Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Peterson Ventures is a venture capital firm located in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2008 by Joel Peterson. The firm specializes in supporting entrepreneurs at the seed stage, particularly in sectors such as software as a service (SaaS), digital commerce, fintech, and healthcare. Peterson Ventures has established a reputation for creating lasting partnerships with business builders, emphasizing capital efficiency and product-market fit.
As of now, Peterson Ventures manages over $550 million in assets under management (AUM) across multiple funds, including Fund IV, which closed at $115 million in June 2022. The firm has a total of 23 portfolio companies and has achieved notable exits, including Allbirds, Bonobos, Lucid Software, and Nomi Health. Their headquarters is strategically positioned to connect local Utah-based founders with resources and opportunities in the Bay Area, enhancing their investment strategy.
Peterson Ventures primarily invests in seed-stage companies, with a focus on sectors such as SaaS, digital commerce, fintech, and healthcare. The firm typically writes checks ranging from $500,000 to $2.5 million, targeting teams that demonstrate capital efficiency and a strong potential for growth in large, expanding markets. Their investment strategy emphasizes the importance of product-market fit and well-rounded teams.
The firm actively seeks out entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building scalable businesses and who possess a clear vision for their market. Peterson Ventures also runs a Stanford GSB MBA Fellowship, which provides access to a talent pipeline and proprietary deal flow, further enhancing their ability to identify promising startups. This fellowship allows them to leverage connections with Stanford's network, creating unique opportunities for their portfolio companies.
Peterson Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 23 companies, showcasing their investment in various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these current investments, Peterson Ventures has seen successful exits, including acquisitions by major firms such as Walmart and Salesforce, further solidifying their reputation in the venture capital space.
Joel Peterson: Founder and Managing Director. Joel has a background in private equity and venture capital, having founded Peterson Partners, which manages over $1.8 billion in assets. He has a strong reputation for identifying and nurturing early-stage companies.
Ben Capell: Managing Director. Ben has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in driving the firm's investment strategy. He focuses on building relationships with entrepreneurs and supporting their growth.
Ilana Stern: Partner. Ilana brings a wealth of experience in the startup ecosystem, having worked with various early-stage companies. She specializes in identifying promising investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
To pitch to Peterson Ventures, founders should use the preferred channel of their website or email. A well-structured pitch deck should include an overview of the business model, market analysis, financial projections, and the team's background. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. The firm values direct communication and encourages founders to reach out with compelling pitches.
Peterson Ventures runs the Stanford GSB MBA Fellowship, which connects MBA students with real-world venture capital experiences, creating a talent pipeline and proprietary deal flow for the firm.
In June 2022, Peterson Ventures closed Fund IV at $115 million and Opportunity Fund I at $25 million, marking a significant milestone for the firm. Recent investments include:
Peterson Ventures continues to be active in the venture capital space, supporting entrepreneurs and building successful businesses.
What are Peterson Ventures' investment criteria?
Peterson Ventures primarily invests in seed-stage companies across sectors such as SaaS, digital commerce, fintech, and healthcare. They look for strong, capital-efficient teams that demonstrate a clear path to product-market fit.
How can I apply or pitch to Peterson Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Peterson Ventures through their website at petersonventures.com or by emailing them directly at contact@petersonventures.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Peterson Ventures different from other VC firms?
Peterson Ventures differentiates itself by focusing on the Utah startup ecosystem while leveraging connections to the Bay Area. Their Stanford GSB MBA Fellowship provides unique access to talent and deal flow, enhancing their investment strategy.
What is the geographic scope of Peterson Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in North America, with a strong emphasis on startups based in the United States, particularly those in Utah.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Peterson Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $2.5 million in seed-stage companies, depending on the specific needs and potential of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Peterson Ventures have?
Peterson Ventures actively supports its portfolio companies by providing access to its extensive network, operational support, and follow-on investment opportunities. They aim to build lasting partnerships with the founders they back.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.