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Columbia Capital

North America, Virginia, United States, Alexandria

Description

Columbia Capital is a well-established private equity firm based in Alexandria, Virginia, with a deep-rooted focus on the digital infrastructure, enterprise IT, and mobility sectors. Since its inception in 1990, the firm has consistently pursued a strategy centered on growth equity investments and buyouts, targeting companies that are poised for significant expansion or require strategic capital for market consolidation. Their long tenure in these specialized areas has allowed them to develop considerable expertise and a robust network within the technology and telecommunications landscapes.

With a substantial financial footprint, Columbia Capital manages over $4.0 billion of capital across its various funds. Their investment approach is characterized by taking meaningful stakes in companies, often leading or co-leading rounds that facilitate major strategic initiatives. The firm's latest fund, Columbia Capital Fund VIII, LP, successfully closed in 2016 with $500 million in commitments, underscoring their continued capacity to deploy significant capital into their target industries. This fund size is indicative of their focus on later-stage, capital-intensive opportunities rather than early-stage venture rounds.

Over its three-decade history, Columbia Capital has invested in more than 175 companies, demonstrating a broad yet focused portfolio strategy. Their typical initial investment size reflects their growth equity and buyout mandate, generally ranging from $20 million to $100 million. These substantial checks are deployed into businesses with proven models and significant revenue, aiming to accelerate their growth, support strategic acquisitions, or facilitate management buyouts. The firm's involvement often extends beyond capital, providing operational and strategic guidance to help portfolio companies achieve their full potential.

Columbia Capital's consistent presence and strategic investments have made it a prominent player in the digital infrastructure and enterprise technology space. Their track record includes numerous successful exits through acquisitions and IPOs, highlighting their ability to identify and nurture high-growth companies. The firm's commitment to long-term value creation and its specialized sector focus position it as a key capital partner for mature technology and telecommunications businesses seeking substantial growth capital or ownership transitions.

Investor Profile

Columbia Capital has backed more than 200 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 59 rounds, about 30% of its total and boasts 56 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Slovakia (Slovak Republic).
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Telecommunications, Enterprise Software.
  • Typical check size: $20M – $100M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (28%)
  • Series Unknown (23%)
  • Series A (21%)
  • Series C (13%)
  • Series D (7%)
  • Private Equity (5%)
  • Series E (2%)
  • Seed (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (94%)
  • United Kingdom (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Telecommunications
  • Enterprise Software
  • Information Technology
  • Mobile
  • Wireless
  • Internet
  • Saas
  • Electronics
  • Infrastructure
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Columbia Capital frequently co-invest with?

Novak Biddle Venture Partners
North America, Maryland, United States, Bethesda
Co-Investments: 15
CRV
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 6
New Enterprise Associates
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 15
Fidelity Ventures
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 7
Centennial Ventures
North America, Colorado, United States, Denver
Co-Investments: 6
Highland Capital Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Lexington
Co-Investments: 12
Telcom Ventures
North America, Virginia, United States, Alexandria
Co-Investments: 8
Bessemer Venture Partners
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 44
Noro-Moseley Partners
North America, Georgia, United States, Atlanta
Co-Investments: 7
RRE Ventures
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 8

Which angels does Columbia Capital often collaborate with?

SW
North America, Maryland, United States, Glenwood
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
MG
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
RK
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
RR
North America, Florida, United States, Miami
Shared Deals: 1
Mark McDowell
North America, California, United States, San Diego
Shared Deals: 1
GP
North America, Maryland, United States, Potomac
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
MF
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
Dave House
North America, California, United States, San Jose
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Columbia Capital?

xtype

Covina, California, United States

xtype is a platform engineering solution for ServiceNow.

ComputerSoftware
Series AOct 1, 2024
Amount Raised: $21,000,000
V2 Digital

Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia

V2 Digital is an innovative digital agency with prioritize outcomes over processes, leveraging cutting-edge technology.

ConsultingDigital MediaInformation Technology
Series AMay 9, 2024
Amount Raised: $19,848,004
Indicium

New York, New York, United States

Indicium is a Data Science as Service company. We assist businesses to transform data into actionable insights and opportunities

Series UnknownMay 2, 2024
Amount Raised: $40,000,000
xtype

Covina, California, United States

xtype is a platform engineering solution for ServiceNow.

ComputerSoftware
Series UnknownOct 24, 2023
Amount Raised: $10,800,000
Landways Management Limited

London, England, United Kingdom

Landways Management Limited specialisez in design, build, finance and operation of integrated digital infrastructure.

MobileTelecommunicationsWireless
Private EquityAug 7, 2023
Neuron

Miami, Florida, United States

Neuron is on a mission to transform connectivity for things that move, making digital experiences better for everyone.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)Network SecuritySaaSSatellite Communication
Series AMay 26, 2023
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Everstream Analytics

San Marcos, California, United States

Everstream is a supply chain company that delivers actionable insights to increase the resilience and agility of supply chains.

AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence (AI)LogisticsMachine LearningProcurementProductivity ToolsRisk ManagementSupply Chain Management
Series BApr 4, 2023
Amount Raised: $50,000,000
xtype

Covina, California, United States

xtype is a platform engineering solution for ServiceNow.

ComputerSoftware
SeedSep 14, 2022
Amount Raised: $5,800,000
BlueCart

Sunnyvale, California, United States

BlueCart is a web and mobile platform built to modernize the eCommerce and wholesale procurement process for buyers and sellers.

E-Commerce PlatformsMarketplaceProcurementSoftwareWholesale
Series UnknownAug 23, 2022
Nisos

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Nisos is a managed intelligence and investigations firm that provides active defense technology-enabled services and products.

Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologyNetwork SecuritySecurity
Series BMay 24, 2022
Amount Raised: $15,000,000