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A Unique Approach to Venture Development and Early-Stage Investments

At Cete, our mission transcends the traditional investor role. We believe in being active partners in your entrepreneurial journey, providing more than just financial backing.

Our unique approach to venture development and early-stage investments is designed to offer comprehensive support, blending financial investment with expert guidance and hands-on assistance.

Our ecosystem is rich with seasoned software development professionals and strategic management consultants, all dedicated to driving your business towards a successful exit. We don't just provide capital; we equip you with the invaluable playbook of successful entrepreneurs who have paved the way before you. Our goal is to ensure you have the tools, resources, and support needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, propelling your business towards sustained growth and ultimate success.

Portfolio Companies we Funded

Our Approach to Venture Development

At Cete, we adopt a holistic approach to venture development and early-stage investments. Our methodology is grounded in six key pillars that ensure comprehensive support and sustained growth for your business:

  • We start by deeply understanding your vision, challenges, and goals. This foundational step ensures that our support is tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.

  • We help you refine your business model, develop your product, and build a strong, cohesive team. Our hands-on approach ensures that every aspect of your business is optimized for success.

  • We provide the necessary funding to fuel your growth. But our support doesn’t stop there; we continue to invest in your success by offering strategic guidance and resources.

  • Access to top technical talent is crucial for any growing business. Our network of seasoned software developers ensures you have the expertise needed to innovate and scale.

  • We offer fractional C-suite services, providing experienced leaders to guide your business without the overhead of full-time executive salaries. This flexible model ensures you have access to the expertise you need, when you need it.

  • We connect you with later-stage venture capitalists and private equity firms to continue your growth journey. Our goal is to help you achieve a successful exit, providing ongoing support and connections to ensure your business reaches its full potential.

Who We Work With

For Early-Stage Startups

Ready to take your startup to the next level? Partner with Cete for the capital, expertise, and mentorship you need to achieve success.
Join us and transform your innovative idea into a thriving business.

For Strategic Partners

Looking to collaborate with a dynamic venture development firm? Partner with Cete to discover high-potential startups and leverage our expertise and network for successful investments. Join our community of forward-thinking investors and strategic partners.

Tell us about you?

Why Cete?

Choosing Cete means aligning with a partner who is deeply invested in your success. Here’s what sets us apart:

Comprehensive Support: We blend the best elements of accelerators and venture studios, providing a comprehensive support system that includes management consulting, strategic advisory, and technical development.

Strategic Partnerships: We leverage our extensive network to forge strategic partnerships that drive growth and innovation. Our connections open doors to new opportunities and resources.

Affordable Expertise: We provide access to seasoned software developers at competitive rates, ensuring you have the technical expertise needed without breaking the bank.

Diverse Funding: We focus on supporting bright entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional venture capitalists. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means we invest in founders from all backgrounds.

Nurturing Growth: Our nurturing approach ensures that you are not just receiving capital but also the strategic guidance and support needed to grow your business sustainably. We are here to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities, paving the way for long-term success.

Community Building: At Cete, we believe in fostering a strong sense of community among our entrepreneurs. Whether you connect locally or globally, our network provides a foundation for lasting relationships and collaborative opportunities. Engage in bespoke learning experiences, social events, and shared ventures that enrich your professional and personal growth.

Leadership Development: Our commitment to leadership development is unwavering. We offer unique opportunities to enhance your leadership skills through mentorship, workshops, and real-world applications. Our community members step up to serve as leaders, driving the Cete experience at every level.

Lifelong Learning: Continuous learning is at the heart of the Cete experience. We provide access to high-value programs that help you become a better leader, build more effective teams, and develop purpose-driven strategies that make a difference beyond business.

Global Impact: We believe in the power of business to create positive change in the world. Our relationships and experiences support and inspire you to lead purpose-driven, future-ready businesses that make a significant impact within and beyond our organization.

Family Inclusion: Strengthening families is essential to building better leaders. We offer programs and experiences that bring families together, ensuring that the more your family gets involved, the richer your experience becomes.

Meet The Team

The strength of Cete lies in our team of dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Our team comprises individuals with extensive backgrounds in software development, strategic management, finance, and business development. Each member of our team is committed to providing the highest level of support to help your business thrive.

