The Founder's Guide to

Sapphire Ventures

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Overview

Sapphire Ventures is a prominent global software venture capital firm with over $11 billion in assets under management (AUM). Established in 1996 as the venture arm of SAP, the firm transitioned to an independent entity in 2011 and rebranded as Sapphire Ventures in 2014. With headquarters in Austin, London, New York, Menlo Park, and San Francisco, Sapphire Ventures has cultivated a robust presence across North America and Europe. The firm operates three distinct investment strategies: Sapphire Ventures, which focuses on direct growth-stage investments; Sapphire Partners, a fund-of-funds that supports early-stage venture capital; and Sapphire Sport, which invests in sports, media, and entertainment technology. Over its 24-year history, Sapphire has successfully invested in 226 companies, achieving 19 IPOs and 121 total exits, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the venture capital landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What stages does Sapphire Ventures invest in?

Sapphire Ventures primarily invests in high-growth, expansion-stage companies, focusing on Series B through to IPO. This allows them to support startups that are scaling and require capital to accelerate their growth.

How do I pitch Sapphire Ventures?

Founders can pitch Sapphire Ventures by submitting their proposals through their contact page at sapphireventures.com/contact/ or via email at fundsubmissions@sapphireventures.com. It is advisable to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy.

What sectors does Sapphire Ventures focus on?

Sapphire Ventures focuses on several key sectors, including B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, data & analytics, DevOps, fintech, healthtech, and vertical SaaS. They have also committed over $1 billion to AI-powered enterprise technology startups.

What is Sapphire Ventures' typical check size?

The typical check size for investments made by Sapphire Ventures ranges from $2 million to $30 million, with an average sweet spot around $15 million. This range allows them to support companies at various stages of their growth.

Where does Sapphire Ventures invest geographically?

Sapphire Ventures has a global investment strategy, with a primary focus on North America and an expanding presence in Europe. Their offices in Austin, London, New York, Menlo Park, and San Francisco facilitate their international reach.

What portfolio support does Sapphire Ventures provide?

Sapphire Ventures offers extensive support through its Portfolio Growth team, which consists of experienced operators who provide strategic value-add services, tools, and resources to help portfolio companies scale effectively.

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