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1.0 The Kind of VC that You Want to Partner With
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by chrisrodde on 2011-04-17
We pitched Mentortech Ventures in Dec 09 and they led our Series A round which closed in March 2010. Michael Aronson joined our our board at that time and Brett Topche joined as a board observer. So I've now been working closely with both of them for over a year.
When we raised our first round the primary thing that we were looking for was to find an investor that supported us, added value through introductions and advice, but didn't micromanage and left us to run the company. That's exactly what we found with MentorTech.
We couldn't be happier with having them involved. Both Michael and Brett are straight shooters and are great sounding boards for talking through the issues we face. Their broad experience with startups in general and with consumer internet companies specifically is an asset in our board meetings.
They're very well connected and offer introductions for us when appropriate. We've closed a few customers as a result of the introductions they've made. They've introduced us to potential partners as well.
We pitched many VCs and found a lot of fence sitters. Michael and Brett responded pretty quickly and we came to terms within a couple weeks. During the negotations of our terms, they were very direct.
If you've got a connection to University of Pennsylvania, I would highly recommend pitching them.
PRIVATE: Members OnlySharp, Straightforward, No Bs
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2011-04-08
Someone already said it below, but it's true: MentorTech is really a breath of fresh air. We spoke with handfuls of investors - east coast, west coast, individual and super angels, big and small VCs. There's a lot of talk out there, but really, just not that much movement.
Michael and Brett were different in their approach - they kept tabs on us as we grew, and when the moment was right, they moved on their interest quickly and professionally. Wasted little time on both ends. If you're a startup that just wants to focus on your business and product, believe me, this is what you want!
It goes without saying that these guys are also smart and strategic. Lots of experience in online, e-commerce, consumer tech. And they are happy - and want to - roll up their sleeves and work with you on a regular basis. Not to say it's for everyone, but if you want a hands-on investor, these guys are really worth engaging.
Really good experience thus far.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyNo Nonsense
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by stanchak on 2008-12-16
Mentortech is a breathe of fresh air. I spent a lot of time talking to angel investors and other VCs in the region. Many have a reputation for being "tire kickers" and a huge waste of time for entrepreneurs.
Mentortech on the other hand is straight to the point and if they decide they want to do your deal you will find out very quickly. I had a choice between them and other investors (the other guys had better terms) - after talking to the CEO of Mentortech's portfolio companies I went with them and don't regret my decision. Solid smart guys.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyCourageous Guys
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2008-04-16
Mentortech is one of the very few funds that will invest or be involved in very early stage companies BUT ONLY if you are associated with the UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA. So if you believe you have a good idea, and no one else has the courage to invest in you, give these guys a try. They have more courage to invest or guide you to a fundable stage when others might not.
Their focus in the Philadelphia region and Penn so that it allows them to provide the mentorship to the generally youthful companies as per their namesake.
Boris and Michael were very expedient in their decision to invest with us.
PRIVATE: Members Only (308 Characters)Excellent for Early Stage Opportunities
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2008-02-28
Can't say enough good things about Michael and Boris. They will invest quickly if they have confidence in the team. They will continue to support the company with a track record of bridging when needed. Very reasonable to negotiate terms and conditions. They understand implications of their deal on your next round.
PRIVATE: Members Only (46 Characters)
Honest Feedback, Even if You Don't Want to Hear It
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2008-02-11
For young and first time entrepreneurs, there's a lot to learn about the VC industry and what a VC deal means to your business. Starting with the basics, your pitch, a lifetime of classroom work and book smarts will only teach you so much and get you so far. Pitch Michael and Boris, listen to what they ask you and the feedback they give you. It's some of the best free information you'll ever get, even if it's harsh and they pass on the deal immediately. Go back, rethink your business and pitch as appropriate, and I guarantee you, your next pitch to any VC will be infinitely better. And as you refine your business and pitch, I recommend going back to the MentorTech team and updating them with your progress. They'll appreciate you took some of their advice.
I'm a first time entrepreneur, have pitched a ton of VC's and private investors on both coasts, and been rejected by all but a small handful of them. The vast majority of those rejection emails, "Thanks for your time, let's stay in touch, blah blah blah," absolutely useless. MentorTech, "Have you thought about this" What about this change" You should definitely talk to these guys, let me make an introduction." Ultimately, they helped me fill in the gaps and get funded.
PRIVATE: Members Only___
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2009-09-28
I NEVER Removed My Comment AND YET IT DISAPPEARED
Fund: Mentortech Ventures
Posted by glow on 2016-01-24
I never removed my comment. And yet it disappeared to be replaced by a title "I REMOVED MY COMMENT". They made commitments and didnt follow through. They were erratic. Added no value and to be concise: I would never do business with them under any circumstances. I do not trust them and frankly they are not of any added value. Furthermore they asked me to post a positive review. So in summary I would run fast and far even if they were my only option for capital.
PRIVATE: Members Only (96 Characters)