Independent rating of Index Ventures VC fund
Overall rating:
3.7
(21)
Recommend to another founder: 60%
About Index Ventures VC fund
Website:
Founded:
1996
Number of funds:
19
Number of investments:
998
Number of exits:
219
Headquarters:
Organization type:
Venture Capital
How Index Ventures VC fund invests
Rounds:
Average ticket size:
14.4M USD
Smallest investment:
1.29M USD
Biggest investment:
54.3M USD
Would lead round:
Yes
Would coinvest:
Yes
Countries where invested:
Sectors of interest:
Software, E-Commerce, SaaS, Marketplace, Manufacturing, Internet, Fashion, Developer APIs, Women's, UX Design, Task Management, Retail, Project Management, Printing, Network Security, Machine Learning, Information Technology, Freelance, FinTech, Enterprise Software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Electric Vehicle, Drones, Cyber Security, Consumer Reviews, Compliance, Collaboration, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Big Data, Automotive, Architecture
Founders' reviews of Index Ventures VC fund
Recommend to another founder 60%
Within a year by non-portfolio founder
Verified by BOUND
Big VCs have big egos
Pros
Very reactive and straight-forward: company visit scheduled same day as first meeting, took place 4 days with 2 GPs, 1 principal and 1 associate. The session was very productive, challenging, and relevant. Their industry knowledge when it comes to Consumer and Marketplaces is impressive.
Cons
It seems Index require deals to be sponsored by 2 GPs. We had the support of one, but not the other for reasons we've cone to realize after the facts had nothing to do with us. Internal politics can be tough.
Advice for management
If there in internal discomfort with a deal, best to say no and give constructive feedback rather than issue a TS to block roadshow and valuation only to duck out later. Two fellow founders went through this painful experience over the past 6 months alone, one of whom -£6m seed- had to file for bankruptcy yesterday as a result. It's best to be straightforward.
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Round: Pre-Seed
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Bad Experience
Arrogant, aggressive and inappropriate
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Seed
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Good for the Right Startup
Invested early in seed/A but then lost interest as not a quick unicorn, failure to follow on or even have the courtesy of regular contact. Avoid if you don’t fit their billion or bust model.
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Round: Seed
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Strong Second Choice
Got what we were doing quickly, moved as fast as anyone else. While we chose to raise with someone that seemed to be a better fit in our niche, we will seriously consider them for the next round.
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Pre-Seed
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Benefits on Benefits
We had strong inbound interest in our Series A round, and chose Index over others. We're delighted we did, they've been brilliant on the deal (Term Sheet signed in 23 hours!) and since then, including helping us with talent acquisition, industry data, strategic input, and more. And they do great parties :-)
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Seed
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Exceeding Enough
Supportive vc. Relatively easy process and good term sheet. Also great name on cap table to get talent. Not sure they add tons of other value for early stage companies but supportive cash may be enough!
Older than a year by portfolio founder
Round: Seed
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Keep Up the Good Work
As a first time founder I couldn’t have been more lucky to meet Index team. They’ve been very supportive in the best and worst moments of my venture, I highly recommend their integrity. Thanks Neil for the fun ride :)
Not reviewed
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Associates are Misrepresenting Index
Index needs to hire more qualified associates - preferably those with 5-7 years + experience in their previous roles.
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Arrogant, and Misguided
Index is still living off the success of a couple of big deals, although the current fund is mediocre.
Extremely slow to respond, and a high turn around of bright associates, none of whom gets the tech business.
Not reviewed
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Index Ventures
Received an unsolicited call from Index. Pitched an associate from Geneva over the phone. The associate was thoughtful, understood our solution and market and asked some good questions. We set the stage for an "A" round next year, but did crack the door for a smaller seed investment. We concluded the conversation with them getting back to us in a few days, he wanted to run it up the flag pole with others at his firm. Kept his word and indeed got back to us. They declined seed, but most definitely wanted to follow our progress and have an opportunity to consider our "A" round. They were cautious about investing in US companies given the distance. Thumbs up so far given the limited interaction.
Not reviewed
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Could Be Arrogant, Aren't
We pitched Neil Rimer recently. Speaking about Index's recent exits he was humble and gave credit where due.
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Good Dialogue, Not Sure about Follow Up
I have met with a couple of guys a Index. They have been smarter more helpful upfront and clear about their interests than the averge top quartile VC.
Not reviewed
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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No Follow Up
Pitched thru a contact but never received any response...
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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No Follow Up
Similar experience as below, positive initial interaction, then silence and no response to 3 calls.
Not reviewed
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Danny Rimer Index Ventures
Caught up in minor celebrity thing, some big deals on the edge of, claiming too much credit, not giving credit to others along journey.
Not reviewed
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Busy, Nice
So I met them for about 1/2 hour when I first moved here. We had a lovely chat and they identified some portfolio companies where I might add some value. Chatted a bit with one company who was actually there at the moment.
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Pleasant Interaction, Location Might Be an Issue
We pitched Index and received strong interest but ultimately decided that it would be in our best interests to have a local (US-based, West Coast) investor for many reasons specific to our company. The point person was Chris Barchak, and Neil Rimer came into the process later on. Both were incredibly nice people, and given our liking for them and Index's phenomenal reputation and track record, I would definitely recommend doing business with them.
Not reviewed
Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Bernard Dall @ Index
We met him and pitched him after being introduced to him to be a co-lead. He liked what he heard. Had a list of questions which we answered well. As he was putting his coat on he stated 8 reasons where we needed to put some work into our business plan. 6 were valid so we thank him for that. 2 were way off base... but then it was irrelevant anyway...
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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No Follow Up
These guys have an awesome reputation and are very very well connected with other VC.
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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How about a Call Back?
Pitched to these guys and got the "hey this is really cool" feedback but then they never followed up. I don't mind being told no or some euphemism for no, but it doesn't reflect well on a fund when they "mail it in".
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
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Dedicated to Building "Disruptive" Businesses
Danny Rimer is the face of the organisation that helped build Skype and has backed the likes of MySQLm, Last.fm and Video Island. I reiterate the word build because they truly do so and have rave reviews from entrepreneurs who have worked with them