Defy Partners
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Defy is what happens when two heavy-hitting ex-partners from Kleiner and General Catalyst decide to build their own sandbox - and they've done it right. Their 'Sage' program is legitimately differentiated: they give serial founders like Brian Lee (LegalZoom, Honest Co.) and Sujal Patel (Isilon sold for $2.5B) actual fund-level carry to roll up their sleeves with portfolio companies. This isn't token advisory work - these operators sometimes take interim leadership roles and personally help raise follow-on rounds. Neil and Trae have strong track records and the discipline to stay 'right-sized' rather than chase AUM growth like everyone else. The downside? With $400M+ AUM across two funds and a small team, they're selective as hell and you better have serious traction before they'll take a meeting.
- —Best for: Post-seed Series A companies that want hands-on operators, not just capital
- —Watch out for: High bar for entry - they're picky and well-capitalized means fewer shots taken
- —Known for: 'Sage' program with serial entrepreneurs who actually work with portfolio companies
Defy funds the future by backing exceptional early-stage entrepreneurs, valuing authenticity and the tenacity to turn daring ideas into enduring companies by backing extraordinary people capable of changing the status quo. They invest in 'authentic entrepreneurs' - founders who know their industry better than anyone and are solving big urgent problems.
Primarily invests in Seed rounds and Series A in United States based startups. Investments spread across Enterprise Applications (48 investments), High Tech (17 investments), and Retail sectors. Provides between $3 million and $10 million in Series A companies across industries.
Former managing director at General Catalyst for 13+ years, early investor in The Honest Company, Vitrue, and Elemental. Served on more than 80 boards, overseen over 30 exits including IPOs and significant M&A, backing remarkable entrepreneurs who have become close friends. Honored as co-citizen of the year for the Town of Woodside for community service.
Previously a general partner at Kleiner Perkins for 12 years, early investor in Nest, DropCam and Opower. As an engineer and entrepreneur, understands product iteration cycles, creating company narratives and building cultures for success. Co-founded Good Technology in 2000, calls being an entrepreneur again 'really fun'.
Spent 6+ years scaling Eventbrite from startup to IPO as first VP of Growth, CMO and VP/GM, helping scale to $300M revenue and $3B market cap. Co-founded local services marketplace SkillSlate, raised $1.5M before selling to TaskRabbit in 2011. Believes 'it's all about the people' and serves as coach, confidant, and partner to entrepreneurs.
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