PA

Pathlight Ventures

Has RFS

Request for Startups 2026

9 focus areas for B2B founders

February 1, 20269 themesView Original

Summary

Pathlight Ventures is a seed-stage VC investing in B2B software, focusing on companies that serve SMBs and mid-market enterprises. Their 2026 RFS covers nine distinct problem areas spanning infrastructure, AI systems, hardware, financial services, security, government operations, and healthcare modernization.

The firm has published multiple RFS documents including focus areas on Voice AI as an Operating System, State and Local Government Modernization, and AI-Native Systems Integration.

AI-Native Systems Integrator

Build the next generation of systems integrators that leverage AI to deliver faster, cheaper, and better implementations than traditional consulting firms.

  • AI-powered implementation and integration
  • Faster delivery than traditional consultants
  • Scalable expertise through AI augmentation

Vertical Hardware & Applied Robotics

Deploy purpose-built hardware and robotics solutions in specific verticals where automation can deliver immediate ROI.

  • Purpose-built hardware for specific industries
  • Robotics with immediate deployment value
  • Data collection for continuous improvement

Capital Markets Infrastructure

Modernize the plumbing of financial markets with better data, faster execution, and improved transparency.

  • Digitizing financial systems
  • Real-time settlement infrastructure
  • B2B financial transparency tools

Agentic AdTech

Build AI-native advertising technology that can autonomously optimize campaigns, create content, and target audiences.

  • Autonomous campaign optimization
  • AI-generated ad creative at scale
  • Intelligent audience targeting

Energy, Utilities & Built Environment

Next-generation solutions for energy management, utility operations, and building efficiency.

  • Smart grid management
  • Building automation and efficiency
  • Renewable energy optimization

Security Infrastructure

Security solutions spanning physical, cyber, and critical infrastructure protection.

  • Physical security modernization
  • Cybersecurity for SMBs via MSPs
  • Critical infrastructure protection

Government & Public Safety

Digital modernization of government operations and public safety systems.

  • State and local government modernization
  • Public safety technology
  • Citizen service automation

Healthcare Stack Modernization

Rebuild the modern healthcare technology stack from the ground up.

  • Healthcare operations efficiency
  • Patient communication automation
  • Clinical workflow optimization

Voice AI as an Operating System

Build voice-first interfaces that can handle complex business workflows and transactions.

  • Voice-based transactional systems
  • Call handling for SMBs
  • Natural language business automation

How this VC engages founders

Use this entry point to review how Pathlight engages with early teams.

View Pathlight RFS Signals

Source: Pathlight Theses

Last updated: February 1, 2026

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