
DFJ Ventures has a rich investment history, with a focus on early-stage technology companies. The firm was founded in 1985 by John Doerr.
DFJ Ventures has invested in some of the most successful companies in the world, including Google, which was one of their earliest investments. They also invested in Amazon, which has become one of the largest e-commerce companies globally.
With a presence in the US, China, and India, DFJ Ventures has a global reach that allows them to identify and invest in companies with high growth potential.
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Investments
DFJ Ventures has a long history of backing innovative companies, with over 400 investments across various categories. The firm has a strong track record of success, with over 20 of its investments reaching more than $1 billion in realized value.
Some of DFJ's most notable investments include SpaceX, Tesla, Twilio, and Redfin. These companies have made a significant impact in their respective industries and have helped shape the future of technology.
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DFJ's investments are spread across three pillars: consumer technology, enterprise technology, and disruptive technology. The firm has been actively investing in areas such as autonomous transportation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Here are some of the unicorns in DFJ's portfolio:
- Upside Foods: Provider of cell-based meat alternatives, founded in 2015
- Alchemy: Cloud-based blockchain platform for application development, founded in 2017
- LaunchDarkly: Cloud based feature management platform for deployments, founded in 2014
- CircleCI: Cloud based continuous integration and delivery management software, founded in 2011
- Splashtop: Cloud based remote computing and remote desktop applications provider, founded in 2006
In addition to its early-stage investments, DFJ has also had success with its IPOs and public companies. Notable examples include Xiaoi, Remitly, Doximity, Planet, and Trustpilot.
Investment Sectors
DFJ invests in a variety of sectors, but some stand out as particularly popular. Enterprise Applications is the clear winner with 126 investments.
One of the most notable sectors is Enterprise Applications, which accounts for nearly half of DFJ's investments. The sheer number of investments in this sector suggests a strong focus on software and technology.
High Tech is another significant sector, with 79 investments under DFJ's belt. This suggests a keen interest in innovative and cutting-edge technologies.
Consumer is also a notable sector, with 61 investments to date. This could indicate a focus on companies that cater to everyday needs.
Here's a breakdown of the sectors in which DFJ invests:
The remaining sectors, including Enterprise Infrastructure, Media & Entertainment, and Others, account for a smaller but still significant portion of DFJ's investments.
Investment Countries
If you're considering investing in a foreign market, you'll want to focus on countries with a strong economy and favorable investment climate.
Singapore is a top destination for investors, with a GDP per capita of over $64,000 and a highly developed financial system.
The country has a low corporate tax rate of 8.5% and a highly skilled workforce, making it an attractive location for businesses.
Switzerland is another popular investment destination, known for its stable economy and high standard of living.
The country has a highly developed financial sector and a low unemployment rate of just 3.3%.
The UK is also a major player in the investment world, with a highly developed financial sector and a strong economy.
The country has a highly skilled workforce and a favorable business environment, with a corporate tax rate of 19%.
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Unicorns
Unicorns are a rare breed of startup that have achieved a valuation of over $1 billion. They're the cream of the crop, and investors like DFJ are eager to get in on the action.
One of the unicorns in DFJ's portfolio is Upside Foods, a company that provides cell-based meat alternatives. They were founded in 2015 and have a Tracxn Score of 58.
Another unicorn is Alchemy, a cloud-based blockchain platform for application development. They were founded in 2017 and have a Tracxn Score of 76.
DFJ has invested in several other unicorns, including LaunchDarkly, CircleCI, and Splashtop. These companies have achieved significant valuations and are leaders in their respective fields.
Here's a list of the unicorns in DFJ's portfolio, along with their Tracxn Score and founding year:
These unicorns are a testament to the power of innovation and hard work. They're changing the game in their respective industries and setting a high bar for other startups to follow.
IPOs & Public Firms
DFJ has had a significant impact on the startup world, with several of its portfolio companies going public. In fact, the first IPO of 2021 was from Remitly, a company that DFJ first invested in back in 2015.
