Broadway Case Study

How were you introduced to Pond?
Pond partners are active in the Bay Area technology and entrepreneur community, I knew one of the partners in the past.

How was your experience in securing initial funding from Pond?
It was a great experience, Pond partners were hands on entrepreneurs themselves at some point, they are very approachable, they speak entrepreneur’s language while maintaining investor’s discipline.

How did you find your initial experience with Pond working side by side to build your company in the early days?
Kent is a repeat company builder himself, with valuable insight and experience, which helped us a great deal.

In what ways has Pond helped you in your journey to build a successful company?
In too many ways, as an example, in our transition from a telecom system business model to a sub-system model, we had to make lots of difficult changes, with Pond working side by side with us, we went through the process quickly and later on build a good business.

When problems arose, how has Pond helped in getting you past them?
Dealing with problems is a regular occurrance in a startup world, Pond takes a helpful and constructive approach.

What have you found to be the most valuable contributions from Pond?
Pond partners, company builders themselves, provided valuable advice and support, yet, without looking over our shoulders.

How has Pond supported you along the way?
Startup companies face different challenges at different stages of their business, and are in need of different types of support as well.  Pond’s support naturally evolves as we grow up, which is something that adds tremendous value.

What sort of strategic guidance has Pond provided you as the company has grown?
We fully understand the company exist ultimately to create shareholder value.  In the early stage, we needed to build the team, prove the technology, find the first customers, it is more or less straight forward.  As we grow  in the midst of financial crisis, Pond provided much-needed strategic guidance on products, marketing, financing, and the eventual exit.

If your company has been sold or gone public how did Pond contribute to the successful outcome?
We were acquired by the number 1 player in our space.  Being acquired by a public company requires lots of deal making experience and skills on the part of the Board, especially during the unprecedented financial downturn.  Pond’s contribution is instrumental.  

How has your experience with Pond differed from your experience with other VCs?
Pond partners are down to earth folks with healthy combination of investor’s sophistication, entrepreneur’s vigor and businessmen’s discipline.

How has Pond been to work with?
A good experience that I will recommend to my fellow entrepreneurs

What would you say to prospective entrepreneurs thinking about working with Pond as a Venture Capital investor?
Do not over-prepare yourself, do not over-work the PowerPoint, they can see it through and find the real potential out of you.

What would you say to prospective LPs thinking about investing in Pond IV?
Early stage venture investing is not an easy business, few VCs truly possess the skills, mindset and persistence.  Pond is one as evidenced by the overall  performance of their portfolio companies.

Company building is not an easy thing for entrepreneurs, with Pond by your side, it is easier.