Our Story
For more than 48 years, Norwest Venture Partners (NVP) has actively partnered with entrepreneurs to build and grow successful businesses. The firm manages more than $2.5 billion in capital, has funded over 450 companies since inception and has demonstrated an exemplary track record producing premier investment returns during differing capital market environments. Our size, global presence 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.
NVP is a global fund dedicated to both domestic and international investments. We believe that raising one global fund is a distinct advantage for our portfolio companies. In today’s global economy, it is important that all NVP portfolio companies—whether they are based in the U.S. or abroad—benefit from our network of global contacts and resources. Therefore, we’ve chosen to invest out of one single fund, instead of keeping our international investments and partners separate from the rest of the firm. NVP partners are committed to each investment in the portfolio, regardless of the location, and they all have a vested interest in making each NVP company successful.
Current Relationships
Companies need 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. We work hard with our management teams to think critically about key strategic issues, business building initiatives and how collectively we can drive increased shareholder value.
The investment professionals at NVP have deep operational experience, industry knowledge and late stage investment expertise, which give them a real-world insight into the business issues facing today’s companies. NVP will bring you significant financial resources and a strong network of relationships, as well as a high degree of collaboration inside and outside of the firm. The investment team at NVP will do what it takes to facilitate customer and partner relationships for you, and help you evolve your strategies and drive the recruiting process. We all have a vested interest in making your business successful, and when you work with one investment professional at NVP, you gain the entire NVP team.
Norwest Venture Partners can:
- Provide vital contacts and introductions.
- Attract board members and additional investors.
- Facilitate business development and strategic alliances with established companies in your respective ecosystem.
- Offer guidance in assembling a management team.
- Provide introductions to seasoned legal and financial advisers and marketing resources.
- Serve as a sounding board when facing key strategic and operational challenges.
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How We Invest
NVP makes early to late stage venture and growth equity investments in both U.S. and global companies across a wide range of sectors.
For early stage companies with strong growth potential, our general goal is to invest between $10 million and $15 million in each company over time. We sometimes begin with a smaller amount (as little as $1 million to $5 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.
For growth equity companies, we aim to invest between $15 million and $50 million (and up to $75 million) in fast growing companies with strong market positions, significant revenue and net income traction. NVP invests in both listed and unlisted companies.
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Investment Focus
NVP makes early to late stage venture and growth equity investments in U.S. and global companies across a wide range of sectors including: information technology, business services, financial services and consumer. By focusing on these industries, we can make the best use of our business associations, network of contacts and industry knowledge.
Specifically, our early stage and late stage venture investment interests fall into a broad range of categories within information technology including:
Semiconductor & Components
Systems
- Communications Systems
- Enterprise Systems
Software
- Application Software
- Infrastructure Software
Services
- Business Services
- Communications Services
- Infrastructure Services
Internet, Media and Consumer
- Enabling Internet Technologies
- Consumer Services
Our growth equity investment areas of focus include:
- Information Technology
- Technology Enabled Services
- Business Services
- Financial Services
- Consumer
- Healthcare
- Infrastructure
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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 or growing an existing company with significant revenue? 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, product or service. Is the technology, product or service offering 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 offering solve the problem? How will its value be communicated to the prospective customer?
Financial Performance. Does the company have rapid revenue earnings growth, recurring revenue, high margins? Is there any existing debt in the company? What is the current burn rate? Is this a fast growing company with a strong market position and net income traction?
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Approaching NVP
We welcome the opportunity to learn about your business. To begin a conversation with us, simply send us an executive summary of your business plan or contact any of the investment professionals at NVP.
We will review your plan in a timely manner, and if we see potential for a good match, we will request a full business plan.
Email your plan to:
bizplans@nvp.com
Mail to:
Norwest Venture Partners
525 University Avenue
Suite 800
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 321-8000
(650) 321-8010 (fax)
www.nvp.com
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