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Brad Feld has been an early-stage investor and the Co-Founder of Foundry and Techstars.
Brad has been an early-stage investor and entrepreneur since 1987. As a serial entrepreneur, he has been the founder of Foundry, Mobius Venture Capital, and Intensity Ventures. Brad is also a co-founder of Techstars, and co-founded the Anchor Point Foundation with his wife, Amy Batchelor.
Brad is a writer and speaker on the topics of venture capital investing and entrepreneurship. He’s written a number of books as part of the Startup Revolution series and coauthored Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist. He blogs regularly at Feld Thoughts. He also cohosts the Give First podcast.
Brad holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Management Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also teaches Venture Deals, a free class for entrepreneurs who want to learn about how to raise funds for their startups, which is held through a partnership between Techstars and Kaufman Fellows Academy.
Brad was born in Arkansas and grew up in Dallas, Texas. In 1983, he moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to attend MIT where he earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Management Science.
His journey began in 1987 when he co-founded Feld Technologies, a custom software development startup, while he was a student at MIT. The company focused on serving small and medium-sized businesses and grew to a headcount of 20 employees, generating nearly $2 million in annual revenue. In 1993, Feld Technologies was acquired by AmeriData for approximately $2 million, and Brad took on the role of chief technology officer.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Brad Feld was involved with Interliant, an application service and hosting provider. Despite his efforts, Interliant faced challenges and eventually failed following the dot-com bubble collapse. Brad openly discusses this experience, using it as an example of entrepreneurial failure and a learning opportunity for future endeavors.
In 2006, Brad Feld played a pivotal role in co-founding Techstars, an early-stage venture fund and startup accelerator. Techstars quickly gained prominence and became a vital platform for nurturing and supporting early-stage companies. With a focus on mentorship and funding, Techstars empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed in their respective industries.
Before co-founding Foundry Group in 2007, Brad had previous experience in co-founding VC firms Intensity Ventures and Mobius Venture Capital. Foundry Group, since its inception, has raised several early-stage funds, each valued at $225 million, in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2016. Additionally, Foundry Group established a $225 million Select Fund in 2013, targeting later-stage investment opportunities from their earlier stage funds. In 2016, they launched Foundry Next, a $500 million fund that invests in later-stage opportunities and other venture firms.
Beyond his venture capital endeavors, Brad Feld is actively involved in various nonprofits. He serves on the boards of the National Center for Women & Information Technology, Startup Colorado, Global EIR Program, and UP Global, showcasing his commitment to supporting the growth and diversity of the startup community.
Furthermore, Brad Feld's philanthropic efforts extend to MIT, where he funded the Banana Lounge, a space giving away hundreds of thousands of bananas to the MIT community. This contribution reflects his dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for students and entrepreneurs alike.
Brad Feld's vision revolves around fostering a thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, where aspiring entrepreneurs have the resources, mentorship, and support they need to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. He believes in the power of mentorship and hands-on guidance, emphasising the importance of building strong relationships between experienced entrepreneurs and early-stage founders. Brad envisions a world where startups can access the necessary funding, expertise, and networks to navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses.
Beyond financial success, Brad Feld's vision extends to creating a diverse and vibrant startup community that encourages collaboration, learning, and resilience. He is committed to breaking down barriers and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, advocating for greater inclusion and equality within the startup landscape. Brad's visionary approach to venture capital and entrepreneurship has left an indelible mark on the startup world, empowering countless founders to realize their potential and make a positive impact on society through innovation and technology.
Brad Feld has received widespread recognition for his contributions to entrepreneurship, technology venture capital, and the startup community. As an author and co-author, he has penned a series of influential books that provide valuable insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups. Some of his notable works include "Do More Faster: TechStars Lessons to Accelerate Your Startup" (2010), "Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist" (2011), and "Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City" (2012). Throughout his career, Brad has held significant leadership roles and founded several successful ventures. He has served as the Founder and President of Intensity Ventures, Chairman of net.Genesis Corporation, and Founder and President of WebMed, Inc., among others. His involvement in various startups and advisory roles has earned him respect and admiration in the entrepreneurial community. Brad Feld's commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem is evident in his role as an advisor to numerous high-tech startup companies. He has also played a crucial part in the development of the MIT Center for Entrepreneurship, further solidifying his influence and expertise in the field. Additionally, Brad's contributions extend to his involvement with organizations like the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) and the MIT Entrepreneurship Competition, where he serves as a judge.
