Portfolio support that does not need a new hire.
Funds in San Francisco compete for deals on more than price. A founder remembers who sent help when the CFO left or the first sales hire failed. Having operators ready is a real advantage.
Where a fund needs an operator
The brief usually falls into one of four places:
A portfolio company has lost a function
The finance lead has left, a round is coming, and a permanent search would take longer than the runway allows.
Diligence needs an operator's view
Someone who has run this kind of company can say whether the plan survives contact with reality.
The board needs an independent seat
Investors and founders fill the room, and no one answers to the company alone.
The platform team cannot cover everyone
Portfolio support is stretched across many companies and each wants a named person.
San Francisco investors can bring in an operator from our collective of 800+, picked for the portfolio company and the stage it has reached. For interim cover, diligence or an independent board seat, on terms that finish cleanly once the job is done.
Who this is for, and who it is not
Best for
- Adding operational value to investees without taking on management risk
- Giving founders a vetted operator you can refer with confidence
- Supporting several portfolio companies from one standing relationship
- Professionalising an investee while respecting its existing culture
- Staying in your governance role while the engagement is run for you
Not for
- Installing a controlling manager to run the company for you
- A single one-off introduction with no ongoing oversight
- Investors who want to direct day-to-day operations themselves
- A freelancer directory rather than a managed engagement
Working beside a fund
One brief from the fund, and our involvement continues with the portfolio company and the executive throughout.
Agreed reporting lines
We agree up front who the executive answers to, and check in with fund and founder on a set rhythm.
Help across the portfolio
Each executive can draw on our collective of 800+ when a portfolio problem falls outside their own field.
Current briefs
We keep each portfolio company's brief up to date, so any later search begins from the present.
Fit with founders
Founders accept help from people they respect. We match on temperament and record as much as on function.
The partnership model
One relationship. Portfolio-wide coverage.
Establish the standing relationship
We understand your investment thesis, your portfolio, and the types of leadership gaps most common across your investments.
You introduce us when needed
When a portfolio company needs operational leadership, you make the introduction. We handle everything else.
The right operator, fast
Discovery, matching, scoping, engagement management, and ongoing oversight, without you managing or coordinating it.
Visibility without burden
Lightweight reporting to you, not operational detail, but confidence that the engagement is performing. Investor-grade oversight without investor-level involvement.
Support by investor type
Different investors carry different portfolio needs. We match the operator to the need and manage the engagement, so it never lands back on you.
The operators we embed in your portfolio companies
Every operator is matched to the portfolio company's stage, sector and challenge.
Trusted across