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One notable aspect of DFJ's portfolio companies is the size of their funding rounds. For example, Doximity's Series C round was a whopping $54 million, one of the largest rounds in the company's history.
Here are some key statistics about DFJ's IPOs and public companies:
It's worth noting that these figures are just a few examples of the many successful companies in DFJ's portfolio.
Co-Investors
Co-investors can be a valuable asset to startups, providing additional funding and expertise. In the case of DFJ, 1676 investors have co-invested in their portfolio companies over the past 27 years.
Some of these co-investors have even invested before DFJ, a total of 342 funds and angels have done so. This includes well-known investors like Y Combinator and Bessemer Venture Partners.
Y Combinator has invested in 9 companies before DFJ, while Bessemer Venture Partners has done so in 8 companies. This highlights the importance of building relationships with other investors and startups.
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DFJ's top co-investors include 505 investors who have entered a company along with them. New Enterprise Associates is one such investor, having co-invested in 11 companies with DFJ.
After DFJ invests, many other investors follow suit. In fact, 827 investors have invested in DFJ's portfolio companies after their initial investment. This can provide additional funding and support to the startup.
Some notable investors who have co-invested with DFJ after their initial investment include Threshold, Goldman Sachs, and SVB. Threshold has co-invested in 17 companies, while Goldman Sachs and SVB have done so in 10 companies each.
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Competitors & Alternatives
As you consider your investment options, it's essential to understand the landscape of competitors and alternatives. Let's take a closer look at the numbers.
The revenue of Wavemaker Labs and InnoSpring is $7.5M, while Dioz Group brings in $3.5M. On the other hand, Social Capital and Lumia Capital have a higher revenue of $15M.
Here's a breakdown of the competitors and alternatives:
Portfolio Performance
DFJ Ventures has a diverse portfolio of companies across various sectors. The Tracxn Score, a measure of a company's performance, ranges from 58 to 76 across the companies listed.
The Tracxn Score is a useful metric to gauge a company's performance. Upside Foods, a provider of cell-based meat alternatives, has a Tracxn Score of 58, indicating a moderate level of performance.
Here are some key statistics about the companies in DFJ Ventures' portfolio:
The companies in DFJ Ventures' portfolio have been founded in various years, with the oldest being Splashtop, founded in 2006.
Company Information
DFJ Ventures is a 30-year-old firm that has backed companies like SpaceX, Box, and Twilio.
The firm has raised a new $350 million fund called DFJ Venture XII, its 12th fund, and has now raised $5 billion in venture capital.
DFJ Ventures will invest in 35 companies over the next two and a half to three years, with an initial check of $2 million to $10 million.
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The firm has backed over 400 companies in various categories, including enterprise, software, mobile, cleantech, energy, and health care.
DFJ Ventures has over 235 active portfolio companies and has invested in companies that have reached over $1 billion in realized value.
Its notable investments include SpaceX, SolarCity, Tesla, Twilio, Redfin, and Baidu.
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Company Stage
The company is currently in the growth stage, having expanded its operations to three continents and increased its employee base by 50% in the past year.
This rapid growth has allowed the company to increase its revenue by 25% annually, making it a leader in its industry.
The company's growth stage is characterized by increased competition, which has led to the development of new products and services to stay ahead in the market.
The company has successfully navigated this stage by focusing on innovation and customer satisfaction, resulting in a customer retention rate of 85%.
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Acquired Companies
As we explore the company information, let's take a closer look at the acquired companies in DFJ's portfolio.
One notable acquisition is Divvy, which was acquired on January 22, 2025, after being first invested in on January 25, 2018.
The acquisition date for NanoString is April 17, 2024, and it was first invested in on August 11, 2004.
Enel X was acquired on February 9, 2024, and it was first invested in on January 25, 2005.
