A New Stewart Alsop?
Maybe it’s his new grandson, or perhaps it was the warm fish tacos we dipped into Tuesday at Fog City Diner in San Francisco. But Stewart Alsop seems more at ease these days, including with his role in the VC universe. “People don’t take things personally enough in venture capital,” the the ex-journalist-turned-investor, told me. “They act like it’s this analytical process when in reality, it’s completely subjective. There shouldn’t be this distance that exists between investment professionals and their investment decisions.” There’s no question that Alsop -- who spent nearly eight years at New Enteprise Associates -- is happier since striking out on his own five years ago with former In-Q-Tel chief Gilman Louie. It’s plain, just by looking at him. Also clearing up is the immediate future of Alsop Louie Partners, which, despite the overall contraction in VC, recently held a first, $20.25 million close, on its second fund. (Alsop refused to discuss fundraising, but you can find the Form D they filed with the SEC here.) I assume the target is around $75 million -- which is what Alsop Louie's first fund closed in in 2005 -- though the filing doesn't specify.
