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Insight Partners

Global venture capital and private equity firm that invests in high-growth technology, software, and Internet businesses.
Insight Partners
Leadership team

Deven Parekh (Managing Director)

Jeff Horing ( Managing Director and Co-Founder )

Jerry Murdock (Co-Founder)

Richard Wells (Managing Director )

Lonne Jaffe  (Managing Director)

Number of Employees
100 - 500
Headquarters
New York, New York, United States
Established
1995
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Summary

Insight Venture Partners (IVP) is a growth equity and venture capital firm that specializes in software investments. Founded in 1995, IVP is one of the largest software-dedicated funds globally and has made over 300 investments to date. The firm focuses on partnering with innovative companies worldwide that challenge existing assumptions and have a strong growth trajectory.

As an investor, Insight Venture Partners brings significant experience and resources to its portfolio companies. They offer access to extensive networks, data, customers, and other valuable resources that can help accelerate the growth and success of their investees. IVP invests across various stages of a company's development, including seed capital, early venture, growth venture, late stage & IPO, listed equity, acquisition/LBO, venture debt, debt, structured capital, special or distress situations, and hedge strategies.

In terms of investment size, Insight Venture Partners typically invests between $10 million and $200 million in a single deal. However, they can go beyond these limits for exceptional opportunities. The firm manages a fund with a size of $18 billion USD, indicating its substantial financial resources.

History

Insight Partners, formerly known as Insight Venture Partners, has a rich history that spans over two decades. The firm was founded in 1995 by Jeff Horing and Jerry Murdock, who had the vision to support and invest in high-growth technology, software, and internet businesses. Since its inception, Insight Partners has played a pivotal role in the development and success of numerous companies.

From its headquarters in New York City, Insight Partners quickly established itself as a prominent player in the venture capital and private equity space. The firm's early investments focused on emerging technology companies, providing them with the necessary capital and expertise to scale their operations. With a keen eye for identifying promising startups, Insight Partners built a reputation for its ability to spot market trends and invest in companies with significant growth potential.

Over the years, Insight Partners has expanded its presence globally. The firm opened offices in key technology hubs, including London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. This strategic move allowed Insight Partners to tap into diverse markets, gain access to innovative startups worldwide, and strengthen its international network.

Insight Partners' success can be attributed not only to its financial investments but also to its hands-on approach to working with portfolio companies. The firm established an in-house team called Onsite, comprised of industry experts and operational specialists. The Onsite team provides valuable guidance and support to portfolio companies, helping them navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and optimize their operations for sustainable growth.

The firm's track record speaks for itself, with over 55 of its portfolio companies achieving IPOs. Insight Partners' ability to nurture and support companies from early-stage investments to successful public offerings has solidified its position as a leader in the venture capital and private equity landscape.

In recent years, Insight Partners has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing technology landscape. The firm has raised significant funds to fuel its investment activities and expand its portfolio. In April 2021, Insight Partners raised $1.56 billion for the Insight Partners Opportunities Fund I LP, signalling its commitment to supporting new growth opportunities. The firm has also demonstrated a focus on supporting minority-led firms, as seen through its establishment of The Vision Capital 2020 LP Fund.

Notably, in February 2022, Insight Partners announced the successful raising of $20 billion for its twelfth flagship fund, a testament to the firm's strong reputation and investor confidence. This substantial fund size positions Insight Partners to make even larger investments and have a greater impact on the technology ecosystem.

Throughout its history, Insight Partners has built a portfolio of diverse and innovative companies across various sectors, including fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more. The firm's investments in notable companies such as Calm, Checkout.com, nCino, Veeam, and JFrog have contributed to its growth and market success.

Investment criteria

Insight Partners is a global venture capital and private equity firm known for its strategic investments in high-growth technology, software, and internet businesses. The firm has a well-defined set of investment criteria that guides its decision-making process. While specific criteria may vary based on the industry and market conditions, the following factors generally influence Insight Partners' investment decisions:

  • Market Potential: Insight Partners seeks companies operating in large and rapidly growing markets. The firm looks for businesses that have the potential to disrupt traditional industries or create new markets with innovative solutions. Companies with a scalable business model and a clear path to market leadership are particularly attractive to Insight Partners.
  • Technology and Innovation: Insight Partners focuses on technology-driven businesses that leverage innovative solutions to solve real-world problems. The firm seeks companies with proprietary technology, intellectual property, or unique capabilities that give them a competitive edge in the market. Companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous innovation and staying ahead of industry trends are preferred.
  • Growth and Traction: Insight Partners looks for companies that have demonstrated significant growth and traction in their target markets. This includes a track record of revenue growth, customer acquisition, and market penetration. Insight Partners often targets companies that have reached an inflexion point and are poised for accelerated growth with the right resources and strategic support.
  • Strong Management Team: The leadership team is a critical factor in Insight Partners' investment decisions. The firm seeks companies with experienced and capable management teams that have a clear vision, domain expertise, and a track record of execution. Insight Partners values leaders who are open to collaboration and receptive to guidance and support.
  • Scalability and Profitability: Insight Partners looks for businesses with a scalable and sustainable business model that can generate substantial returns over the long term. The firm evaluates the company's financials, profitability, and cash flow dynamics to assess its potential for generating significant value. While profitability is important, Insight Partners also recognizes the importance of investing in companies with high growth potential, even if they are not yet profitable.
  • Competitive Advantage: Insight Partners assesses a company's competitive landscape and looks for businesses that have a defensible market position. This can include factors such as intellectual property, unique technology, strong customer relationships, or network effects that create barriers to entry for competitors. Companies that have a clear differentiation and a sustainable competitive advantage are more likely to attract investment from Insight Partners.
  • Alignment of Values: Insight Partners seeks partnerships with founders and management teams who share their values and long-term vision. The firm values integrity, transparency, and a commitment to building sustainable businesses. Insight Partners aims to establish collaborative relationships with portfolio companies, working together to drive growth and create long-term value.
Values

