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.

ContractorsManufacturersHospitalityHealthcare practicesPersonal servicesChildcareTransportationTrades & field servicesProfessional servicesRetailGroceryRecreation

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

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.