  • Founding Partner | Linkedin Bio


    Allen Caviles attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, majoring in Zoology with disciplines in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science.

    With 32 years of experience in the payment processing industry, Allen is the CEO of PayMaple LLC. He played a pivotal role in the success of BluePay, which was sold to First Data for $750 million in 2017. Allen is also involved in several venture capital groups such as West Loop Ventures, Bascom Ventures, Fuel Ventures Capital, and Black Dragon Capital, where he serves as an advisor. He is an active Angel Investor, leading seed rounds for companies including PayMaple, Optivolt, 4D Healthware, PositivEnergy, Entertainmint, Blockware Mining, and Offsite.

    Allen is dedicated to community involvement, serving on the boards of Little Angels Center for Exceptional Care, Turning Point Autism Foundation, AMITA Health Foundation, and For A Bright Future Foundation, where he is the board member and chair of the Chicago branch. He supports philanthropic organizations like Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Folds of Honor. As a member of InfraGard, he collaborates with the FBI to protect critical infrastructure and promote cybersecurity.

    His future goals include providing accessible capital to entrepreneurs in ventures that promote renewable energy solutions, democratizing payment systems, and supporting the emergence of talent from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

  • Co-Founder | LinkedIn Bio

    Mike Cavanaugh graduated from the University of Wisconsin and began his career on the CBOT floor as a local in wheats and bonds. In the fast-paced world of the open outcry pits, he learned the business from the bottom up and developed a passion for the markets.

    The experience gained on the CBOT floor was instrumental to Mike's career path. He worked his way through the financial industry, covering options trading, capital raising, founding companies, and merging platforms, each time accumulating more knowledge in areas ranging from sales to business development.

    Today, Mike is the Managing Director of Regiment Alpha, a venture capital fund that invests in Seed and Series A FinTech startups. He is also the Chairman of Regiment LLC and Co-Founder of the Small Business Advocacy Council.

  • Co-Founder | LinkedIn Bio

    Andrea Moran is a finance and operations professional with more than 20 years of experience helping businesses strengthen their financial stewardship and operational performance. She has specialized expertise in portfolio and asset management, working with both software and hardware-focused organizations, and brings strong capabilities in aligning finance and operational processes with strategic growth objectives. Andrea has partnered with founders and executive teams to improve internal systems, operational controls, and financial visibility, enabling more disciplined decision-making and scalable execution. She now serves on the advisory board of Cete Ventures, providing guidance on operational strategy and growth execution for portfolio companies.

LEADERSHIP:

  • Advisory Board Member | Linkedin Bio


    Larry Berlin is a seasoned investor, board member, and financial strategist who serves on the advisory board of Cete Ventures. He is the founder of Blue Point Advisory Services, a financial strategy consultancy for growth-stage businesses, and a director at Regiment Securities, a boutique investment bank. Larry is an active angel investor and has served on multiple public and private company boards, particularly within fintech and technology-enabled services. He also mentors early-stage founders through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business New Venture Challenge. Larry brings deep experience in venture investing, governance, and capital markets, supporting Cete Ventures with strategic insight and board-level perspective.

ADVISORY BOARD:

Our team’s diverse skill set and shared passion for innovation and entrepreneurship are what set us apart. We are dedicated to working closely with you, providing the guidance and support necessary to navigate the complexities of building and scaling a business.

Our Creed

At Cete, our creed embodies our commitment to your success:

  • We Listen:
    Understanding your unique needs and challenges.

  • We Cultivate:
    Helping you refine your business model and develop your product.

  • We Deploy Capital:
    Providing the necessary funding and strategic insights.

  • We Source Developers:
    Connecting you with top-notch technical talent.

  • We Offer Fractional C-Suite:
    Providing access to experienced leaders as needed.

  • We Accelerate Growth:
    Supporting your growth journey and connecting you with later-stage investors.

These principles ensure that every business we partner with is set on a path to success. Join us and experience the Cete difference.

Get in Touch

We are eager to collaborate with passionate entrepreneurs and innovative businesses. Whether you’re at the idea stage or looking to scale, Cete is here to support you. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can partner on your journey to success.