The approach matters

Working with early stage companies comes with many responsibilities. We
think one of them is treating entrepreneurs with respect. Our entrepreneurs think
of Peninsula Ventures as partners who care about their business. People who have
a genuine interest and make contributions without adding stress. After all, building
a business that matters is enough pressure already.

Investment criteria

We’re constantly searching for the next great market. The key to finding one, obviously, is knowing where to look. We leverage our experience with past investments and the insights we gain from working with different companies to help identify these markets and the new technologies that emerge. To us, being an investor means being an active part of an ecosystem that is changing right before our eyes.

Sector

We focus primarily on software, infrastructure, and core technology. Within these sectors there are a number of themes that are of particular interest. Of course, we don’t limit ourselves to these areas alone. We’re always willing to work with great ideas—and great entrepreneurs.

Areas of interest in Software

• Data Aggregation/Optimization
• Social Technology
• Virality/Sharing
• Software as a Service

Areas of interest in Infrastructure

• Mobile Applications
• Video Edge
• Cloud Computing
• Security and Networking
• Virtualization
• Data Protection

Areas of interest in Core Technology

• Advanced Materials and Devices
• Alternative Energy – Demand Reduction
• Network/Communications Infrastructure
• Security
• Wireless Communications
• Mobile Technologies

Stage
Early stage companies

We focus on the early stage because that’s where we can have the greatest impact and provide the most value to entrepreneurs. Not coincidentally, it’s also where great companies are made. Peninsula Ventures is typically the first institutional investor in a company, and we stay with them from the early stage through a successful exit and beyond.

Capital
Efficiency and scale

We look for entrepreneurs that can spend capital efficiently and still build a business that has potential to scale. Part of that comes from the type of product or service they’re developing, and part of it comes from the culture they create. We believe that too much money can kill a company’s creativity, taking away the hunger and the drive that are essential for success.

Market
Disruptive or emerging

We evaluate companies in large markets that have the potential to be disruptive. And we evaluate companies in emerging markets that have the potential to grow rapidly. We believe that when great entrepreneurs pursue innovative solutions to significant problems in any market, revolutionary companies are born.

Advantage
High barriers to entry

We start by looking for a unique, first-to-market product or service with a sustainable advantage. Or we’ll look for a fast follower with a competitive advantage that’s strong enough to topple incumbents. If the company has advantages in place that create high barriers to entry, they have the advantages we need.

Geography
U.S.-based companies

Location is important. But it’s not everything. Peninsula Ventures is open to companies located anywhere in United States, although we prefer those headquartered in the western U.S. for a more effortless flow of information and ideas.