Building AI companies where research, capital and opportunity meet.

HI Mark Capital is a venture studio and fund manager that turns research, technology and founder-led businesses into scalable AI companies, across the United States and Asia.

About HI Mark Capital

HI Mark Capital builds and invests in AI-powered companies in large, underserved markets.

We source technology from federally funded research centers (FFRDCs), national laboratories and research universities, and partner with founder-led technology firms ready to scale. We work alongside founders from concept to commercial traction, providing product, go-to-market, compliance and capital strategy, with a commitment to companies led by women and minority operators.

With partners in the United States and Asia, we connect companies to customers, capital and markets on both sides of the Pacific. Our partners regularly meet with investors, founders and research institutions across the U.S., Asia and the Middle East on opportunities in AI, life sciences and robotics.

  • FFRDCsFederally funded research and development centers
  • National laboratoriesTechnology transfer and licensing
  • Research universitiesDiscovery and applied research
  • Founder-led firmsTechnology companies ready to scale

Focus areas

Four markets where AI meets regulation, research or scale, and where few investors are building.

Active portfolio

AI for regulated markets

Software that brings automation and intelligence to public safety, government, compliance and procurement.

Building pipeline

AI in healthcare and life sciences

AI-enabled biotech and health platforms, from discovery and diagnostics tools to clinical and care-delivery operations, sourced through university and laboratory tech transfer.

Building pipeline

AI robotics and autonomous systems

Intelligent automation for manufacturing, logistics and defense, built on national laboratory and FFRDC research.

Active portfolio

AI for growing businesses

Tools that help small and mid-sized companies operate, finance and grow.

Building in AI biotech or robotics?We want to hear from you.

Get in touch

Our model

From the lab bench or the founder's desk to customers in two markets.

  1. Source

    Technology and founders from research institutions, universities and our global network.

  2. Build

    Product, AI, compliance and go-to-market support from concept to early traction.

  3. Scale

    Customers, follow-on capital and market expansion, in the U.S. and internationally.

Our team

Operators and investors with exits across regulated industries, cross-border M&A and capital raising in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Herbert L. Drayton III

Managing Partner

Adrien Bray

Partner

William D. Simmons III

Investment Associate

Studio portfolio

Companies built or backed by the HI Mark Capital studio and HI Mark Capital Fund 1, LP.

FOIAssist

AI-driven compliance platform automating document review and redaction.

Nexus RFP

AI-enabled procurement platform unlocking access to government and enterprise contracts.

Haruki

AI-powered mental wellness platform supporting first responders.

MediRoute

AI patient flow platform for healthcare logistics.

VetEvidence

AI platform helping veterans obtain the disability benefits they've earned.

Crush Marketing

AI marketing automation platform for growing businesses.

From the trenches

Notes on building companies in markets others overlook.

Build where others aren't looking, and scale where few can reach.