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The Founders Fund

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Adams Capital Management, Inc.

 

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Noro-Moseley Partners

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Hummer Winblad Venture Partners

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Mayfield Fund

 

$$$$$ Menlo Park, US West

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Palomar Ventures

 

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Sigma Partners

 

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BlueRun Ventures

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Kepha Partners

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Sequoia Capital Israel

 

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Union Square Ventures

 

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Trident Capital

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Accel Partners

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Matrix Partners

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Partner Rating:

Partner Information:

Title:     Managing Director

Location:  Boston, US East

Blog:      Liam Donohue

Firm Rating:

Firm Information:

Company:   406 Ventures

Type:      Medium Private VC

URL:       Firm Homepage

Pitched Graham Brooks and found him to be very insightful and listened more than I was lead to believe a VC should. He reviewed our opportunity with the rest of the partners within the week and responded the next day. While they passed on us due to us being too early stage, he provided detailed notes on why they passed and what they would look for in the future. He then introduced us to another of their portfolio companies as a potential technology partner. All in all it was a very positive experience which helped us refine our pitch and focus our efforts.

Decent, thoughtful, had a couple good meetings, they passed due to us being too early, but would definitely meet them again.

.406 invested in my company and sits on my board, so I have worked closely with them. These folks are the real deal. They are smart, perceptive and offer great operational support. The team works closely together and all directors and principals have contributed something to my company – whether it is customer leads, new hire referrals, operational support, or strategic advice. Liam has a wealth of knowledge to draw on and knows when to share it and when to bite his tongue. Maria has a great knack of cutting to the chase, identifying the key issue, and helping me focus my plan. Their network is strong and they are generous in connecting me to key folks. Greg and Graham have both helped me – onsite, rolling up their sleeves on both tactical and strategic issues. I have been lucky to use them like free McKinsey-type consultants on call whenever I want – what a value. I have not gotten this level of operational support from any other VC I have worked with. They are tough negotiators, but all VCs I’ve worked with are. So far they have a great track record, and they are keeping their fund small so the LPs like them and are continuing to invest with them.

We initially met with Greg Dracon and were quickly impressed by his informed questions and insights (he was well prepared). Greg set a follow up meeting that included Maria Cirino and Graham Brooks. Even though there wasn’t a fit, Maria proactively followed up and made a high quality introduction at a “hard-to-crack” large prospective client/partner, which resulted in a fast call back and a meeting at our offices. The 406 team has since made other valuable intros. All of this with a “no”, I can only imagine how great they are as an official part of the team. You can bet that 406 will be my first stop next time I’m up at bat -- pun intended ;)

I pitched Maria Cirino and Graham Brooks several times. Really had an exceptional experience. They were a recommendation to us from a friend, which is what put them on our radar screen initially (they are not typically known around Boston as a firm focused on straight consumer internet, but I had heard some very compelling things about Maria as an operator from several folks who know her well).

Graham took the initiative to really dig into our business so that he could get a good initial feel for what we were up to. Super nice guy.

Ultimately, they weren't a good fit for our business, but they were incredibly helpful with numerous relevant introductions (including a fellow who ended up on our Advisory Board). At the end of the day, we secured some very valuable introductions and a relationship with this fund for our future endeavors. Time well spent. I would have no reservation recommending them.

We submitted our proposal to them with only a distant referral. 2-3 weeks later their associate called, left a message, I called him back and left a message, and he subsequently called me back. They made a good effort to get back to me, in spite of the fact they were passing. Their partners had already reviewed our material. They gave me 2-3 reasons, which I understood. In short, a very courteous, professional response from them.

I've been working with Liam for a while and have found him to be a true partner. He's incredibly nice, always generous with his time, and consistently supportive. He seems to have a knack for pattern matching with previous experiences and is impressively perceptive in dealing with subtle aspects of tough problems. Adds a ton of value. Knows the energy, healthcare, and education spaces well.

