Top up & coming VCs

Lately we've been presented with a few options for our Series B financing (a process we just finished). As a result, I've gotten the chance to meet some really great up and coming VCs. These guys are not the name brands you know of like Mike Moritz or John Doer, but are the guys who I think will one day take their place as valley greats. I've already spoken about Peter Rip and Vineet Buch so I won't repeat that here.

(In no particular order)


Neil Sadaranganey of Bay Partners - When I first met Neil he was quiet and reserved. His kids and Deven play together. I thought he was smart but I couldn't see any other side of his personality. As I saw him in action at the office, it was incredible. He was always about the entrepreneur. He supported me every step of the way. He drove the process forward very fast. In a subtle but powerful way I knew this guy would take care of me and my company if I let him invest. The ability to communicate that to an entrepreneur during a negotiation is pure genius.


Josh Stein of DFJ - There are so many people who when talking to you say, "I'm a straight shooter." (Frankly the more a person says this to me the less I believe them ...;-). Josh never says it but he is one of the most direct communicators I know. He gets what makes great companies .... great founders. I found brainstorming with him (and his collegue Emily) very exciting. It was a very high bandwidth conversation. They are wickedly smart and really understand the consumer web in a way few do.


Baris Karadogan of USVP - I just met Baris a short while ago. He and my CTO Burak knew each other well. As I spent more and more time with him, I realized he is aggressive, ambitious, and thorough. Baris didn't leave any rock un-turned. He did his homework on the technology of Ojos and the team in a way few did. He was able to see the big vision even before I explained it to him.


Tom Shields of Woodside Fund - He is one of the few folks who actually uses the product, gives great feedback, and comes up with great product ideas. Tom gets tactile feedback before giving input, something few VCs do. I've been wanting to work with Tom for about 2 years. One of these days we will get the chance.


I recommend any one of these guys to any entrepreneur I know. If you need an introduction I am happy to make it. These are four truly great guys.

Comments

[Nevil]

Congratulations on the raising $4 million from Leapfrog and BlueRun.

Have there been any changes in direction and priorities?

[Amit Nanda]

Munjal

Thanks for this excellent summary on great VCs - invaluable !

Would greatly appreciate introductions. If you can please email me I would be happy to send you my exec summary and some more information about us.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Amit
amit@schoolparentnet.com

[Mike S]

Not to jump too hard on the bandwagon but if it would be possible to gain from your experiences I too would be interested in an introduction to Baris. Email me and I would be happy to send you my exec summary/information.

Mike@onlineoffice.org