Quick, Intelligent Response
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by woodfield 1 day ago
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.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyLiam Donohue is the Nicest Guy in Venture
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2010-03-10
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.
PRIVATE: Members Only (457 Characters)Entrepreneurial Friendly, Awesome Experience
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2010-02-25
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.
PRIVATE: Members Only (1834 Characters)Small Fund, Venerable Team, Most Certainly "Tier 1" Guys
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by philipph81 on 2010-02-10
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.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyGreat Experience with L. Donohue and the Folks at 406
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Hale-Bopp on 2010-02-05
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.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyExceptional Understanding of an Indepth Plan Graham Dwells in to It.
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Patel, Faruk A on 2010-02-03
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.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyDo They Fund Silicon Valley Startups?
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Mr Tate on 2010-01-20
... pre-revenue, at that?
PRIVATE: Members OnlyGood Pitch
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2009-12-23
Be ready to pitch fast. Pitched to Liam who got it right away and followed with great discussion.
PRIVATE: Members Only (169 Characters)If Only More VC Worked Like .406
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by anon on 2009-07-21
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.
PRIVATE: Members Only (318 Characters)Turned Down but Great Group
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by cigarwine on 2009-05-18
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.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyHigh Integrity Operators
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by godfather on 2009-03-19
This is a new, small fund sent up by some highly experienced, high integrity operators. They are well worth pitching.
PRIVATE: Members Only (1064 Characters)Great Partners
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by markgold on 2009-01-11
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!
PRIVATE: Members OnlyYoung Fund Who Gets It
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by davidshay on 2009-01-08
.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.
PRIVATE: Members Only (190 Characters)Entrepreneur Friendly
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2008-10-21
No beating-around-the bush. Straight to the point, analytical, decisive and transparent.
PRIVATE: Members OnlyGood Listener, True to Their Entrepreneur Friendly Mission
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by poptech on 2008-07-17
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.
PRIVATE: Members Only (175 Characters)Maria Cirino
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Michael77 on 2007-11-10
.406 Ventures
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by juliepalen on 2007-09-26
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.
PRIVATE: Members Only (335 Characters)Solid First Meeting
Fund: 406 Ventures
Posted by Anonymous on 2007-09-21
Solid first meeting
PRIVATE: Members Only (370 Characters)