“I have worked with a number of venture firms, and Ascent is the one I will always go back to and recommend to friends.”
Whaleback Systems
Overview
Ascent has been investing in early stage, emerging technology companies since 1985. In backing over 85 companies, Ascent has remained committed to its mission of investing in exceptional entrepreneurs striving to build innovative market leaders. With over 80 years of combined venture capital experience, the Ascent investment team has managed four venture funds with total commitments of $380M. Ascent is currently investing out of the firm's fourth fund, a $140 million fund launched in 2004.
Investment strategy
Ascent’s disciplined investment strategy has delivered strong returns to its investors while providing entrepreneurs with constructive, committed partners. Central to this strategy is a pro-active, research driven approach to identifying promising, high-growth investment opportunities and engaging the entrepreneurs positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. Ascent is focused on the sectors where it best leverages its broad network and prior successes. Approaching these opportunities early, Ascent expects to be a lead investor and has frequently provided the first institutional funding to its investments. In addition, Ascent believes that in order to be a valuable and effective venture capital investor, it must be an active board member and maintain close contact with its portfolio companies. As a result, Ascent has focused its investments in the Eastern United States.
Investment Criteria:
| Industry | Targeted high-growth IT |
| Stage | Early |
| Geography | Eastern United States |
| Capital needs | $2M to $8M initial round |
Success Stories
Ascent takes pride in the success stories of its portfolio companies and the entrepreneurs with whom they have fostered lasting relationships. Ascent views an investment as initiating a partnership, and the team works to build a meaningful and influential relationship with company management, offering strategic advice, leveraging its broad network and working patiently and collaboratively to overcome challenges. Ascent has been fortunate to have backed many successful ventures including Concord Communications (NASDAQ: CCRD, acquired by CA), Sensitech (acquired by Carrier), Synchronoss Technologies (NASDAQ: SNCR), and Network Intelligence (acquired by EMC). As a partner to entrepreneurs, Ascent is especially proud of the number of entrepreneurs who choose to work with the Ascent team on multiple investment opportunities.