Insight Partners, a global venture capital and private equity firm operates based on a set of core values that shape its approach to investing and building long-term partnerships with portfolio companies. These values guide the firm's actions and interactions with founders, management teams, and stakeholders:

  • Integrity: Insight Partners places a high value on integrity and ethical conduct. The firm operates with transparency, honesty, and accountability in all its dealings. It upholds the highest standards of professional and personal integrity and expects the same from the companies it partners with.
  • Partnership: Insight Partners believes in fostering strong and collaborative partnerships with founders, management teams, and stakeholders. The firm aims to establish relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. Insight Partners actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance, operational expertise, and industry connections to support their growth and success.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Insight Partners recognizes and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and growth. The firm values founders and management teams who demonstrate a passion for their vision, a willingness to take calculated risks, and an ability to navigate challenges. Insight Partners encourages an environment that fosters creativity, agility, and a mindset of continuous learning.
  • Long-Term Perspective: Insight Partners takes a long-term perspective in its investment approach. The firm understands that building successful companies requires time, patience, and strategic investments. It is committed to supporting portfolio companies throughout their growth journey, offering resources, expertise, and capital to help them achieve their full potential.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Insight Partners values diversity and inclusion as drivers of innovation and success. The firm is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive ecosystem, both within its own organization and in the companies it invests in. Insight Partners actively seeks opportunities to support minority-led and underrepresented founders and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard and valued.
  • Excellence: Insight Partners strives for excellence in everything it does. The firm seeks to invest in companies that demonstrate excellence in their industry, technology, and operations. Insight Partners continuously seeks to improve and evolve its own practices, staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices to deliver exceptional value to its portfolio companies.
  • Social Responsibility: Insight Partners recognizes its responsibility to contribute positively to society and the communities it operates in. The firm is committed to acting as a responsible corporate citizen, considering the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in its investment decisions. Insight Partners actively supports initiatives that drive positive social impact and sustainability.
Mission

Insight Partners' mission is to support and accelerate the growth of high-growth technology, software, and internet businesses by providing strategic guidance, operational expertise, and financial resources. The firm aims to partner with visionary founders and management teams, helping them transform their innovative ideas into successful and sustainable companies.

At the core of Insight Partners' mission is a deep belief in the power of technology and entrepreneurship to drive positive change and shape the future. The firm seeks to identify and invest in companies that have the potential to disrupt industries, solve complex problems, and create significant value.

Portfolio

Insight Partners has a diverse and impressive portfolio of investments in high-growth technology, software, and internet companies. With a focus on partnering with innovative and disruptive businesses, Insight Partners has supported numerous companies in achieving significant growth and success. Some notable companies in their portfolio include:

  • Calm: A leading meditation and mental wellness app that has gained widespread popularity. Insight Partners invested in Calm in 2018, contributing to its rapid growth and success.
  • Checkout.com: A global payments processor that offers innovative and reliable payment solutions to businesses worldwide. Insight Partners' investment in Checkout.com in 2019 has helped fuel its expansion and establish its position as one of Europe's top fintech companies.
  • OneTrust: A privacy management software company that provides comprehensive solutions for compliance with data protection regulations. Insight Partners' participation in OneTrust's funding rounds has contributed to its growth and valuation, reaching $5.1 billion in 2020.
  • Veeam: A data management company that offers backup, recovery, and data protection solutions for businesses. Insight Partners played a significant role in the acquisition of Veeam for $5 billion in 2020, enabling the company to further expand its offerings and market presence.
  • Monday.com: A collaborative work management platform that enables teams to organize and track their projects effectively. Insight Partners holds a 43% stake in Monday.com, which went public in 2021 and has contributed to its impressive growth and valuation.
  • JFrog: A software company that provides tools and solutions for continuous software delivery and release management. Insight Partners backed JFrog's IPO in 2020, facilitating its expansion and success in the software industry.

These are just a few examples of the companies within Insight Partners' extensive portfolio. The firm has invested in over 750 companies worldwide and has seen more than 55 of its portfolio companies achieve an initial public offering (IPO). Insight Partners' portfolio spans various sectors, including software, digital platforms, consumer technology, enterprise technology, and more.

References
Insight Partners
Leadership team

Deven Parekh (Managing Director)

Jeff Horing ( Managing Director and Co-Founder )

Jerry Murdock (Co-Founder)

Richard Wells (Managing Director )

Lonne Jaffe  (Managing Director)

Number of Employees
100 - 500
Headquarters
New York, New York, United States
Established
1995
Social Media