our approach
our investment focus and philosophies
Shapeshift
what we look for?
01. founder first
exceptional founders who harbor the passion to build great companies and are a magnet for talent
02. technology led
we invest primarily in technology businesses (B2B and B2C) with “venture pace” growth potential and high margins, recurring revenue, and sustainable competitive advantage
03. large market
we look for companies targeting large (or potentially) large addressable markets whose growth is guided by macro trends
04. our value add
we look for opportunities where we can significantly help with growth through our expertise, support resources, deep networks, and chemistry with the team
05. geographic focus
we invest in companies across the US, although spend a lot of our time near our home in the Rockies and other mid-continental and growing venture states
when we invest
We typically invest at the validation and growth stages of a company’s evolution, as a first or early institutional investor, and keep significant reserves for further follow on investment support.
We generally lead rounds, but are also happy to follow, and we enjoy syndicating with other high value-add and aligned investors.
In select cases, we also invest at the ideation and scaling phases. Even if your company may be too early for our investment, we really enjoy developing relationships with founders early and helping out however we can.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
the hardy pioneers of our hometown in the west, entrepreneurs of their day, lived their lives bounded by an unwritten creed that centered on fair play, loyalty, pride, and respect.
times may have changed and founders may look different, but we continue to be guided by these same values and beliefs
we hope these resonate with you
code of the west
- Live each day with courage
- Take pride in your work
- Always finish what you start
- Do what has to be done
- Be tough, but fair
- When you make a promise, keep it
- Ride for the brand
- Talk less and say more
- Remember that some things aren’t for sale
- Know where to draw the line
