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Outpost Ventures is a venture capital firm associated with Neuberger Berman, focusing on the fintech sector. Founded with the intent to support innovative financial technology companies, Outpost Ventures has established itself as a key player in the investment landscape. The firm operates from locations in Redwood City and London, providing a global reach for its investments.
The organization has a team of over 15 professionals, collectively bringing more than 30 years of experience in finance and technology. Outpost Ventures has invested over $3 billion into fintech companies, demonstrating its commitment to the sector. The firm emphasizes the importance of not just providing capital but also offering strategic guidance and valuable connections to help portfolio companies achieve product-market fit and scale their operations effectively.
Outpost Ventures is backed by a strong LP base through Neuberger Berman, a global asset management platform. This affiliation enhances the firm's ability to leverage a network of over 100 finance professionals, including Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), and risk officers, to support its portfolio companies.
Outpost Ventures invests primarily in companies positioned to benefit from the digital transformation of finance. The firm focuses on sectors such as fintech, payments, cybersecurity, banking, blockchain, and financial infrastructure. By concentrating on seed and Series A stages, Outpost Ventures aims to support early-stage companies that are innovating within these sectors.
The investment strategy emphasizes the need for more than just capital. Outpost Ventures provides customer introductions, follow-on capital, and domain expertise to help founders navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. The firm seeks to partner with world-class founders who are looking to scale their operations and achieve significant market impact.
Outpost Ventures leverages its extensive experience and network to assist portfolio companies in achieving product-market fit. The firm’s approach includes offering strategic guidance on sales strategies, credit financing, and underwriting expertise, ensuring that founders receive the necessary support to grow their businesses effectively.
Outpost Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of innovative financial technology companies. Notable investments include:
Peter Sterling - Partner: Peter leads the Neuberger Berman Specialty Finance Platform and focuses on financial technology companies. He has been involved in over $3 billion in fintech-related financings and has prior experience with Coastland Capital, Marin Capital, KBC, D.E. Shaw's Financial Products group, and Gateway Partners.
Zhengyuan Lu - Partner: Zhengyuan is a Partner and Managing Director on the Investment Committee, focusing on fintech and specialty finance. He previously led SVB's Warehouse Financing Group and held leadership roles in fintech capital markets at Victory Park Capital and OnDeck.
Sachin Patel - Partner: Sachin brings expertise in fintech and B2B software investments, contributing to the firm's strategic direction and investment decisions.
Laura Johnson - Managing Director: Laura specializes in growth lending and has structured debt, equity, and hybrid investments in growth-stage software, cybersecurity, and fintech businesses. She has prior experience with Blackstone Credit and Insurance and ORIX Growth Capital.
Sean Hinze - Managing Director: Sean plays a key role in managing investments and supporting portfolio companies, leveraging his extensive background in finance.
Cedric Drui - Managing Director: Cedric focuses on strategic investments and partnerships within the fintech sector, enhancing the firm's portfolio.
David Kupperman - Managing Director: David contributes to investment strategy and portfolio management, drawing on his experience in financial services.
Jay Berger - Senior Vice President: Jay supports the firm's investment activities and portfolio management, focusing on fintech innovations.
Farshad Mashayekhi - Senior Vice President: Farshad brings expertise in technology and finance, contributing to the firm's investment decisions.
Karen Bi - Vice President: Karen focuses on fintech investments and supports portfolio companies in their growth strategies.
Sam Luk - Vice President: Sam plays a role in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio management.
Zayd Addassi - Vice President: Zayd contributes to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management, focusing on fintech and B2B software.
Varun Surapaneni - Vice President: Varun supports investment activities and portfolio management, leveraging his background in finance.
Mitchell Booth - Vice President: Mitchell focuses on evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
Jackie Regan - Vice President: Jackie plays a key role in supporting the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Dylan Hong - Senior Associate: Dylan assists in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
Max Fernandez - Senior Associate: Max contributes to the firm's investment activities and portfolio management.
Jackson Bornstein - Associate: Jackson supports the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch Outpost Ventures, founders should utilize the contact information provided on their website at outpostventures.vc or email outpostinquiries@nb.com. The firm encourages open communication and welcomes pitches from startups in the fintech sector.
When preparing a pitch deck, it is important to include key information such as the problem being addressed, the solution offered, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and the team’s qualifications. Outpost Ventures appreciates concise and well-structured presentations that clearly convey the startup's vision and potential for growth.
While specific response times are not disclosed, founders can expect a rolling application cycle, allowing for ongoing engagement with the firm. Warm introductions may enhance the chances of receiving a timely response, but they are not strictly required.
In recent months, Outpost Ventures has continued to expand its portfolio with significant investments in innovative financial technologies. Notable highlights include investments in Skyfire, which focuses on making NFTs more accessible, and Wealth.com, a platform that reimagines estate planning.
The firm remains active in the fintech sector, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to identify promising startups that align with its investment thesis. Outpost Ventures emphasizes its commitment to supporting world-class founders through strategic guidance and valuable connections.
What are Outpost Ventures' investment criteria?
Outpost Ventures focuses on fintech companies that are positioned to benefit from the digital transformation of finance. They invest primarily at the seed and Series A stages, looking for innovative solutions in sectors such as payments, cybersecurity, banking, and blockchain.
How can I pitch to Outpost Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Outpost Ventures by visiting their website at outpostventures.vc or by emailing outpostinquiries@nb.com. The firm maintains an open pitch policy and encourages startups to reach out.
What makes Outpost Ventures different from other investors?
Outpost Ventures differentiates itself by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network of finance professionals. This includes customer introductions and domain expertise that can help startups navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.
What is the geographic scope of Outpost Ventures?
Outpost Ventures has a global investment focus, with particular attention to opportunities in the United States and the United Kingdom. Their extensive network allows them to engage with startups worldwide.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Outpost Ventures primarily invests at the seed and Series A stages, which typically involve smaller initial investments that can grow with follow-on funding as companies scale.
What kind of post-investment support does Outpost Ventures provide?
Outpost Ventures offers ongoing support to its portfolio companies, including strategic guidance on product-market fit, sales strategies, and access to their network of finance professionals. This support is designed to help startups grow and succeed in the competitive fintech landscape.
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