Emergence Capital
Enterprise software specialist that backed Salesforce, Zoom, and ServiceMax from early stage.
Each partner makes just one investment annually and the whole team works on every deal - this isn't marketing fluff, it's their actual model and they have zero partner turnover with sustained support throughout your journey. The founder testimonials are unusually specific and glowing, suggesting they actually deliver on the white-glove treatment. Eric Yuan calls them 'family' and says they were Zoom's first Silicon Valley institutional investor. However, their selectivity is real - only 5-7 deals per year means you're competing against the entire enterprise software universe for their attention. Co-founder Jason Green stepped back in 2021 after 30 years, so you're working with the next generation, though Gordon Ritter is still very active and made Forbes Midas List four times.
- —Best for: Enterprise SaaS founders who want true partnership over spray-and-pray investors
- —Watch out for: Ultra-selective - only 5-7 deals/year means extremely high competition
- —Known for: Zero partner turnover, whole-team diligence, iconic wins like Salesforce and Zoom
We're laser-focused on B2B, bringing deep, thesis-driven expertise and an elite network of B2B operators to accelerate founder success. Our playbook spans every B2B go-to-market approach, turning market insight into execution advantage. Recently closed its $1 billion seventh fund in March 2025, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven innovation alongside ongoing enterprise tech investments.
Makes 63 investments in Series A (average $14.9M), 33 in Series B (average $44.6M), and 17 in Seed (average $9.8M), with only 5-7 investments per year focused exclusively on early-stage enterprise SaaS cloud business software. Focus areas include Industry Cloud, Deskless Workforce, Deep Collaboration, and AI Coaching Networks.
Co-founded Emergence Capital and led their first major investment in Salesforce, then backed Veeva Systems in 2008 when it had 25 employees and <$1M revenue - it's now worth $35 billion and he serves as chairman. Four-time member of Forbes' Midas List known for seeing around corners on enterprise software trends.
Listed as General Partner on the current team, involved in the firm's promotion announcements and represents the firm publicly. Known for working closely with portfolio companies on strategic initiatives.
Led Emergence's investment in Zoom, helping it bypass established competitor Webex. Currently serves as General Partner and appears to focus on competitive displacement strategies and market disruption.
Has 10 years of experience building cloud companies, led investment in project44 (now valued ~$500M), previously at American Capital's tech group and McKinsey & Co. Founders praise his unmatched passion and support during tough times - 'if I was starting a company tomorrow, Joe would be my first call'.
Instrumental in defining the firm's Coaching Networks thesis, serves on boards of Guru, Textio, and Drishti, previously at Kleiner Perkins' Green Growth Fund. Known for contagious energy, high standards, clear communication skills and framework-driven thinking.
Recently promoted to General Partner from Principal. Joined the firm in 2018 and was promoted to Principal before her current GP role, representing the firm's 'grow from within' culture.
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