Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry [REPLAY] Beezer Clarkson – Sapphire Gem of Early Stage Venture (Capital Allocators, EP.120)
Feb 27, 2023
Beezer Clarkson, Managing Director at Sapphire Ventures, shares her wealth of knowledge about early-stage venture investing. She discusses the unique relationship Sapphire has with SAP and the intricacies of Series A investments. Beezer delves into the challenges of filter through numerous fund opportunities, the due diligence process, and the significance of companies staying private longer. She also introduces #OpenLP, a platform she created to amplify the voices of VC limited partners, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the venture capital landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Meandering Career Path
- Beezer Clarkson's career path was non-linear, starting in investment banking despite a liberal arts background.
- She transitioned to venture capital through a role at Pierre Omidyar's investment firm, discovering her passion for fund investing.
Separate Teams, Clear Focus
- Sapphire Ventures maintains separate teams and capital for its direct growth fund and its LP fund platform.
- This separation prioritizes the success of GPs and ensures information remains confidential.
Evergreen Structure
- Sapphire's LP fund platform achieves permanence of capital through an evergreen-esque structure backed by SAP.
- This structure allows for capital recycling, offering long-term stability unlike traditional fund of funds.