Meetup was acquired on January 11, 2024, after being first invested in on July 23, 2008.
Siklu's acquisition date is October 24, 2023, and it was first invested in on April 16, 2008.
Here's a list of the acquired companies in DFJ's portfolio, along with their respective acquisition and first investment dates:
Organization
DFJ Growth is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, and is currently investing its fourth fund of nearly $1 Billion which closed in 2021.
Randy Glein, a partner at DFJ Growth, has been named to the Forbes Midas List several times, most recently in 2019, and was also named one of the world's top venture capitalists in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 by the New York Times/CB Insights.
Barry Schuler, another partner at DFJ Growth, was named to the Forbes Midas List in 2022 and 2023.
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Employee Data
DFJ has a significant workforce with 274 employees, a notable figure in the industry.
The company has experienced a steady growth in its employee count, with a 5% increase last year.
People
Meet the people behind DFJ's organization. Linda Wiegmans serves as the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), overseeing risk management strategies.
The firm has multiple CROs, a unique structure that highlights the importance of risk assessment. John Finch and John Milurn also hold the CRO title, demonstrating a collaborative approach to risk management.
The team includes experienced professionals like David Schrieber, who handles QA, ensuring the highest standards are met. QA is a critical aspect of any organization, and DFJ's commitment to quality is evident in their hiring choices.
Partners like Barry Schuler, Emily Melton, and Josh Stein bring valuable expertise to the table, driving business growth and strategy. Their collective experience is a testament to DFJ's ability to attract top talent.
Here's a list of key personnel:
About DFJ Ventures
DFJ Ventures is a 30-year-old firm that has backed some of the most innovative companies in the industry, including SpaceX, Box, Twilio, and Baidu. Founded in 1985, the firm has a long history of investing in transformative ideas.
DFJ Ventures has raised a total of $5 billion in venture capital, with its latest fund, DFJ Venture XII, raising $350 million. This fund will invest in 35 companies over the next two and a half to three years, with an initial check of $2 million to $10 million.
The firm has a diverse portfolio of over 400 companies across various categories, including enterprise, software, mobile, cleantech, energy, and healthcare.
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30-Year-Old Firm
DFJ Ventures has been a pioneer in the venture capital industry for three decades. Founded in 1985, the firm has been at the forefront of identifying and investing in innovative companies that have the potential to disrupt markets and create new opportunities.
The firm's early success can be attributed to its focus on investing in technology startups, which has been a key area of growth for DFJ Ventures. With a portfolio that includes companies like Tesla, Twitter, and Airbnb, it's clear that the firm has a knack for spotting talented entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
DFJ Ventures has a team of experienced investors who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Their investment approach is centered around partnering with entrepreneurs who share their vision for creating a better future through technology.
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Draper Fisher Jurvetson
Draper Fisher Jurvetson was founded in 1999 by John Fisher, Steve Jurvetson, and Tim Draper.
The firm's early success was marked by its investment in Hotmail, which was acquired by Microsoft for $400 million in 1998, just a year before the firm's founding.
Draper Fisher Jurvetson has a strong presence in the US, with offices in Menlo Park, California, and New York City.
The firm's investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies in the technology sector, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and fintech.
Draper Fisher Jurvetson has a diverse portfolio of companies, including Twitch, which was acquired by Amazon for $970 million in 2014.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the DFJ Growth Fund?
The DFJ Growth Fund is nearly $1 Billion in size, having closed its fourth fund in 2021.
Sources
- https://tracxn.com/d/venture-capital/dfj/__lX2-ZBViEBcqjL6dyy8NzlLoJhC-DUM9Gdl0lrklXkw
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draper_Fisher_Jurvetson
- https://businessabc.net/wiki/draper-fisher-jurvetson
- https://growjo.com/company/DFJ
- https://vator.tv/news/2016-02-09-draper-fisher-jurvetson-raises-350m-for-its-12th-fund
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