Creating lasting impact with a focused approach
Welcoming portfolio company, BIOS, to Kern County
A Dynamic Venture Team
At Kern Venture Group, we believe a successful fund is comprised of companies with exceptional founders and transformational ideas.
Founded in 2018, KVG is industry agnostic, driven by the belief that great companies can be found in all industries. Investments for KVG occur in the early stage of a startup's development up to Series B. We make a point to invest in startups that positively impact our community and the surrounding area.
Headquartered in the resource-rich Central Valley of California, KVG leverages the strengths of our area to provide capital, a diverse network, and experience to our portfolio companies. Together, we can support growing industries while bridging gaps through innovation.
Akadeum
Zeste
Meet the KVG Team
EXPERIENCE + VISION
DAVID HIGDONCo-Founder
John-Paul (jp) LakeCo-Founder
Kelly youngstromDirector of Operations
JOSH GUTIERREZ
jacob paneroGeneral Partner
neeraj ramaGeneral Partners
NICK AMBROSINI VALLEY STRONG CREDIT UNIONPresident and CEO Valley Strong Credit Union
Sheryl BarbichFmr. Vice President and Manager Security Pacific Commercial Loan Center
Fmr. CFO Coleman Homes, Inc
morgan claytonFounder Tel-Tec Security Systems
Chairman of the Board Dignity Hospital Bakersfield
LYNN GUDMUNDSONPresident and CEO Premier Equipment Rental and Fleet Services Towing
kent halleyPrincipal Cornerstone Engineering
Managing Partner TJ Cross Engineering
dr. ravi patelFounder and CEO CBCC and CBCC Global Research
BOB SMITHCouncilmember Bakersfield City Council
Cofounder Sage Equities
GENE VOILANDFmr. President Aera Energy LLC
Founder Valley Republic Bank
Advisors to the Fund
LOU BARBICHManaging Shareholder, Barbich Hooper King Dill Hoffman Accountancy Corporation
Raji BrarCOO Countryside Corporation
CSU Board of Trustees
brian connErCFO Bolthouse Properties
EMIL HEWAGECEO and Co-Founder BIOS
AUSTIN LLACHVP Alpine Investors Software Group
JUDY MAHANSenior Economic Development Director for Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)
Brandon McNaughtonFounder and CEO Akadeum Life Sciences
MAX SAFAIFounder and CEO M8 Systems
VP Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing & Operations Amazon Go project
KVG is an industry agnostic fund, proudly located in Bakersfield, California.
Image sourced from Stratolaunch• Mojave Air And Space Port at Rutan Field
A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDERSThe Impact of Kern in Our Journey
Like so many great companies, Kern Venture Group (KVG) began with a conversation between two people who are passionate about investing and serving their community. Acutely aware of the lack of capital for startups in the Central Valley of California, and the opportunity to have a Venture Group headquartered in Kern County that can facilitate connections to the many resources only found here, John-Paul (JP) Lake and David Higdon formed KVG.
The Central Valley is unlike any other place in the world. Nicknamed the “fruit basket and wind capital of America,” KVG is headquartered in the #1 ag-producing county that also supplies over 60% of California’s renewable energy and performs as the 13th top oil-producing county in America. Aerospace and Defense are also hallmarks of Kern County, home to the Mojave Air & Space Port, the Naval Air Weapon Station China Lake, and Edwards Airforce Base - all locations driving innovation in research and testing. Lastly, the unique location of the Central Valley has allowed Kern County to establish itself as a transportation hub supported by advanced manufacturing. KVG works to maximize these resources and create unique opportunities for its investors and portfolio companies.
Kern County is where ideas come to be put into action and Kern Venture Group is here to support that.
DAVID HIGDON
JOHN-PAUL (JP) LAKE