4.0
3.7 
2.8 
2.8 
3.4 Great Overall Experience
Fund: SmartForest Ventures
Posted by PlanB on 2008-03-18
I suggest you take the gripes of non-funded companies with a grain of salt. We had a long-term relationship with SFV. Our experience:
Pitch: SFV engaged to understand our business and gave helpful feedback. We had other VCs who stopped picking up the phone when they lost interest. When SFV initially turned us down they not only called, they explained why.
Financing: in multiple rounds, we found SFV terms to be consistently reasonable and market-rate. Even in a down round and a tough market, we never felt taken advantage of.
Execution: SFV made a long-term commitment to our company, both financially and with board time. On the board they represented all shareholders and not just their own interests.
Summary: SFV really cares about Portland and about helping entrepreneurs, not just about returns. I can't stress how important it is to find a VC you can trust. (See "Financing" and "Execution", above!)
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