Independent rating of Scale Venture Partners VC fund
Overall rating:
15 reviews
About Scale Venture Partners VC fund
Website:
Founded:
2000
Number of funds:
7
Number of investments:
274
Number of exits:
73
Headquarters:
Organization type:
Venture Capital
How Scale Venture Partners VC fund invests
Average ticket size:
31.2M USD
Smallest investment:
4.47M USD
Biggest investment:
129M USD
Would lead round:
Yes
Would coinvest:
Yes
Countries where invested:
Sectors of interest:
Software, SaaS, Mobile, Machine Learning, Information Technology, Enterprise Software, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Apps, Web Development, Sensor, STEM Education, Robotics, Real Time, Real Estate, Predictive Analytics, Non Profit, Network Security, Medical, Internet of Things, Identity Management, Hospital, Health Care, Hardware, Government, Enterprise, Electronics, Education, Developer Tools, Developer APIs, Data Integration, Cloud Security, Cloud Data Services, Cloud Computing, Business Intelligence, Big Data, Augmented Reality, Association
Founders' reviews of Scale Venture Partners VC fund
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Older than a year by non-portfolio founder
Stacey Curry Bishop
I emailed Stacey out of the blue due to her sector experience and asked her for advice only, as we were too early stage for them. We had a great talk on the phone and she offered to endorse us with some angels and that was very helpful in securing interest in our seed round. Very pleasant and helpful person!
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Sharon Wienbar Great Insights on Web 2.0 Business Models
I have pitched both Rory and Sharon at Scale (and back at B of A). I have always found them to be straightforward, smart, and not time wasters. Sharon in particular has been focusing on SaaS, social networking and other web 2.0 concepts for years. She provided me with good insights into how VCs evaluate SaaS metrics (this was a few years ago before there was broader agreement on the topics). Sharon has also made introductions that have helped us advance our business, and helped me network (and this was even though my business at that time did not fit their model). Sharon's success and support from entrepreneurs is indicative that she has treated many others the same way.
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Sharon One of Digital Media's Finest
I was connected with Sharon through a fellow board member of hers. Sharon was reputably on of the most knowledgeable and sophisticated persons in the digital media space with an established network of successful and innovative individuals.
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Great Firm
Several weeks ago we presented to Rob Theis and his team. Great meeting. Rob was extremely insightful. Thoughtfully quiet at times, but fantastic knowledge and guidance. Amazing set of key people he knows. Connected to us a few Execs and organizations to help flush strategy and Rob provided good tactics to focus on. Good penetrating questions that left us thinking forward. Thank you for the assistance.
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Good People. Lou is a Solid Guy in Healthcare
not a bad group. Some solid players, some not so much. Pick your partners wisely!
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Too Early
Was referred to Scale Ventures by another VC and pitched to Stacey Curry Bishop. They were very interested in our space, but the pitch ended up being more of an informational session for them as we were too early stage and they werent really interested.
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Rob Theis Rocks
Adding Theis to the team is brilliant. Scale is definitely on the rise again and moving to top tier status. I only know the Partners on the Tech side and they are smart and each add value in their unique ways. Theis has a vast network of contacts that helps jumpstart companies and makes a big difference.
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Out of Ammunition
Chad Kinzelberg has followed our development for a year, asked for an update. He revealed that their current fund was approaching full investment. They intend to raise another of similar size. Word to the wise.
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Learned My Most Valuable VC Lesson From Ba Ventures
BA Ventures was a later stage investor, with preferred liquidation, in our company. Their partner was actively involved in our board and provided a great deal of excellent advice. I sort of considered him to be a friend. Then Microsoft changed directions and became a competitor. As things started looking dicey, the BA Venture guy stopped returning calls. When I asked him why, he replied - I've never forgotten this - (not really a quote, but accurate to the best of my recollection) I have 10 investments. In order for me to be successful, 3 have to be successful. Since it's obvious that you're not going to be successful, you're not worth my time. I'll spend my time on companies that can still win. It's nothing personal.
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Good People
I have pitched Scale a 2-3 times now. I found them to be very knowledgable about our space--they had the right questions in mind. I know quite a few people at the fund, they've alwys impressed me as straightforward, honest people--which is more than I can say for most funds!
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Only Take Meetings with M Ds, and Beware of the Bait and Switch
Scale is very aggressive about not spending MD time on anything they aren't likely to want to invest in. Since they invest mainly in post product/market fit proven companies, there is less motivation and desire to listen to a pitch for the sake of learning and possibly finding a diamond in the rough. People more accustomed to the Series A investor mentality will find engaging with Scale a frustrating experience
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A Great Firm
I have known a few of the people around the firm from back when they were actually part of the bank before BAVP was formed. Now, there are some interesting people there. There is nothing like the ever charming and brilliant Rory taking his shoe off during a pitch meeting and scratching his foot while asking you a question. These guys are real people. Kate, Sharon, Rory are all real people. Having done a very early deal from first meeting to money in the bank with them in less than 20 days, I can without any reservation say these guys can move quick. They have also been thoughtful and helpful throughout the company even though there focus as Scale is much later than our deal.
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Unprofessional
Was set to meet with a MD and when we arrived she was in another meeting. We waited for 30 minutes until they sent in an associate, who didn't know about our space. Finally, after another 30 minutes, another associate came in to tell us the MD couldn't come in. Very unprofessional. Never got an email from the MD apologizing.
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Ba /Scale Investors Not So Impressive
Was invited to visit BA several times over the course of a month. Stated that they wanted to fast track their consideration, but couldn't find a hole in thier schedule for 2-3 weeks at a time. Forced to give the same overview to a revolving door of partners who asked the same not so bright questions repeatedly. Would not recommend this firm. Characterize them as "Smart Morons"
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Not Your Typical VC
Very smart group (esp. Sharon Wienbar) who actually listen. Excellent questions and thoughtful feedback, rather than the typical stock comments.