Stage 2 Capital

Stage 2 Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm uniquely focused on early-stage B2B software companies, with a distinctive emphasis on go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Co-founded by Jay Simons, former President of Atlassian, and Mark Roberge, former CRO of HubSpot and a Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer, the firm leverages its founders' deep operational expertise in scaling revenue engines. Their investment thesis centers on the belief that strong GTM execution is paramount for the success of B2B software startups.

The firm's value proposition extends beyond capital, offering hands-on operational support through its extensive GTM Council. This council comprises over 300 GTM executives, many of whom are also limited partners and advisors, providing invaluable guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies. Stage 2 Capital primarily invests in Seed and Series A rounds, often taking a lead or co-lead position, and actively partners with founders to optimize their sales, marketing, and customer success functions.

Stage 2 Capital has demonstrated significant growth in its funding capacity, having launched its initial fund at $100 million and subsequently closing its second fund at $175 million. This increased capital allows them to support a broader range of companies and participate more substantially in follow-on rounds. Typical initial check sizes for Stage 2 Capital generally range from $1 million to $5 million, reflecting their commitment to early-stage companies that are poised for rapid GTM acceleration and scalable growth.