About Brad Feld
Brad Feld is a prominent venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and author, widely recognized for his significant contributions to the startup ecosystem. As a co-founder of Foundry Group, a Boulder, Colorado-based venture capital firm, and Techstars, a global network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, Feld has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of early-stage investing.
His career spans over three decades, marked by a deep commitment to fostering entrepreneurial communities and mentoring founders. Feld's influence extends beyond capital investment, as he actively advocates for mental health awareness in the startup world and is a prolific writer on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and personal well-being.
Through his various endeavors, including his popular blog Feld Thoughts, Brad Feld has become a leading voice in the venture capital industry, known for his thoughtful insights and long-term perspective on building successful companies.
Net Worth
Brad Feld's net worth is difficult to ascertain precisely due to the private nature of venture capital investments and his diverse portfolio. However, his wealth is primarily derived from his long and successful career as a venture capitalist, co-founding and leading firms like Foundry Group, and his instrumental role in creating Techstars.
Through Foundry Group, he has overseen investments in numerous successful technology companies, many of which have achieved significant valuations or successful exits. His personal stake in these ventures, carried interests from funds, and early investments have contributed substantially to his financial standing.
As a co-founder and managing director of Foundry Group, Brad Feld has been involved in raising and deploying several venture capital funds. These funds typically range from $200 million to $500 million each, investing in a broad spectrum of technology companies.
Brad Feld is a co-founder of Techstars, a global accelerator and investment firm. While the exact valuation of his personal stake is not public, Techstars has grown into a major player in the startup ecosystem with investments in over 3,000 companies and a network spanning dozens of cities worldwide.
Investment Strategy
Brad Feld's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief in backing exceptional entrepreneurs and fostering healthy startup ecosystems. At Foundry Group, he focuses on making early-stage investments (seed, Series A, and Series B) in technology companies with disruptive ideas and strong founding teams. He emphasizes genuine relationships with founders, often taking a long-term, supportive approach rather than being overly prescriptive.
He is known for his
Notable Quotes
“The only way to learn how to be an entrepreneur is to be an entrepreneur. The only way to learn how to be a VC is to be a VC.”
— Brad Feld
“Entrepreneurs are everywhere, they just need to be given the belief, permission, and support to build something.”
— Brad Feld
“My goal in life is to help entrepreneurs succeed, and I find profound meaning in that pursuit.”
— Brad Feld
“You can't create innovation by decree. You have to create an environment where it can flourish.”
— Brad Feld
“The best founders are relentless in their pursuit of solving problems for their customers.”
— Brad Feld
Contact Information
Connecting with Brad Feld can be achieved through various professional and public channels. He is highly active on social media and maintains a popular blog, making him relatively accessible within the venture capital community.
For inquiries related to Foundry Group investments or partnerships, it is recommended to visit the official Foundry Group website and follow their established contact procedures. Similarly, for matters concerning Techstars, their official website provides appropriate contact information and avenues for engagement.
Use Lessie to find verified contact information, mutual connections, and the best outreach strategy for reaching Brad Feld and similar investors.
Contact via LessiePublications
Brad Feld is a prolific author, having co-authored several highly influential books that are considered essential reading for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists alike. His writings combine practical advice with insightful observations on building successful companies and communities.
- "Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist" (with Jason Mendelson): This book is a definitive guide to understanding term sheets and the venture capital process.
- "Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City": Feld shares his experiences and frameworks for fostering vibrant startup ecosystems based on his work in Boulder.
- "Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur" (with Amy Batchelor): A unique book that addresses the challenges and rewards of living with an entrepreneur.
- "Startup Boards: Getting the Most Out of Your Board of Directors" (with Mahendra Ramsinghani): Focuses on building effective boards for startups.
- "Roll Forward: A Story of Starting Again Each Day" (with Amy Batchelor): Explores themes of mental health, personal growth, and resilience.
Podcast
Brad Feld is a frequent guest and speaker on numerous podcasts and at industry events, sharing his deep expertise in venture capital and entrepreneurship. While he doesn't host a regular podcast, his interviews offer invaluable insights.
- "Acquired" Podcast: Brad has appeared on Acquired to discuss various aspects of venture capital and specific company stories.
- "Harry Stebbings & 20VC": He is a recurring guest, often providing insights into fund dynamics, market trends, and founder-investor relationships.
- "Starting Greatness with Mike Maples Jr.": Feld has shared his entrepreneurial journey and investment philosophies on this podcast.
- Various Techstars-related Podcasts: He is often featured in discussions related to accelerator programs, mentorship, and building startup ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brad Feld?
What is Brad Feld known for?
Brad Feld is primarily known for co-founding Foundry Group, a successful venture capital firm, and Techstars, a global network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. He is also known for his extensive writings on venture capital and entrepreneurship, his advocacy for mental health in the startup community, and his active involvement in building the Boulder tech scene.
What companies has Brad Feld invested in?
Through Foundry Group and his personal investments, Brad Feld has invested in numerous successful companies. Notable investments include SendGrid (acquired by Twilio), Gnip (acquired by Twitter), Fitbit (IPO, acquired by Google), and many other technology companies across various sectors. While a comprehensive list is extensive, his portfolio spans enterprise software, cloud services, and consumer internet.
What is Brad Feld's investment philosophy?
Brad Feld's investment philosophy emphasizes backing exceptional entrepreneurs with disruptive ideas, fostering strong relationships, and taking a long-term, supportive approach. He believes in investing in companies that are solving real problems and building sustainable businesses, often focusing on early-stage opportunities and contributing to the development of the startup ecosystem rather than just providing capital.
How can I contact Brad Feld?
Brad Feld is accessible through several channels. His active blog, Feld Thoughts (www.feld.com), is a primary platform where he shares insights and engages with readers. He is also active on Twitter (@bfeld) and LinkedIn, where he often interacts with the entrepreneurial community. For business inquiries related to Foundry Group or Techstars, direct contact through their respective websites is recommended, though he generally encourages engaging through his public platforms first.
What is Brad Feld's net worth or fund size?
While an exact personal net worth for Brad Feld is not publicly disclosed, his wealth is substantial, primarily derived from his long and successful career in venture capital. Foundry Group, which he co-founded, has managed multiple funds, each typically ranging from $200 million to $500 million. His co-founding role in Techstars and successful exits from numerous portfolio companies have significantly contributed to his financial standing.
What are some notable quotes from Brad Feld?
1. "The only way to learn how to be an entrepreneur is to be an entrepreneur. The only way to learn how to be a VC is to be a VC." 2. "Entrepreneurs are everywhere, they just need to be given the belief, permission, and support to build something." 3. "My goal in life is to help entrepreneurs succeed, and I find profound meaning in that pursuit."
What are Brad Feld's career highlights?
Brad Feld's career highlights include co-founding Mobius Venture Capital (early 2000s), co-founding Foundry Group (2006), and co-founding Techstars (2006). He has served on the boards of numerous successful companies and is the author or co-author of several influential books, including "Startup Communities" and "Venture Deals." His consistent advocacy for entrepreneurs and commitment to building robust startup ecosystems mark a distinguished career.