Tough, Demanding and Best of Breed
Fund: Allegis Capital
Posted by blues2man on 2008-03-12
As a long-time senior executive of major semiconductor corporations and recently responsible for raising over 200M in three start-ups, I have learned the difference between OK, Good, and Great VC partnerships. Allegis is truly one of the great ones, beginning with their LP's; mostly major corporations that through Allegis' intro's can become preferred customers. From the first day of funding with Allegis (and specifically, board member Bob Ackerman), the total partnership was involved in the success of our company. I could call on Bob at anytime, any place in the world, and his response was immediate and relevant. Bob, with unquestionable integrity, left management to run the business and RUN is the key word there. He didn't ask for useless information that tied up my management's time to satisfy partnership egos or redundant questions most other less knowledgeable VC firms would have about the semiconductor business.
Allegis is tough, demanding but most importantly, fair in the way they treat people and corporate valuations. If you are going to present to Allegis, you better have your sh** together! Due to their size, experience and knowledge of markets, they can quickly make high-risk decisions that stick. If they say the money 's in the bank...believe it.