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Greylock Partners

One of the oldest venture capital firms with a long history of successful investments
Greylock  Partners
Leadership team

Asheem Chandna (Partner)

Jerry Chen (Partner)

Mike Duboe (Partner)

Reid Hoffman (Partner)

Christine Kim (Investor)

Maya Frai (Investor)

Corinne Riley (Investor)

Jason Risch (Investor)

Seth Rosenberg (Investor)

Number of Employees
50 - 100
Headquarters
Menlo Park, California, U.S.
Established
1965
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Summary

Greylock Partners is one of the oldest venture capital firms, founded in 1965, with committed capital of over $3.5 billion under management. The firm focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer, enterprise software and infrastructure as well as semiconductor sectors. With over 400 investments in companies across a range of industries, Greylock is known for backing some of the most successful startups of our time, including Airbnb, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Dropbox.

The firm typically invests in early-stage and growth-stage companies, with a focus on disruptive technologies and innovative business models. Greylock's investment philosophy is centred around supporting entrepreneurs who are building companies that can change the world.

Greylock has a long-term approach to investing, and its team of experienced investors is committed to supporting its portfolio companies through all stages of growth and development. The firm provides more than just funding; it also provides guidance, expertise, and access to a vast network of industry contacts.

History

Greylock Partners is a venture capital firm that was founded in 1965 in Boston, Massachusetts. It was one of the first venture capital firms to focus exclusively on investing in technology companies. Greylock has since grown to become one of the largest and most successful venture capital firms in the world, with offices in Boston, San Francisco, and Israel.

In the early years, Greylock invested in a wide range of technology companies, including semiconductors, computer hardware, and software. The firm's early successes included investments in companies such as Data General, Teradyne, and Apollo Computer. In the 1990s, Greylock shifted its focus to Internet and software companies and has since been an early investor in many successful startups, including LinkedIn, Dropbox, Airbnb, and Facebook.

In recent years, Greylock has continued to be an active investor in the technology industry, with a focus on startups in the enterprise software, consumer internet, and healthcare sectors. The firm is known for its hands-on approach to investing, working closely with its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and support.

Greylock has raised over $4 billion in capital and has invested in over 150 companies since its founding. The firm has a strong track record of successful exits, including IPOs and acquisitions by major technology companies. Greylock's success has been driven by its experienced team of investment professionals and its ability to identify and invest in promising early-stage companies.

Investment criteria

Greylock Partners invests in early-stage technology startups in the enterprise software, consumer internet, and healthcare sectors. The firm's investment criteria include the following:

  • Strong team: Greylock looks for founders and management teams with a proven track record of success, deep domain expertise, and a clear vision for the future.
  • Market opportunity: Greylock invests in startups with the potential to address large and growing markets, and looks for companies that are solving important problems for customers.
  • Innovative technology: Greylock seeks out companies with innovative technologies and business models that have the potential to disrupt existing industries.
  • Competitive advantage: Greylock invests in companies with a strong competitive advantage, such as proprietary technology, unique data, or a differentiated business model.
  • Growth potential: Greylock looks for companies that have the potential to scale rapidly and become market leaders in their respective industries.
  • Strong financials: Greylock evaluates a company's financials to ensure that it has a solid business model and the potential to achieve profitability in the long term.

Greylock typically invests between $1 million and $100 million in a company's initial funding round and may make additional investments as the company grows and scales. The firm is known for its long-term perspective and patient approach to investing, often holding its investments for many years in order to maximize value.

Values

Greylock Partners is known for its values-driven approach to investing. The firm's values are based on a commitment to building strong partnerships with its portfolio companies, fostering innovation and creativity, and giving back to the communities where it operates.

  • Partnership: Greylock believes that successful investing is based on building strong partnerships with its portfolio companies. The firm works closely with its founders and management teams to provide strategic guidance, support, and access to its network of industry experts and resources.
  • Innovation: Greylock is committed to fostering innovation and creativity in the companies it invests in. The firm believes that breakthrough technologies and business models have the power to transform industries and improve people's lives.
  • Long-term perspective: Greylock takes a patient, long-term approach to investing, and is committed to supporting its portfolio companies through all stages of growth and development. The firm believes that building successful companies takes time and effort, and is willing to provide the support and resources needed to achieve long-term success.
  • Diversity and inclusion: Greylock is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its business. The firm believes that diverse teams and perspectives lead to better outcomes, and is actively working to increase diversity in its portfolio companies and in the venture capital industry as a whole.
  • Social responsibility: Greylock is committed to giving back to the communities where it operates, and supports a wide range of philanthropic initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and social justice. The firm believes that it has a responsibility to use its resources and expertise to make a positive impact in the world.
Mission

Greylock Partners does not have a formal mission statement, but the firm's approach to investing is based on a commitment to building long-term partnerships with its portfolio companies, fostering innovation and creativity, and giving back to the communities where it operates.

Greylock believes that successful investing is based on building strong relationships with its founders and management teams. The firm works closely with its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance, operational support, and access to its network of industry experts and resources. Greylock takes a patient, long-term approach to investing, and is committed to supporting its portfolio companies through all stages of growth and development.

The firm is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its business and believes that diverse teams and perspectives lead to better outcomes. Greylock supports a wide range of philanthropic initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and social justice, and believes that it has a responsibility to use its resources and expertise to make a positive impact in the world.

Portfolio

Greylock Partners is a venture capital firm that has invested in over 400 companies since its inception in 1965. The firm has a diverse portfolio of companies across a range of industries, including technology, healthcare, consumer products, and financial services. Some notable companies in Greylock's portfolio include:

  1. Airbnb - an online marketplace for vacation rentals and travel experiences.
  2. LinkedIn - a professional networking site.
  3. Facebook - a social media platform.
  4. Dropbox - a cloud storage and collaboration platform.
  5. Roblox - a gaming and entertainment platform.
  6. Workday - a cloud-based software company that specializes in human resources and finance applications.
  7. Palo Alto Networks - a cybersecurity company that provides network security solutions.
  8. AppDynamics - a software company that specializes in application performance management and IT operations analytics.
  9. Aurora - a self-driving car technology company.
  10. Cleo - a personal finance management platform.

Greylock typically invests in early-stage and growth-stage companies, with a focus on disruptive technologies and innovative business models. The firm has a long-term approach to investing and is committed to supporting its portfolio companies through all stages of growth and development. Greylock's portfolio reflects its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and making a positive impact in the world.

References
Greylock  Partners
Leadership team

Asheem Chandna (Partner)

Jerry Chen (Partner)

Mike Duboe (Partner)

Reid Hoffman (Partner)

Christine Kim (Investor)

Maya Frai (Investor)

Corinne Riley (Investor)

Jason Risch (Investor)

Seth Rosenberg (Investor)

Number of Employees
50 - 100
Headquarters
Menlo Park, California, U.S.
Established
1965
Social Media