Rusty Ralston is the Co-Founder and General Partner at Swell VC, an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City. Swell invests in founders solving the most pressing issues of our time, including artificial intelligence, defense, and spacetech companies addressing critical security and national defense challenges. Swell's portfolio includes companies such as Loft Orbital, Array Labs, Modern Intelligence, Credal, and Deepnight.

Prior to founding Swell VC, Rusty was part of an AI recruiting startup, where he gained firsthand experience identifying exceptional talent and understanding team dynamics that transform bold ideas into durable companies. His background also includes roles in enterprise software sales and talent management, foundational experiences that informed Swell's distinctive approach to early-stage investing. Rusty's initial interest in defense-related fields began during college with a summer job analyzing rocket fuel in a lab at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and was deepened by the military service of both his grandfathers.

Born near Columbus, OH, and raised in Springfield, Rusty received his Bachelor's degree from Miami University in Ohio.