Balderton

Didn't invest but were very helpful, friendly and professional

We had some good conversations however they were inconsistent in their approach and in one instance the partner didn’t turn up for an agreed meeting. The associate was apologetic however this was symptomatic of our experience dealing Balderton from day 1.

Dealt with Rob. He was frank and clear we were not a fit. Good response times. Generally a good experience even though we did not get funded.

If you want to work with highly intelligent, straightforward and honest people who will give you a lot of time and treat you fairly, then pitch Balderton. It goes without saying that Balderton (and in particular Suranga, who sat on our board) are incredibly smart people. But they are also extremely decent and supportive. Suranga and others gave us huge amounts of time, which is very valuable when you're dealing with someone as smart and articulate as him. He also introduced us to a number of amazing specialists at Balderton who helped us with legal, marketing, PR, HR and other areas. My only criticism would be that Balderton could make even more of these educational resources. I would happily have read a 300 page manual or taken an online course. I must say a particular thank you to Jerome Misso (Operating Partner) and Andrew Wigfall, Balderton's Head of Legal. They guided me through some very choppy waters, dedicating a lot of time to issues they frankly shouldn't have to deal with. I'll remember that generous treatment. You also meet a lot of other incredibly smart and effective founders, which is a massive plus to having a gold standard VC for an investor. Balderton led two funding rounds into our business and they were always very quick, smooth processes. Communication was fantastic (big contrast with other VCs) and feedback was candid and useful. That all set the tone for the post-investment experience. Our business ultimately did not deliver the returns which Balderton invested for, but that never changed the amount of time we were given or the way we were treated. From the moment we first met them all the way up until the business was sold, Balderton were extremely decent to us, and I think that counts for a lot, especially compared to other well known funds who do not have that reputation. I learned a lot from them, and I'm very grateful.

Balderton are the best. Warm, smart, and made up of quality operators who understand the challenges founders really face.

Met with them for the first time in Berlin (at a Capital On Stage Conference):

This was with the team as Benchmark some years ago. Valuation and management shake-up weren't acceptable to the existing investments and executives.

Very straight shooter.........no nonsense...........very sharp and quick to understand your business. Had a few meetings but didn't materialize beyond that. But would like to work with these guys.

I pitched to their associates. I was very impressed with their knowledge of our sector, compared to other VCs.

I heard that Klaus Hommels does not make any new investments with Balderton anymore. Does anybody know more"

I just talked to Johan Brenner, who is partner and unfortunately not mentioned as Fund Team Member. The talk was efficient, honest and interesting. They have also overcome their exit weekness, because they just sold MySql to Sun (if the deal goes through ....).

Very different fund from the US fund whose name they used for years. Very nice people who are easy to deal with.

Dealing with Balderton (formerly Benchmark Europe) was a real pleasure. Pitched mainly to Barry Maloney and Klaus Hommels, both of which were sharp and to the point. Pitch to term sheet in record time, albeit a bit weak on terms. Working with them after funding is also a pleasure, they are very easy-going, at least in our case.