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August Ventures

Private Equity & Venture Capital firm that focuses on early-stage hardware and software technology startups.
August Ventures
Leadership team

Buddy Arnheim (Investment Partner)

Eric Carlborg (General Partner)

Howard Hartenbaum (General Partner)

David Hornik (General Partner)

John Johnston (Founding Partner)

David Marquardt (Founding Partner)

Number of Employees
0 - 50
Headquarters
Menlo Park, California, United States
Established
1995
Social Media
Summary

August Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1995 by David Marquardt and John Johnston. It is based in Menlo Park, California, and primarily focuses on investments in early-stage hardware and software technology startups. The firm specializes in growth capital and startup investments, with a particular emphasis on early and late-stage investments, management buyouts, and private investments in public equity.

August Capital has a diverse portfolio and has invested in companies across various sectors, including technology, software and digital, consumer, enterprise, platform, and hardware. They are known for their investments in areas such as search engines and wireless data transmission. The firm believes in supporting and guiding entrepreneurial teams as they pursue their company vision, providing them with resources and expertise.

History


August Capital is a venture capital firm with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1995. The firm was established by David Marquardt and John Johnston, two seasoned venture capitalists with a vision for investing in innovative technology startups. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, August Capital has become a prominent player in the venture capital industry.

Throughout its history, August Capital has maintained a focus on early-stage investments in hardware and software technology companies. The firm has been involved in financing a wide range of startups, from search engines to wireless data transmission companies. August Capital's portfolio reflects its belief in the transformative power of technology and its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in bringing their visions to life.

Over the years, August Capital has established itself as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and startups. The firm takes pride in its team of investment professionals, who are known for being open-minded, creative, flexible, experienced, and well-networked. These professionals work closely with entrepreneurial teams, providing guidance and resources to help them navigate the challenges of building successful companies.

August Capital's investment strategy encompasses a variety of deal types, including seed capital, early venture investments, growth venture investments, and late-stage investments leading up to IPOs. The firm is also open to exploring other types of investments, such as listed equity, acquisitions, venture debt, structured capital, and special or distress situations.

With a fund size of $2.5 billion USD, August Capital has the financial resources to support its investment activities. The firm typically invests between $1 million and $30 million in a single deal, although it can make exceptions for exceptional opportunities that have the potential for significant returns.

In addition to its investment activities, August Capital has also been recognized for its contributions to the venture capital industry. Partner David Hornik was named on the Midas List in 2012, a prestigious ranking of top venture capitalists. This recognition reflects the firm's track record of successful investments and its ability to identify promising startups.

August Capital continues to be an active participant in the venture capital landscape, seeking out innovative companies and entrepreneurs who can shape the future of technology. While the firm primarily focuses on North America, particularly Canada and the United States, it remains open to opportunities globally.

Investment criteria

August Capital has specific investment criteria when considering potential investments. While the exact details of their investment criteria may vary, the following factors generally influence their decision-making process:

  • Technology Focus: August Capital primarily invests in startups operating in the information technology sector. They have a strong interest in companies that are driving innovation and disruption in areas such as software, hardware, digital platforms, enterprise solutions, consumer technologies, and other related fields.
  • Early-Stage Investments: August Capital has a focus on early-stage investments. They are typically interested in companies that have progressed beyond the initial idea stage and have demonstrated promising traction or development. While they primarily target early-stage opportunities, they may also consider later-stage investments that align with their risk/return profiles.
  • Unique Value Proposition: August Capital seeks startups that offer unique value propositions and have the potential to disrupt existing markets or create new markets altogether. They look for companies with innovative technologies, products, or business models that can deliver substantial competitive advantages.
  • Strong Entrepreneurial Team: The team behind the startup is a crucial factor for August Capital. They look for talented and experienced entrepreneurs who demonstrate a deep understanding of their industry and possess the drive and vision necessary to execute their business plans successfully. August Capital aims to partner with entrepreneurial teams and provide support and guidance throughout their journey.
  • Market Potential: August Capital evaluates the market potential and size for the startups they consider investing in. They look for companies operating in large and growing markets, as this can significantly impact a startup's growth prospects and long-term success.
  • Scalability and Growth Potential: August Capital seeks companies with the potential for rapid scalability and significant growth. They are interested in startups that have a clear plan to expand their operations, capture market share, and achieve sustainable growth.
  • Alignment with Investment Strategy: August Capital has a specific investment strategy and areas of expertise. Startups that align with their investment thesis and have the potential to benefit from their resources, network, and industry knowledge are more likely to attract their attention.
Values

