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The Westly Group is a venture capital firm founded in 2007 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape, managing over $800 million in assets. The Westly Group focuses on partnering with startups that are innovating in sectors critical to the global economy, particularly those that emphasize sustainability and digitization.
Over the years, The Westly Group has built a reputation for investing in high-growth, capital-efficient businesses. The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies such as Tesla, SentinelOne, and Procore. The firm has consistently targeted companies at various stages of development, specifically Seed, Series A, B, and C rounds, with investment sizes typically ranging from $500,000 to $15 million.
With a strong presence in North America, particularly in Silicon Valley, The Westly Group has cultivated a network of industry contacts and resources that enhance its ability to support portfolio companies. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including multiple successful exits and a commitment to investing in sectors that contribute significantly to the global economy.
The Westly Group invests in high-growth businesses across several sectors, including energy, mobility, buildings, industrial technology, and cybersecurity. The firm targets companies at various stages of development, specifically Seed, Series A, B, and C rounds. Investment sizes typically range from $500,000 to $15 million, allowing flexibility based on the specific needs of the funding round.
The firm emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and digitization, seeking entrepreneurs who are transforming foundational industries. The Westly Group looks for startups that demonstrate strong growth potential and capital efficiency. Their investment strategy is designed to support companies that are poised to make a significant impact in their respective industries.
In addition to financial backing, The Westly Group provides strategic guidance and access to a vast network of industry contacts. This collaborative approach enhances the growth potential and market positioning of their portfolio companies, aligning with their focus on sustainability and innovation.
The Westly Group's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that are leaders in their respective sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect The Westly Group's commitment to investing in sectors that are critical to the global economy, particularly those focused on sustainability and technological advancement.
Steve Westly: Founder & Managing Partner. Steve has a background as the former California State Controller and was an early board member and investor in Tesla, joining when the company had only 29 employees.
Danny Cotter: Managing Partner. Danny brings extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in leading investments in several successful portfolio companies.
Emily Fritze: Partner. Emily specializes in identifying high-growth opportunities and has a strong track record in the energy sector.
Jason Kalira: Partner. Jason focuses on investments in mobility and industrial technology, leveraging his background in engineering and business.
Shaun Chaudhuri: Partner. Shaun has expertise in cybersecurity and has led investments in several notable companies in this space.
Bob Rowe: Venture Partner. Bob brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in corporate strategy and business development.
Timothy Wang: Venture Partner. Timothy has a strong background in technology investments and works closely with portfolio companies on scaling strategies.
Jennifer Gunn: CFO. Jennifer oversees the financial operations of the firm and has extensive experience in venture capital finance.
Catie Calcagno: Head of Investor Relations. Catie manages relationships with limited partners and is responsible for fundraising efforts.
Megan Cain: Principal. Megan has authored thought leadership pieces on Edge AI and Physical AI, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Jamie Daudon: Principal. Jamie focuses on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities across various sectors.
Noemi Walzebuck: Senior Associate. Noemi supports the investment team in due diligence and portfolio management.
Nick Albanese: VP, Research & Strategy and Investment Associate. Nick conducts market research and analysis to inform investment decisions.
Kerry Wu: Associate VP, Research & Partnerships. Kerry focuses on building partnerships with startups and industry stakeholders.
Kelly McCarthy: Associate. Kelly assists in the evaluation of potential investments and portfolio management.
Maricar Mahoney: HR Manager & Fund Assistant. Maricar manages human resources and administrative functions within the firm.
Traci Teldeschi: Executive Assistant. Traci provides administrative support to the partners and the investment team.
When pitching to The Westly Group, founders should include a clear articulation of their business model, market potential, and how their startup aligns with sustainability and digitization trends. A well-prepared pitch deck that highlights these aspects will be beneficial.
In August 2025, The Westly Group led a $40 million Series B investment in Squint, a manufacturing platform focused on AI technologies. This investment was made alongside notable firms such as TCV, Sequoia, and Menlo Ventures.
In July 2025, the firm participated in a $5.5 million Seed round for Magentic, a startup specializing in AI-driven procurement solutions, co-investing with Sequoia and First Momentum.
In December 2025, The Westly Group published a blog post titled "Bringing AI to the Physical World: The Edge AI Infrastructure Stack," showcasing their engagement with current industry trends and thought leadership.
Fund IV, which closed in January 2022, has been actively deployed into companies such as Circulor, focusing on supply chain traceability, and CyCognito, which specializes in cybersecurity.
What are The Westly Group's investment criteria?
The Westly Group invests in high-growth, capital-efficient businesses across energy, mobility, buildings, industrial technology, and cybersecurity sectors. They target companies at Seed, Series A, B, and C stages, with investment sizes ranging from $500,000 to $15 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to The Westly Group?
Startups can pitch to The Westly Group by submitting their business plans through the contact form on their website. It is advisable to include a detailed overview of the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes The Westly Group different from other venture capital firms?
The Westly Group focuses on sustainability and digitization in foundational industries, which sets them apart from many other firms. Their extensive network and experience in scaling businesses provide added value to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of The Westly Group's investments?
The Westly Group primarily invests in North America, with a strong emphasis on startups located in Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.
What is The Westly Group's post-investment involvement like?
The firm collaborates closely with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and access to a vast network of industry contacts to enhance growth potential and market positioning.
What is the size of The Westly Group's funds?
The Westly Group's latest fund, Fund IV, is sized at $300 million, which closed in January 2022.
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