OPTIM Ventures

OPTIM Ventures is the family office of Maria and Bogdan Cristei, supporting entrepreneurs and advancing transformative technologies. We partner with founders who refine, adapt, and optimize—building companies that shape the future.

Optim is more than a name—it’s a philosophy of progress. It reflects our belief that efficiency, balance, and continuous improvement unlock the best path forward. We built our lives and careers across industries and continents, always navigating uncertainty with optimism and adaptability.

At Optim Ventures, we seek out founders who turn complexity into opportunity, solve meaningful problems, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

INVESTMENT FOCUS

We invest in cutting-edge technologies and industries shaping the future, with a particular focus on:

• DeepTech & AI – Foundational and applied AI, machine learning, and next-gen computing.
• Robotics & Automation – Intelligent systems optimizing labor, logistics, and industrial processes.
• IndustrialTech – Innovations in materials science, sensing, and automation for industry.
• AI & the Physical World – AI-driven applications in hardware, logistics, and real-world problem-solving.
• Fintech & Blockchain – Decentralized technologies and financial systems of the future.
• E-Commerce – AI-powered platforms reshaping consumer markets.

We back bold founders leveraging technology to transform industries and solve real-world challenges. If you’re working on something transformative, we’d love to hear from you.

THE STORY BEHIND OPTIM VENTURES

At Optim Ventures, our name reflects both our philosophy and the way we approach investing. Optim comes from the same root as optimal and optimize—words that represent efficiency, balance, and the pursuit of the best possible path forward. But just as important, it shares its roots with optimism—the belief that, even in uncertainty, there is always a way forward.

We grew up in different parts of the world—Moscow and Romania—and later moved to the U.S. to build our lives and careers. Along the way, we learned that optimism is a superpower—the ability to navigate uncertainty, take risks, and find opportunities across borders, industries, and stages of life. Optimism isn’t blind faith—it’s the ability to see possibilities where others see obstacles.

In investing, as in life, optimism and optimization go hand in hand. The best founders aren’t just those who see the future—they’re the ones who optimize for it. They refine, adapt, and create with purpose, knowing that every system—whether in technology, business, or human potential—can be improved.

Just as philosophy speaks of the Middle Path, we believe in finding the optimal way forward—balancing ambition with discipline, bold ideas with thoughtful execution. Markets fluctuate, industries evolve, and technology shifts, but the best opportunities come to those who stay focused on long-term value over short-term noise.

At Optim Ventures, we invest in founders who embody this mindset—builders who don’t just chase trends, but create meaningful change through intelligence, resilience, and vision.

This is why we chose the name Optim Ventures—because the future belongs to those who optimize, adapt, and believe in what’s possible.

TEAM

Bogdan Cristei

Bogdan grew up in Romania and moved to the U.S. at 18. He earned his Master’s in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from UC Berkeley and began his career as a Systems Engineer, working with Fortune 500 companies like Emerson Electric, Genentech, Broadcom, and Adobe. His early work focused on control systems, automation, and optimization across high-energy-consuming industrial processes.

After completing his MBA at Berkeley Haas, Bogdan transitioned into venture capital, where he has spent the past several years investing in DeepTech, robotics, AI, manufacturing, space, automation, industrials, energy, climate, and mobility. He is particularly interested in technologies that bridge the digital and physical worlds, reshaping how we build, interact, and automate.

Bogdan is the co-founder of SHACK15 Ventures, an early-stage fund investing in DeepTech and AI at the Angel, Pre-Seed, and Seed stages, with check sizes ranging from $100K to $1M. In addition to investing, Bogdan is Head of Partnerships at a stealth startup building in the biometric cryptography and identity space, where he focuses on industry collaborations and strategic growth.

Outside of work, Bogdan enjoys mountain biking on the single-track trails of Santa Cruz, which serves as his form of meditation and connection with nature. He is passionate about the intersection of human and machine intelligence, the future of autonomy, and how emerging technologies can drive a more resilient and innovative world.

Maria Cristei

Maria grew up in Moscow, Russia, and moved to the U.S. at 20 to build a career in venture investing and capital formation. She has worked with leading firms like Wonder Family, Blockchain Coinvestors and Pantera Capital, specializing in investor relations, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. She has built investment pipelines and nurtured relationships across venture funds, family offices, and institutional investors, helping early-stage companies access capital and scale. She is also completing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Johns Hopkins University, deepening her expertise in leadership, strategy, and human dynamics.

Beyond investing, Maria is a certified executive coach and psychedelic guide, passionate about personal growth, transformation, and mental well-being. She volunteers with Fireside Project, a nonprofit operating the world’s first Psychedelic Support Line, helping individuals safely navigate and integrate their experiences. She is deeply engaged in the intersection of human potential, technology, and consciousness exploration, bringing a unique perspective to both business and personal development.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys exploring creative and wellness-focused pursuits, blending her passion for innovation, human connection, and conscious leadership. Whether working with founders, investors, or individuals on their personal journeys, she is committed to fostering growth and meaningful impact.

PORTFOLIO