BlueRun Ventures

BlueRun Ventures (BRV) is a well-established venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, with a rich history rooted in its origins as Nokia Venture Partners, before rebranding in 2005. The firm primarily focuses on early-stage investments, specifically targeting opportunities in mobile software, services, and financial technology, alongside emerging enterprise software and consumer internet sectors. BRV distinguishes itself through its deep industry expertise and a hands-on approach, aiming to support founders from the seed stage through Series A, and occasionally participating in Series B rounds.

BRV's investment strategy emphasizes identifying disruptive technologies and visionary entrepreneurs. They typically deploy initial capital ranging from $1 million to $8 million, with a willingness to provide follow-on funding as their portfolio companies achieve key milestones. The firm closed its eighth fund, BlueRun Ventures VIII, at $160 million in 2020, demonstrating continued commitment to early-stage innovation. This capital enables them to build concentrated portfolios and offer substantial support beyond just financial investment, leveraging their extensive network and operational experience.

Over its tenure, BlueRun Ventures has built an impressive portfolio with a strong track record of successful exits. Their notable investments include pioneering companies such as Waze, which was acquired by Google for approximately $1.1 billion, and Kabbage, a leading fintech platform acquired by American Express. Another significant success is Coupa, which went public and was later acquired by Thoma Bravo for an estimated $8 billion. These exits underscore BRV's ability to identify and nurture companies that achieve significant market impact and generate substantial returns for their limited partners. With over 100 investments made to date, BlueRun Ventures continues to be a prominent player in the early-stage venture ecosystem, particularly within the mobile and fintech landscapes.