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Wildcat Venture Partners is a venture capital firm located in San Mateo, California, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting technology entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who are creating new market categories. Wildcat emphasizes early-stage investments, particularly in B2B and B2B2C sectors, with a fund size of $57 million. The firm has a commitment to never raise a fund larger than $250 million, ensuring a focus on early-stage opportunities.
As of now, Wildcat manages a portfolio of 12 companies, showcasing its dedication to nurturing startups through their critical growth phases. The firm operates under the Traction Gap® framework, which provides strategic guidance to help startups transition from product launch to scalable growth. This approach not only offers capital but also essential operational support, making Wildcat a valuable partner for emerging technology companies.
Wildcat Venture Partners primarily invests in early-stage companies, focusing on Seed and Series A rounds. The firm targets key technologies such as Machine Learning, IoT, Cloud, and Mobility, with a strong interest in sectors including AI, healthcare, EdTech, SaaS, and FinTech. Wildcat's investment strategy emphasizes the recruitment of diverse founders, positioning them as champions of the next generation of market creators.
The firm seeks to identify startups that are not only innovative but also capable of creating new market categories. Wildcat's Traction Gap® framework is central to its investment thesis, providing startups with the necessary guidance for go-to-market execution. This operational support, combined with capital investment, helps founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses effectively.
Wildcat Venture Partners has a diverse portfolio of 12 companies, including notable exits and current investments:
Geoffrey Moore — Managing Director, CFO. Geoffrey has extensive experience in venture capital and finance, contributing to Wildcat's strategic direction.
Kate Fry — Team Member. Kate supports the firm in various operational capacities, enhancing the team's effectiveness.
Bill Ericson — Founding Partner. Bill has a strong background in technology investments and has played a key role in shaping Wildcat's investment strategy.
Bruce Cleveland — Founding Partner; author of *Traversing the Traction Gap*; ex-C3 AI CMO. Bruce's expertise in AI and technology marketing informs Wildcat's focus on innovative startups.
Bryan Stolle — Founding Partner. Bryan brings a wealth of experience in early-stage investments and operational support to the firm.
Katherine Barr — Founding Partner. Katherine's background in venture capital and entrepreneurship enhances Wildcat's commitment to diverse founder recruitment.
To pitch Wildcat Venture Partners, founders should use the contact form available on their website at wildcat.vc. It is essential to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with Wildcat's investment focus. The firm prefers warm introductions but will consider direct submissions through their website.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Clear and concise communication is crucial to capture the attention of the investment team.
As of February 2024, Wildcat Venture Partners made its most recent investment in Ziplines Education, further expanding its portfolio in the education technology sector. The firm continues to focus on early-stage investments, particularly in sectors like AI and healthcare.
In 2023, Wildcat celebrated notable exits with companies like C3.ai and Clover Health, both of which have gone public, validating the firm's investment strategy and the effectiveness of its Traction Gap® framework.
What are Wildcat Venture Partners' investment criteria?
Wildcat Venture Partners focuses on early-stage investments, specifically in Seed and Series A rounds. They target technology companies in sectors such as AI, healthcare, EdTech, SaaS, and FinTech. The firm emphasizes recruiting diverse founders who are creating new market categories.
How can I pitch to Wildcat Venture Partners?
Founders can pitch Wildcat Venture Partners through their website at wildcat.vc. It is recommended to include a clear description of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with Wildcat's focus areas.
What makes Wildcat Venture Partners different from other VC firms?
Wildcat's unique Traction Gap® framework distinguishes it from other venture capital firms. This methodology helps startups navigate the transition from product launch to scalable growth, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance on go-to-market execution.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Wildcat Venture Partners typically invests between $1 million and $5 million in their portfolio companies. This range allows them to support startups effectively during their critical early stages.
What is the geographic focus of Wildcat Venture Partners?
The firm primarily invests in North America, concentrating on technology entrepreneurs within this region. This focus allows them to engage closely with their portfolio companies and provide tailored support.
What kind of post-investment support does Wildcat provide?
Wildcat Venture Partners emphasizes operational support alongside capital investment. They assist founders with go-to-market strategies and scaling challenges, leveraging their Traction Gap® framework to enhance the growth potential of their portfolio companies.
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