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Shepherd Ventures is a venture capital fund established in 2001 and headquartered in San Diego, California. The firm focuses on generating capital appreciation through investments in growth companies, primarily in the information technology and life sciences sectors. With a commitment to the Southern California Tech Coast region, Shepherd Ventures has built a reputation for partnering with companies that demonstrate strong leadership and compelling value propositions.
As of 2020, Shepherd Ventures has made 21 investments and recorded five notable exits, including Revance Therapeutics and TakeLessons. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing operational support and strategic partnerships to enhance the success of its portfolio companies. The team consists of seasoned venture capitalists and senior-level executives, ensuring that they can offer valuable insights and guidance to their investments.
Shepherd Ventures invests across various stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, series A, series B, series C, and growth equity. The firm primarily targets companies in the information technology and life sciences sectors, seeking candidates characterized by strong leadership and significant growth potential. Their investment strategy includes both first-stage companies, which have disruptive technologies ready for market, and later-stage companies that have achieved operational maturity and market traction.
Investment sectors include biotech, healthcare, AI, machine learning, software, big data, mobile computing, networking, energy, medical devices, biotherapeutics, specialty diagnostics, bioinformatics, and healthcare IT. Shepherd Ventures looks for companies with completed products, defined sales channels, and a credible path to profitability, ensuring that their investments align with their thesis of capital appreciation through growth.
Shepherd Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 21 companies, with notable investments including:
These companies reflect Shepherd Ventures' commitment to investing in high-potential sectors, particularly in biotech and healthcare.
George C. Kenney: Managing Director with extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Tom Siegel: Managing Director with over 30 years in the VC space, co-founder of the firm, and a background in management consulting.
Richard P. Kuntz: Managing Director known for his expertise in life sciences and technology investments.
Olga Kitsakos: Operations Partner who supports the operational aspects of portfolio companies.
Fred D. Lawrence: Venture Partner with a focus on strategic partnerships and advisory roles.
John R. Nelson: Venture Partner contributing to investment strategy and portfolio management.
To pitch Shepherd Ventures, founders should utilize the contact form available on their website at shepherdventures.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. The firm prefers to receive pitches through this channel and typically responds within a few weeks.
As of January 2020, Shepherd Ventures recorded five exits and 21 investments. Notable exits include Revance Therapeutics, acquired by Crown Laboratories for approximately $924 million, and TakeLessons, acquired by Microsoft. The firm has maintained a steady investment pace, focusing on long-term growth rather than high-velocity deal-making.
Recent updates indicate that Shepherd Ventures remains operational, with a Yelp listing confirming their physical address as of March 2026. However, specific recent investment rounds or activities post-2020 have not been publicly disclosed.
What are Shepherd Ventures' investment criteria?
Shepherd Ventures focuses on investing in first and later-stage growth companies within the information technology and life sciences sectors. They seek companies with strong leadership, significant growth potential, and compelling value propositions.
How can I apply or pitch to Shepherd Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Shepherd Ventures website at shepherdventures.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Shepherd Ventures different from other VC firms?
The firm is distinguished by its hands-on operational support and the extensive experience of its team, which includes seasoned venture capitalists and senior executives. This approach allows them to provide strategic partnerships and advisory networks to their portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Shepherd Ventures?
Shepherd Ventures primarily concentrates its investment activities in the Southern California Tech Coast region, although they are open to opportunities across the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Shepherd Ventures invests across various stages, indicating flexibility in their funding approach depending on the company's needs and growth stage.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Shepherd Ventures provides hands-on operational support, leveraging their team's expertise to assist portfolio companies in achieving their growth objectives. This includes strategic guidance and access to their advisory networks.
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