Our Story

For more than 45 years, Norwest Venture Partners (NVP) has actively partnered with entrepreneurs to build large businesses. The firm manages more than $2.5 billion in venture capital and has funded over 400 companies since inception.

Our size and heritage enable us to offer our portfolio companies high-level, long-term assistance. Our experience makes us realistic about how businesses unfold, and we can advise our portfolio companies at all phases of growth, from start-up through IPO or acquisition. Our success allows us to share success with others.

Current Relationships

A young company needs more than an infusion of capital to succeed. Norwest Venture Partners provides the business relationships that make the difference between moderate success and market leadership.

Norwest Venture Partners can:

  • Provide vital contacts and introductions.
  • Attract board members and additional investors.
  • Form strategic alliances with fellow portfolio companies.
  • Offer guidance in assembling a management team.
  • Provide introductions to seasoned legal and financial advisers.
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How We Invest

Norwest Venture Partners provides capital to seed-stage, early-stage and select late-stage companies.

Our general goal is to invest between $10 million and $15 million in our companies over time. We sometimes begin with a smaller amount (as little as $1 million to $3 million), and we have the ability to invest as much as $25 million to $30 million.

Frequently we are the lead investor for our portfolio companies. In some cases we are the sole venture investor, or we may join with other venture capital firms, corporate partners, and founding investors.

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Investment Focus

NVP invests in companies in the information technology and consumer Internet sectors. By focusing on these industries, we can make the best use of our business associations, network of contacts and industry knowledge.

Our investment interests fall into a broad range of categories including:

Semiconductor & Components

Systems

  • Communications Systems
  • Enterprise Systems

Software

  • Application Software
  • Infrastructure Software

Services

  • Communications Services
  • Infrastructure Services
  • Business Services

Internet, Media and Consumer

  • Enabling Internet Technologies
  • Consumer Services

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What We Look For

In choosing a company to fund, NVP considers the following factors:

The passion and vision of the founders. Do they have a record of success? Can they meet the challenges of launching a large-scale company? If they are less experienced, are they open to advice and guidance? If no management team is in place, can one be built?

The marketplace opportunity. What is the market size? Is there ample room for competition? Can a sizable, lasting enterprise be built?

The quality of the technology. Is the technology unique? Will it last? Do the founders have the knowledge and experience to bring it to market?

The value to the customer. What problem does this company solve? How will this technology solve it? How will its value be communicated to the prospective customer?

Balance sheet. Is there any existing debt in the company? What is the current burn rate?

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Approaching NVP

We welcome the opportunity to learn about your business opportunity. To begin a conversation with us, simply send us an executive summary of your business plan.

We will review it in a timely manner, and if we see potential for a good match, we will request a full business plan.

Norwest Venture Partners
525 University Avenue
Suite 800
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 321-8000
(650) 321-8010 (fax)

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