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Telescope Partners is an early growth investment firm located in San Francisco, California. Founded to support exceptional entrepreneurs in the enterprise software sector, the firm emphasizes not only capital investment but also relevant advice and bespoke support. This approach helps founders navigate the complexities of building their businesses effectively.
The firm operates with a small portfolio strategy, allowing for high-touch engagement with its portfolio companies. Telescope Partners focuses on B2B software companies that have achieved product-market fit but are still in the early stages of scaling. The firm’s investment philosophy is rooted in a thesis-driven approach, which involves thorough analysis of each company's operations, market dynamics, and future challenges.
As of now, Telescope Partners has partnered with five companies, showcasing its commitment to nurturing growth in the B2B software space. The firm is well-positioned to provide tailored support and insights to its portfolio companies, ensuring they can transition from promising products to sustainable growth enterprises.
Telescope Partners specializes in investing in B2B software companies that are post product-market fit but not yet at a stage where their success is obvious. The firm primarily targets Series A and Series B funding rounds, focusing on companies that have established a market presence and are ready to scale. Their investment strategy is thesis-driven, emphasizing a deep understanding of each company's operations, market conditions, and potential challenges ahead.
The sectors of interest for Telescope Partners include SaaS (Software as a Service), fintech, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. The firm seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate strong product traction and a clear path to growth. Telescope Partners provides not just capital but also operational guidance, market analysis, and customer-informed diligence, ensuring that their portfolio companies receive the support needed to thrive in competitive environments.
Telescope Partners has a focused portfolio that includes five notable companies:
This portfolio reflects Telescope Partners' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the B2B software landscape, particularly those that address specific operational challenges.
Mickey Arabelovic - Founder. Mickey has a background in technology investing, having spent seven years at Sequoia Capital where he helped build the growth investing practice. He has worked with companies such as Carbon Black and Zirmed. His earlier experience includes roles at Summit Partners and investment banking at Brown Gibbons Lang and KeyBanc Capital Markets.
Nicole Naidoo - Partner. Nicole specializes in growth-stage B2B software and financial technology companies. She has prior experience at Nexus, Mainsail Partners, and Raymond James.
Zack Bahm - Principal. Zack is listed as a Principal on the Telescope Partners team page, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Chris Gaertner - Principal. Chris also serves as a Principal, focusing on identifying and supporting promising B2B software companies.
Erin Cruz - Chief Financial Officer / Chief Compliance Officer. Erin oversees financial operations and compliance at Telescope Partners.
Harrison Doyle - Head of Operations. Harrison manages operational strategies and processes within the firm.
Bhargav Mallidi - Associate. Bhargav supports the investment team in evaluating potential opportunities.
Katy Mansoor - Executive Assistant to Founder. Katy provides administrative support to the founder and the team.
Claire Owens - Associate. Claire assists in various capacities within the investment team.
Emily Spradlin - Office Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. Emily manages office operations and administrative tasks.
Drew Suranjan - Associate. Drew contributes to the investment evaluation process.
James Winter - Head of Marketing. James oversees marketing strategies and communications for the firm.
To pitch Telescope Partners, founders should send an email to contact@telescopepartners.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and traction to date. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries.
Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process. The pitch deck should clearly articulate the company's value proposition and growth strategy.
As of 2026, Telescope Partners has continued to expand its portfolio, recently partnering with Canid and Fathom in 2024, and Passage Health in 2025. These partnerships reflect the firm's focus on B2B software solutions that address specific operational challenges.
In 2020, Telescope Partners celebrated the acquisition of Brandfolder by Smartsheet, marking a significant exit for the firm. This exit underscores the firm's ability to identify and support companies with strong growth potential.
What are Telescope Partners' investment criteria?
Telescope Partners invests in B2B software companies that have achieved product-market fit but are not yet at a stage where their success is obvious. They focus on Series A and Series B funding rounds, targeting companies that demonstrate strong product traction and a clear path to growth.
How can I pitch Telescope Partners?
Founders can reach out via email at contact@telescopepartners.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and traction to date.
What makes Telescope Partners different from other investors?
Telescope Partners emphasizes a high-touch support model, providing operational guidance, market analysis, and customer-informed diligence. This bespoke approach helps founders navigate challenges effectively, rather than just providing passive capital.
What is the geographic focus of Telescope Partners?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, although they may consider international B2B software companies as well.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Telescope Partners typically invests in early growth stages, which suggests a range suitable for Series A and Series B funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Telescope Partners provides high-touch support post-investment, focusing on operational guidance and strategic insights to help portfolio companies scale effectively.
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