"This experience was wonderful, I’m already looking to spin up our next RUV."
Highlights
- Stage: Seed | Market: Decentralized manufacturing | Description: Microfactories to enable plastic goods to be made anywhere
- The RUV enabled them to accept strategic checks without creating an headache
- 3× founder | first‑time RUV
- Impact: Enabled strategic checks without extra legal friction
Background
Itemfarm builds "Orchards" -- suitcase‑sized microfactories that let retailers, schools, and city agencies manufacture plastic parts on‑site, sidestepping fragile supply chains.
Leading the charge is Alder Riley, CEO of Itemfarm as well as founder of Small Steps & Giant Leaps, a 90k‑member network of space‑industry pros. He and his team have delivered Orchards to museums, school districts, and large retailers, proving that local production can be both fast and profitable.
As Alder wrapped up Itemfarm's 2 million-dollar seed round, he set out to add a few strategic investors efficiently without distractions or additional administrative overhead.
The Problem: Including Strategic Investors Without the Cap Table Mess.
A few strategic angels, each wanting to wire modest checks. Good people, important allocations, wanting a simple, no nonsense way to support Itemfarm’s mission.
“I refused to juggle the additional paperwork and receive another few legal invoices just to let a few friends in,” Riley recalls. “We needed something faster, but still clean for our cap table.”
The Solution: A Streamlined Fundraise and One Entity on the Cap Table.
Riley opened a Roll Up Vehicle (RUV) on Rollups. In no time at all, multiple investors clicked through KYC, signed digitally, and wired. The RUV appeared as a single line in the round, keeping Itemfarm’s cap table clean. Rollups’ team handled the entity formation, bank account, investor support, and any ongoing adminstration.
“Simplicity, support, speed—that’s what stood out,” Riley says. “Excellent support, a clear system, and easy execution.”
Riley is already gearing up for a second RUV for his next round: “This experience was wonderful—how do I set up another?”
With support from his strategic investors onboard, Itemfarm is moving on to its next production run of Orchard units, which will go out to some of the nation’s largest retailers as Itemfarm scales to ensure that manufacturing’s future is local.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Roll Up Vehicle (RUV)?
A Roll Up Vehicle is an investment vehicle that roll up multiple investors into one entity and one single line item on your cap table. Instead of the administrative overhead of dozens on angels on the cap table, startups deal with one entity while still accessing the strategic value of all investors.
How long does it take to set up an RUV?
According to Riley, the setup was incredibly fast - within 5 minutes he had a shareable link to send investors. The entire process from setup to close was streamlined compared to traditional individual investor management, chasing signatures, tracking wires, and handling individual investment documents.
What are the main benefits of using an RUV for fundraising?
RUVs eliminate administrative overhead, simplify cap table management, reduce legal complexity, and allow founders to focus on building relationships rather than juggle paperwork. They're particularly valuable when you want to include many strategic investors who can provide expertise beyond capital.
Can I start an RUV for free?
Yes, companies can setup and launch an RUV for free. Payment is made later, when the RUV closes. There is no payment obligation to get started, and there is no cost for cancelling the RUV before closing.
I want to start my RUV right now. Where do I go?
Type ruv.new into your browser, or click Get Started here.
