In this edition of Visionary Voices, New York Ventures spotlights Gutter Capital, a New York City–based venture capital firm investing in early-stage, high-growth companies. 

Gutter Capital supports startups tackling some of the most urgent challenges of our time: affordability, economic mobility, sustainability, and climate change. Its focus is clear: back mission-driven founders, lean into software and artificial intelligence, and stay close to the work. 

Led by managing partners Dan Teran and James Gettinger, who have extensive backgrounds in entrepreneurship, startup operations, and venture investing, Gutter Capital is now investing out of its third fund. The firm’s approach goes beyond writing checks, emphasizing close collaboration with founders from day one.  

The team has built a reputation as deeply engaged partners, known for rolling up their sleeves alongside founders. Based on Canal Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown, they operate a coworking and incubation space where select portfolio companies work side by side.  

Each company receives a $300,000 initial investment, and spends eight weeks on-site at Gutter's headquarters, where they work directly with the Gutter Capital partnership. In addition to working one-on-one with Teran and Gettinger, each company is matched with a mentor—founders who have raised past Series B or exited, including: Carly Strife, co-founder of Bark Box; Ryan Denehy, CEO of Electric AI; and Zach Garippa, CEO of Order. The accelerator is intentionally structured to give founders direct access to experienced investors, operators, and entrepreneurs throughout the program.  

Teran is an entrepreneur who founded Managed by Q, which was acquired by WeWork in 2019. Gettinger is a retired professional poker player and computer scientist. They met playing rugby at Johns Hopkins University in 2008 and have been friends and collaborators ever since. 

What inspired you to start Gutter Capital? 

We made over 100 angel investments before starting a fund and found that we were able to provide a greater level of support to founders than most venture firms. Over time, we realized that to be the most meaningful partners, we needed to lead rounds ourselves. 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve solved so far, or something you’ve learned along the way? 

We do something unique in venture, and it’s not for everyone. We offer founders an unusual level of support and focus our attention on a dozen or so companies per fund. We’ve learned that this strategy can make some investors nervous, and we’ve had to prove it through strong performance over time. 

What’s a recent milestone or win that you’re proud of? 

In March of this year, we completed operating our first cohort of Elbow Grease, our AI accelerator program based in New York City. We were blown away by the quality of the companies that joined, and how the companies transformed over the experience. 

What’s next for your firm in the coming months? 

We’re excited to announce Gutter Capital’s $75 million Fund III—supported by New York Ventures’ Emerging and Regional Partner Program Fund—and for the next Elbow Grease accelerator cohort. 

How has New York Ventures impacted your experience starting a business in New York State? 

New York Ventures’ Emerging and Regional Partner Program Fund, supported by the State Small Business Credit Initiative, played an important role in our growth and establishment as investment managers. New York Ventures was an early believer in Gutter Capital and have been tremendous partners. Their support has been a major catalyst in allowing us to focus on working closely, in person, with founders at our Canal Street homebase in New York City. 

Outside of work, what’s your favorite way to spend time in New York State? 

Somehow, after all these years, taking the subway to surf at Rockaway Beach remains one of New York City’s best-kept secrets. 

When friends or family visit, what’s one place in New York State you always take them to? 

We’re strong supporters of New York City’s arts institutions. Recently, we took founders visiting from Pakistan to the newly renovated Frick Collection, and it was a magical experience. We’re lucky to live in a city with such rich history and deep support for the arts. 

The Visionary Voices series showcases the bold leaders and companies within the New York Ventures portfolio that are actively building the future of New York State. New York Ventures’ mission is to fuel innovation and startup growth in strategic sectors across New York by providing venture capital that drives long-term economic progress.