Our company was recently acquired, and .406 led by Maria Cirino was our only institutional investor. Maria and her associate Graham Brooks filled a gap in a technology-laden team with her strong sales and marketing sense. Her contributions as a board member were insightful and entrepreneur friendly. Even though she preferred to continue on and build the business, she respected the founders' preference when presented with an option for early exit. Her negotiating skills throughout our acquisition were awe-inspiring. Maria helped increase the value of our company by an order of magnitude, and provided an incredible learning experience for us in doing so.

We were connected to 406v by a close friend and colleague. Met with Larry and Graham. We'd been following them for some time. Word around the Boston area is that they are the "goldman" of small shops. They have shown us no reason to refute that assertion thus far.

We pitched, they gave us a quick "no for now," granted we are a tad early for them. Larry is well-known and well-respected. We have talked to many of the class "a" guys around town and Larry ranks right up there. What sets 406 apart is their operating experience. These guys have been there, especially Larry. We'd like to have them on board in the future, so hopefully they keep track of us and stay connected. In any case, we've seen and talked to alot of VCs and Angels and have had some offers (none of which we wanted to take - fund not reputable, no operating experience, bad deal terms etc.). We'd most certainly work with 406 given what we've heard and seen. They are among our top choices moving forward, and rank with the Sequioias, BVPs, et. al. in my mind from a small deal team standpoint.

I have been working for a number of years with Liam Donohue at 406 (and his predecessor fund) through 2 rounds of funding, and can say first hand that he and his partners are sophisticated, pragmatic and constructive in dealing with early and mid-stage companies. The difference between these folks and other VC's we've worked and had exposure to is stark to say the least.

Over the past month or so I have been pitching greenyogi.com to Investors (over dozen of them) on the east coast.

Because of the complexity of our strategy, our approach is a bit unconventional and lengthy. Even then Graham took the time to understand our approach. He asked candid questions which would have real world and implementation cost implications. All this conversation was over a few lengthy emails.

The entire process was to the point, quick and meaningful. At the end of the dialogue, I/we learnt more from Graham alone than from all the other investors put together.

Because of Grahams belief that "Complex strategies, which are delivered in a simple manner - are very hard to replicate", his apt insight of the marketplace and candid attitude towards getting things done - I would work with him and his organization even if I have to give up a few pennies here or there.

... pre-revenue, at that?

Be ready to pitch fast. Pitched to Liam who got it right away and followed with great discussion.

I recently pitched Maria. If other VC worked this way an entrepreneur's life would be a lot easier when going out to VC. The came to the meeting obviously having read the executive summary and pre-read the slide deck. We quickly went into educated and competent questions about the technology, team, market and strategy. The meeting was efficient, quick and continuously interactive.

Meet with Liam and Greg. Great guys. Incredibly professional and prepared for our meeting. The deal was not for them right now (too early stage) but would definitely put them high on the list for the future. Interactions were capped off with a personal phone call from Greg with a full explanation for their reasons for the pass. Cant ask for more than that.

This is a new, small fund sent up by some highly experienced, high integrity operators. They are well worth pitching.

As a portfolio company of .406 i can only sing their praises. The whole team (and especially Maria and Greg) are very helpful with their professional and insightful feedback and constant proactive stream of valuable introductions. Equally as important, they are pragmatic, down-to-earth, unassuming, courteous, and genuine. It was a pleasure to pitch to them and negotiate the deal, and even more so to subsequently have them as partners on the board. Highly recommended!

.406 is a young VC investing out of its first fund. It was started by three operators who grew companies from the idea stage to multi-million dollar exits. They surely get it. Pitching to them was quick and efficient, and closing too. On an ongoing basis they provide much support and assistance. Great guys to work with.

No beating-around-the bush. Straight to the point, analytical, decisive and transparent.

Pitched to Greg Dracon. He originally saw our technology as a fit with their portfolio. After the pitch, Greg did not see a fit to their portfolio's customer base. By the end of the call, he gave us the answer.

I have spend the last several months working with .406 Ventures as I try to determine whether or not I want to take funding. The have a tremendous background in technology. Their insight and advice was amazing whether I end up taking the funding or not.

Solid first meeting