August Capital operates based on a set of core values that guide its actions, decisions, and interactions with entrepreneurs, limited partners, and the broader business community. These values reflect their commitment to integrity, collaboration, and long-term partnerships:

  • Integrity: August Capital upholds the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. They believe in transparency, honesty, and trust as foundational elements of their relationships with entrepreneurs and limited partners. They strive to maintain open and candid communication, acting with integrity in all aspects of their business operations.
  • Entrepreneurial Focus: August Capital values the entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to create and innovate. They respect the vision, passion, and hard work of entrepreneurs and recognize that they are the true builders of companies. August Capital aims to foster an environment that supports and empowers entrepreneurs, encouraging their growth and success.
  • Collaborative Approach: August Capital embraces a collaborative approach to investing. They see entrepreneurship as a team sport, where the collective efforts of entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders drive meaningful outcomes. August Capital actively engages with entrepreneurs, offering guidance, mentorship, and access to their network of resources to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
  • Long-Term Partnerships: August Capital is committed to establishing long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs and limited partners. They understand that building successful companies takes time and effort. By taking a patient and supportive approach, August Capital aims to create enduring relationships built on mutual trust, shared goals, and a common vision for long-term success.
  • Value Creation: August Capital is dedicated to creating value for all stakeholders involved. They seek investments that have the potential to generate significant returns, not only for their limited partners but also for the entrepreneurs and the broader ecosystem. August Capital strives to actively contribute to the growth and success of its portfolio companies, helping them achieve their full potential and deliver value to customers, employees, and investors.
Mission

August Capital's mission is centred around supporting and empowering entrepreneurial teams as they pursue their company vision. They believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the positive impact it can have on industries, markets, and society as a whole. Their mission goes beyond providing financial backing; they aim to be a valuable resource and guide for entrepreneurs throughout their journey.

With a team of experienced, open-minded, and well-networked investment professionals, August Capital strives to foster a collaborative and supportive environment for entrepreneurs. They take a hands-on approach, offering strategic guidance, operational insights, and access to their extensive network of industry experts, potential partners, and customers. By actively engaging with entrepreneurs, August Capital aims to help them overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and unlock their full potential.

Portfolio

August Capital has a diverse and extensive portfolio of investments in various industries and sectors. The portfolio includes both active and inactive funds, representing a wide range of companies at different stages of their development. Some notable companies in August Capital's active portfolio include:

  • Airship: Airship is a customer engagement platform that helps businesses deliver personalized messages across multiple channels.
  • Amount: Amount is a digital lending platform that provides financial institutions with tools to offer personalized credit products.
  • Avant: Avant is an online lending platform that offers personal loans to individuals with different credit profiles.
  • Brilliant Home Technology: Brilliant Home Technology develops smart home control systems for homeowners to manage connected devices.
  • Dock Health: Dock Health is a healthcare communication and task management platform designed to streamline provider collaboration.
  • Drop: Drop is a mobile rewards platform that offers personalized rewards and cashback to users for their everyday purchases.
  • FourKites: FourKites is a supply chain visibility platform that provides real-time tracking and analytics for logistics and transportation operations.
  • GitLab, Inc.: GitLab is a web-based DevOps platform that offers version control and collaboration features for software development teams.
  • Hipcamp: Hipcamp is an online marketplace connecting travelers with unique camping experiences and outdoor accommodations.
  • Housecall (Codefied): Housecall is a mobile app connecting homeowners with local service professionals for home repairs and maintenance.
References
August Ventures
Leadership team

Buddy Arnheim (Investment Partner)

Eric Carlborg (General Partner)

Howard Hartenbaum (General Partner)

David Hornik (General Partner)

John Johnston (Founding Partner)

David Marquardt (Founding Partner)

Number of Employees
0 - 50
Headquarters
Menlo Park, California, United States
Established
1995
Social Media