Shasta Ventures

12/02/2021

Great interview with Shasta's Managing Director, Jacob Mullins, on diversity in crypto.

"Mullins believes the entire economy could be rebuilt on blockchain technology, presenting a new frontier that could be populated by a much more diverse mix of peoples than the traditional economy.

But that frontier is closing fast, and thus far the early stakeholders have been far from diverse. By educating new venture capitalists to promote more Black, Latino and female founders, Mullins believes he is supporting pioneers who can help open these spaces to more diverse populations."

Financial advisors and the digital assets industry share a lot in common. They both deal with investments, technology, and the needs, wants, fears and concerns of people everywhere.But they also share an unfortunate lack of diversity.

11/08/2021

Nextdoor is officially public and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker KIND).

“Nextdoor chose KIND as its ticker symbol because it is core to its purpose: to cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on. When Nextdoor says "kind" it means being respectful, welcoming, empathetic, and willing to boldly act and support one another.” - Sarah Friar

02/16/2021

Shasta's Managing Director, Issac Roth, wrote a great piece in TechCrunch this week on having more effective board meetings over Zoom.

While we might look like the Brady Bunch while sharing a Zoom window, are you actually communicating more like the family from "Succession?"

04/30/2020

“The current reset might be the forcing function for the industry to return to reality.”

Coming out of an age of unicorns, megafunds, and skyrocketing valuations, Shasta Managing Director Jason Pressman takes a close look at the implications of the unfolding economic downturn and explains why it may force a much needed reboot for the VC industry via VentureBeat:

The first area to be impacted will be the growth rounds, or fundings over $25 million.

04/16/2020

“We’re going to see much much worse numbers in Q2 for most companies than I think people currently expect.” Shasta Partner Jason Pressman recently spoke with TechCrunch about the challenges startups should be prepared to face now and in the coming months, despite the current optimism in public markets:

You can easily read optimism in the stock market. Ask around the private markets, however, and you'll hear a very different narrative.

03/26/2020

Uncertain times bring both threat and opportunity. During our upcoming virtual town hall, some of our most experienced partners and entrepreneurs will offer lessons learned on resiliency and managing through crisis based on their experience with previous challenges like the dot com bust and Great Recession.

Learn more and register now.

By Ravi Mohan and Jason Pressman The past month has been amongst the most tumultuous and uncertain in recent times. And the next several months look as if they will bring more of the same. Shasta feels our top priority should be the health and wellbeing of people. We and our portfolio companies have...

03/05/2020

Have you had a chance to explore the new Shasta Ignite website? From workshops on creating world-class demand-gen programs to an online forum answering your most pressing questions, here’s how we’re helping early stage enterprise founders ignite growth: http://bit.ly/2ImDgXF

03/03/2020

Designed in close cooperation with our enterprise portfolio companies, Shasta Ignite features customized programs, how-to workshops, expert teachers and more. Jason Pressman takes a closer look at the platform and how the formal program walks founders through a series of steps to ignite growth:

Helping founders has always been the cornerstone of Shasta Ventures. Our team of partners, associates and advisors have largely come from operational backgrounds. And we pride ourselves on creating unwavering partnerships with our founders. We enjoy being in the trenches with them, understanding the...

02/04/2020

“A new approach to in-space propulsion and smallsat mobility is in order, and I believe Accion has the solution,” - Rob Coneybeer, Managing Director.

We are very excited to continue to support Natalya Bailey and the team at Accion Systems as they innovate electric propulsion. Thrilled to co-lead their Series B alongside The Boeing Company’s HorizonX Ventures:

Space propulsion startup Accion Systems has raised $11 million in a new funding round designed to allow it to increase production of its electric thrusters.

02/03/2020

Your story is critical to your Go-To-Market Strategy.

Why does your product matter? Why should potential buyers care?

We 100% recommend reading Rajeev Batra's thoughts on the key components of a GTM strategy.

(For further coaching on crafting your story check out Tien Tzuo’s advice on how Zuora created the Subscription Economy narrative: https://bit.ly/395dsdM)

As an entrepreneur and operator-turned-investor, I’ve worked at a few great companies, been fortunate to partner with many talented founders, and observed many trends and patterns in the industry. I …

02/03/2020

Looking forward to Rob Coneybeer joining the SmallSat Symposium lineup this Thursday to discuss the ins and outs of facilitating investment in today's SmallSat market. This is always a great event for SmallSat entrepreneurs. If you’re in the Bay Area, check it out!

Efficient markets are essential to facilitate investment and capital formation to grow and sustain a vibrant new industry. Multiple different markets provide the means for the best ideas and enterprises to obtain capital and credit to allow these young companies and their founders to adequately fund...