Brightstone Venture Capital
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Brightstone is the definition of a solid regional fund that knows its lane and stays in it. They're not going to compete with Sand Hill Road on valuations or brand name, but they offer something valuable: genuine operational help and a realistic view of building sustainable businesses. Broshar and team have been around long enough to have seen multiple cycles and won't push you toward aggressive growth-at-all-costs strategies. The downside? Limited follow-on capacity means you'll need to line up larger funds for subsequent rounds, and their network skews heavily Midwest which can be limiting for companies that need coastal connections.
- —Best for: Midwest B2B SaaS founders who want hands-on, practical guidance
- —Watch out for: Limited follow-on capital and primarily regional network
- —Known for: Realistic expectations and genuine operational support
Brightstone focuses on early-stage B2B software companies in the Midwest, particularly those with strong unit economics and clear paths to profitability. They emphasize backing technical founders building solutions for traditional industries undergoing digital transformation.
Seed to Series A B2B SaaS, with some fintech and healthcare IT. Heavy Midwest bias with occasional coastal deals. Typical check sizes $500K-$2M, looking for $1M+ ARR at Series A.
Former Techstars managing director who helped build Minneapolis startup ecosystem. Known for hands-on approach with portfolio companies and strong network in Midwest tech scene.
Ex-Microsoft and startup operator background. Focuses on enterprise software deals and has reputation for thorough technical due diligence among founders.
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