Independent rating of Downing Ventures VC fund
Overall rating:
4.2
(11)
About Downing Ventures VC fund
Website:
Founded:
1986
Number of funds:
1
Number of investments:
163
Number of exits:
8
Headquarters:
Organization type:
Micro VC
How Downing Ventures VC fund invests
Rounds:
Average ticket size:
2.94M USD
Biggest investment:
5.09M USD
Would lead round:
Yes
Would coinvest:
Yes
Countries where invested:
Sectors of interest:
Software, Health Care, Medical, Artificial Intelligence, Web Development, Quality Assurance, Mobile, Machine Learning, Information Technology, Information Services, Biotechnology, Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical, Messaging, Internet of Things, Internet, Enterprise Software, Drones, Database, Data Storage, Cloud Storage, Cloud Computing, Biopharma
Founders' reviews of Downing Ventures VC fund
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Seed
Finger on the pulse
Supportive without drama. Very calm and considered. Intervene as appropriate.
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Round: Series A
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List of Descriptions
Massively supportive, open minded, inclusive, connectors, open, high energy
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Series C
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Capable of Adaption
Very well coordinated and understood the importance of aligning to our process
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Series A
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Life's beauty is a patchwork of simple successes
Nice guys to work with, invested in our success. While this sounds odd, that's kind of special.
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Series B
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The Proof is in the Pudding
We built a close relationship with Downing from the start. While an in depth due diligence took place and difficult questions were asked, I felt that we were working in partnership and that our contacts at Downing took a pragmatic approach that enabled us to reach a satisfactory outcome each time. Downing also played a key role in helping us attract other investors and making them feel comfortable with our business. The due diligence work that Downing did up-front and shared with other investors (with our consent), combined with a joint approach to the additional due diligence requested by the other investors ultimately enabled reaching a satisfactory position on all key issues, including fees. The fact that we were able to close what was a complex deal and a significant round of investment 3 months into COVID lockdown is a testimony that Downing, as our lead investor, and the wider syndicate they helped us assemble were committed to the process.
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Round: Series A
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Left a mark
They haven’t invested but we are impressed by their professionalism and their constructive feedback which improved both our pitch and our USPs.
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Series B
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Great for Me, potentially even better for beginners
I have enjoyed working with Downing. they have been patient and supportive. I think if I was a first time CEO I would have valued their help more.
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Round: Seed
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Cordial
Very approachable team, clear and honest communication with the founders
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Round: Seed
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Sensing a Rapport
We are continuing conversations
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Series B
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Regarded Highly
Overall a very supportive and valuable investor.
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Seed
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Amateur Hour
Unqualified junior investing team of associates (now somehow principals) with no operating experience, which shows in every interaction
Destructive as board members as they try to add value and draw parallels through offbase pattern recognition vs actual experience. Would be better off to be cash-only
Self-admit how much they have to learn and think that’s justification and ok
Focus on P+L without understanding it, poor/inaccurate analysis
No brand-building knowledge
Poor communicators to IC of proposition, analysis etc
Renege on funding commitments
Complex long DD (PE style)
Drive down valuations, use any leverage they can. Beat down Founders at the bad times vs supporting