Independent rating of El Dorado Ventures VC fund
Overall rating:
11 reviews
About El Dorado Ventures VC fund
Website:
Founded:
1986
Number of funds:
1
Number of investments:
122
Number of exits:
37
Headquarters:
Organization type:
Venture Capital
How El Dorado Ventures VC fund invests
Average ticket size:
6.67M USD
Biggest investment:
22.9M USD
Would lead round:
Yes
Would coinvest:
Yes
Countries where invested:
Sectors of interest:
Software, Enterprise Software, Cloud Computing, SaaS, Cloud Infrastructure, Wireless, Web Hosting, Virtualization, Virtual Desktop, Telecommunications, Sports, Procurement, Private Cloud, Open Source, Marketing, Internet, Infrastructure, Information Services, Flash Storage, Finance, FinTech, Data Center, Computer, Big Data, Automotive, Artificial Intelligence, Apps, Analytics
Founders' reviews of El Dorado Ventures VC fund
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Fast Response, Reasonable Pitch Experience
We pitched Scott Irwin and he got back to us promptly with an answer (that it wasn't a good fit for him, but it was a quick response).
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Slow Review Process, Never Got a Decision
We pitched them initially and were asked back a couple of times; we also provided a fair amount of data as requested but never got a decision. Not that big a a deal as we got the deal done elsewhere but it was somewhat perplexing. I would not start here if you are under a severe time crunch.
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No Digital Media
Contacted Tom Peterson about a digital media opportunity we have...they are not investing in this area right now.
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A Round for One Company, Seed Round for Another
Scott Irwin was the main partner we interacted with for both companies, and have gotten to know the other people there as well. EDV was very helpful for intros and they use their network of companies well so that we could help each other with our experiences. (Sharing technical problems and solutions among CTOs is an example.) Generally, I believe the partnership is a small group of good people and especially appropriate for early stage companies.
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They Genuinely Tried to Help
Shanda led our A round in late 2005. I was a cofounder, and I had reservations about raising so much capital given how little time we'd spent exploring the space. My cofounder said that ours was a play that all VCs would soon make a bet in, and it was better to choose our dance partners early. As a dance partner, El Dorado offered real help. Introductions to important players in the space, an emphasis on measurement, and peer sessions, where the CTOs or CEOs from their portfolio companies would come together to discuss topical issues. All of this was clearly valuable, and offered something far better than I'd received from prior boards, where you were lucky to get the investor to come to a board meeting once a quarter.
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Funded My A, B and C Rounds
We have raised $18M in three rounds. EDV led our A and participated in the B and C. Tom Peterson is on my board and has added extreme value to our company, and to me personally. As EDV is a relatively small firm I have come to know all the partners well. What most impresses me is how much they invest in their portfolio companies. They have consultants on staff from most disciplines (finance, engineering, marketing, netops, etc) who are available to portfolio CEOs and help in everything from strategy to interviewing a candidate in their discipline.
This investment team is honest, will tell you like it is, but are strong believers that CEOs need to run the company. I would highly recommend them and am happy to take reference calls (my direct contact info is in Jigsaw).
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Build a Company with Them!
El-Dorado came in on Series A, and helped build the company step by step. Excellent experience during pitching, term-sheet, close, and ramp. Extremely valuable on a board- always asking the right questions at the right time, and wanting to focus on is the strategy correct and is execution as good as it can be. Will definitely want to build another company with them- no question about it.
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Good Partner for Entrepreneurs
I worked with El Dorado on a company recently. They moved very quickly from initial pitch in the seed/A round to a term sheet, and they were completely supportive in later rounds of financing and through our eventual acquisition. Although a particular patner sat on my board, at EDV, unlike other firms where I have been financed, I always felt like I could call any of the partners for help at any time. Unlike other firms, EDV was always completely above board and trustworthy.
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Just a Comment.....
I can't say much as I didn't get past our pitch. I have heard very good things about them, and Shanda in particular, from a very good CEO friend who is very experienced.
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Quick Response
A very prompt, courteous pass from a group principal, including a few words about why in response to an initial query.
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Edv is a Great Firm to Work With
I have raised money for several companies and over a $100M in funding. EDV is one of the best. They are easy to work through the term sheet phase - and fair. Post investment they are appropriately involved and add significant value - as much as any VC I have worked with. From an experienced entrepreneur - I would give them my highest marks and recommend them to any entrepreneur.