Where Expertise Meets Discipline.

Backswing Ventures is led by investors committed to disciplined capital deployment and long-term value creation. We work closely with founders, remain deeply engaged, and approach every partnership with preparation and intent.

Kyle Asman

Managing Partner

Kyle founded Backswing Ventures in 2020 and serves as the firm’s Managing Partner, leading its investment strategy, portfolio management, fundraising, and investment selection. He works closely with portfolio companies to leverage Backswing’s network across the defense ecosystem, creating strategic partnerships and contracting opportunities, while overseeing the firm’s liquidity strategy by pursuing secondary and other exit opportunities designed to generate returns well before the traditional venture capital timeline. Prior to founding Backswing, Kyle co-founded BX3 Capital, a boutique investment bank focused on capital raising and strategic advisory for early-stage companies, and held roles at several major investment banks. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Arcadia University and is an avid golfer and skier.

Michael Vergura

Partner

Mike is passionate about investing in and overseeing the growth of early-stage companies. He was one of the original investors in Backswing’s Fund I and became a Partner during the formation of Fund II. Mike is involved in all aspects of the Fund’s operation, from fundraising to investment selection. Before joining Backswing, Mike enjoyed a 30-year career as a commercial real estate underwriter and lender with investment and commercial banks, including Lehman Brothers, Capital One, and PNC Bank. He has been involved in alternative investments for over 10 years. Mike holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

James Block

Partner

James Block is a seasoned finance professional with more than 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur, principal, and investor, sourcing and raising capital across alternative investments in sectors including real estate, retail, food and beverage, manufacturing, and defense. Since 2002, he has played a key role at a nationally recognized real estate development firm, overseeing the sourcing, structuring, negotiation, and closing of complex public and private debt and equity financings with institutional and private investors. He has closed more than $3 billion across 50+ transactions. James holds a BA in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Audrey Haugh

Principal

Audrey Haugh is a Principal at Backswing Ventures, where she supports deal sourcing, due diligence, investor relations, and fundraising across the firm’s defense portfolio. She works closely with investors and organizations such as DARPA, NavalX, AFWERX, and Army DEVCOM to identify emerging dual-use technologies with government and commercial potential and support founders as they scale. Audrey holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology & Exercise Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside of work, she is an avid skier and enjoys time with her family and her two miniature schnauzers.

Built for Long-Term Outcomes

At Backswing Ventures, we believe the most important work happens before the moment of impact. That belief shapes how we invest, how we partner, and how we measure success—over the long term.

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