Private Equity
2 min read · 05 December 2009
3 min read · 02 December 2009
2 min read · 24 November 2009
1 min read · 19 November 2009
I thought it was curious when I posted earlier today how Maveron has opened a San Francisco office for Partner Amy Errett to call home. The office isn't as curious as the location. The consumer-focused firm said it was hanging its shingle a few blocks west of the heart of the financial district on a short block shadowed by tall buildings. Just got off the phone with Errett, who says the office locale is temporary. Ideally, they're looking in the areas South of Market and Jackson Square to setup more permanent digs. Now that makes sense, since the firm is looking to scout the industry for promising wellness, online education and Internet-based consumer services businesses to back.
2 min read · 19 November 2009
Seattle-based venture firm Maveron announced today that it has officially opened its San Francisco office. The consumer-oriented firm -- co-founded by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz -- had been scouting for a San Francisco locale ever since it hired Amy Errett as a partner in August 2008. Errett, who was previously CEO and owner of lifestyle and travel company Olivia, will lead the San Francisco office. Since joining the firm, Errett has focused on Web enabled consumer trends, e-commerce social shopping and online education, according to the Maveron website.
1 min read · 18 November 2009
2 min read · 17 November 2009
A few weeks ago, I met with Mark Solon, managing partner of Boise, Idaho-based Highway 12 Ventures, while he was in Silicon Valley to attend some meetings. In addition to our lunchtime chat about the Boise State football team (BCS rank No. 6) and how my San Jose Sharks beat his New York Rangers, Solon talked a lot about the venture scene in Idaho and how it's similar to that of where Utah was a few years back. If it is indeed poised for growth, a good example may be the launch this year of August Ventures. Boise, Idaho-based August Ventures is seeking to invest in early stage cleantech companies. Areas of interest include renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency and advanced materials, according to the firm’s website. The firm calls Idaho home, but Eric Hansen, who runs the fund, says he will go anywhere in the Western U.S. where there is opportunity.
2 min read · 12 November 2009
Some big news from the Emerald City was posted just a few minutes ago. TechFlash is reporting that Frazier Technology Ventures has agreed to dissolve. The firm will not make any new investments as it winds down its current portfolio. (Update: A Madrona rep writes in to say that FTV will continue to manage its existing investments, rather than "dissolve" the firm) The Seattle-based early stage tech investor, affiliated with Frazier Healthcare Ventures, raised $104 million for its second fund in 2004 from LPs like the Wisconsin State Investment Board, and was reportedly trying to raise a successor fund vehicle earlier this year.
1 min read · 05 November 2009
1 min read · 04 November 2009
