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Trellis Partners

North America, Texas, United States, Cedar Creek

Description

Trellis Partners is an Austin, Texas-based venture capital firm established in 2002, specializing in seed and early-stage technology companies. The firm positions itself as a crucial early partner for startups, often providing the first institutional capital to promising ventures. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying companies with robust, defensible technology, targeting large market opportunities, and led by exceptional management teams. Trellis Partners emphasizes a hands-on, team-based support approach, aiming to assist entrepreneurs beyond just capital provision to build enduring companies.

The firm's initial investments typically range from $250,000 to $1,000,000, demonstrating their commitment to foundational funding rounds. Beyond the initial cheque, Trellis Partners strategically reserves significant capital for follow-on investments, indicating a long-term partnership approach with their portfolio companies as they scale. This strategy allows them to continue supporting their ventures through subsequent growth stages, reinforcing their belief in the long-term potential of their chosen startups.

Since its inception, Trellis Partners has built a diverse portfolio, having made at least 26 known investments across various technology sectors. While their primary focus is on early-stage opportunities, their commitment extends to providing broad, team-based support, leveraging their entrepreneurial experience to guide portfolio companies. This comprehensive support, coupled with their strategic capital deployment, aims to foster the development of impactful technology companies from their nascent stages.

Investor Profile

Trellis Partners has backed more than 28 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 7% of its total and boasts 7 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.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Security, Enterprise Software.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $1M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (25%)
  • Series Unknown (21%)
  • Series A (18%)
  • Series C (11%)
  • Series D (7%)
  • Seed (7%)
  • Series F (4%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (4%)
  • Series E (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Security
  • Enterprise Software
  • Manufacturing
  • Analytics
  • Industrial
  • Telecommunications
  • Information Technology
  • Communications Infrastructure
  • Real Time
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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 Trellis Partners frequently co-invest with?

Sequoia Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 4
China Development Industrial Bank (CDIB)
Asia, T'ai-pei, Taiwan, Taipei
Co-Investments: 3
Sevin Rosen Funds
North America, Texas, United States, Dallas
Co-Investments: 6
Oak Investment Partners
North America, Connecticut, United States, Wilton
Co-Investments: 4
Austin Ventures
North America, Texas, United States, Austin
Co-Investments: 11
JPMorgan Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
U.S. Venture Partners
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 4
ABS Ventures
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Waltham
Co-Investments: 3
Lucent Venture Partners
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 4
Venrock
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 10

What are some of recent deals done by Trellis Partners?

Biolase

Foothill Ranch, California, United States

Biolase develops lasers and related products for providing biological treatments that reduce pain.

3D PrintingBiotechnologyHealth CareManufacturingMedical Device
Post Ipo EquityNov 5, 2014
Amount Raised: $35,000,000
Flash Valet

Austin, Texas, United States

Flash Valet is a cloud-based mobile management system for the valet parking industry.

MobileMobile PaymentsSaaSSoftware
Series ASep 19, 2012
Amount Raised: $1,250,000
Zilliant

Austin, Texas, United States

Zilliant offers price optimization and management software for manufacturing, distribution, high-tech, and industrial service companies.

AnalyticsEnterprise SoftwareIndustrialManufacturingSoftware
Series UnknownJul 19, 2010
Amount Raised: $13,100,000
TabbedOut

Austin, Texas, United States

TabbedOut enables customers to open, view, and pay bar or restaurant tabs from their smartphones.

HospitalityMobileMobile Payments
SeedJan 12, 2010
Amount Raised: $250,002
AllClear ID

Austin, Texas, United States

See AllClearID Health for new company. AllClear ID sold its breach business to Experian and is now offers identity protection services.

Enterprise SoftwareIdentity ManagementSecurity
Series UnknownApr 29, 2008
Amount Raised: $9,300,000
Zilliant

Austin, Texas, United States

Zilliant offers price optimization and management software for manufacturing, distribution, high-tech, and industrial service companies.

AnalyticsEnterprise SoftwareIndustrialManufacturingSoftware
Series FNov 12, 2007
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
CipherMax

San Jose, California, United States

CipherMax provides storage security solutions for information assets and achieving compliance with government regulations.

ComplianceGovernmentSecurity
Series EJul 27, 2006
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
EKOS Corporation

Bothell, Washington, United States

EKOS Corporation provides a system for the treatment of vascular thrombosis.

Health CareMedicalMedical Device
Series CMar 21, 2006
Amount Raised: $26,000,000
GENBAND

Plano, Texas, United States

GENBAND is a global supplier of IP gateways, session border controllers and FMC security solutions.

Communications InfrastructureInformation TechnologyReal TimeSecurityTelecommunicationsWeb Hosting
Series UnknownMar 1, 2005
Amount Raised: $18,000,000
Zilliant

Austin, Texas, United States

Zilliant offers price optimization and management software for manufacturing, distribution, high-tech, and industrial service companies.

AnalyticsEnterprise SoftwareIndustrialManufacturingSoftware
Series DJan 18, 2005
Amount Raised: $12,000,000