If you ever find yourself in the bustling streets of San Francisco, there’s a VC firm that’s been making waves – Ballistic Ventures. With Ted Schlein at the helm, a name synonymous with success from his days at Kleiner Perkins, this dynamic team is setting out to raise an impressive $100 million for their latest venture.
Picture this – a group of seasoned professionals who not only invest in cybersecurity startups but also roll up their sleeves and get hands-on. In a recent chat, Ted Schlein shared insights into the heart of Ballistic Ventures’ operations. “We don’t just write checks and walk away. We’re deeply involved in our portfolio companies,” he explained.
“The Ballistic crew, with its years of experience, is very hands-on.”
Every week brings new challenges and triumphs as they guide founders through critical decisions like building their teams and securing those pivotal first customers. It’s not uncommon for them to be on calls multiple times a week offering guidance and support every step of the way.
“They take board seats, help with hiring and with landing the first 10 customers…”
But what truly sets Ballistic apart isn’t just their financial investment – it’s their vast network of industry contacts that they bring to the table. Alongside Ted are four other stellar general partners: Kevin Mandia, Barmak Meftah, Jake Seid, and Roger Thornton.
And let’s not forget about their strategic appointments like Gregory Crabb stepping into the role of CISO-in-residence after David Hahn was promoted to CISO operating partner. These moves showcase Ballistic’s commitment to nurturing talent within their ranks while bringing fresh perspectives on board.
In a world where innovation reigns supreme, it’s no wonder why Ballistic has caught the eye of so many promising startups. With 59 investments under their belt already according to Crunchbase records, including recent backing for GetReal Labs’ Series A round totaling $17.5 million – there’s no sign of slowing down.
“Ballistic has so far invested in 59 startups…”
As cybersecurity continues to be at the forefront of tech conversations worldwide, reports show significant growth in venture funding for this sector year over year. According to data by Crunchbase News, cybersecurity funding surged by 43% reaching $11.6 billion in 2024 despite fewer deals closed compared to previous years.
With such momentum behind them and an unwavering dedication to propelling innovative ideas forward, it comes as no surprise that whispers are circulating about Ballistic Ventures’ new fundraising efforts. While they remain tight-lipped for now on details regarding this latest financial endeavor, one thing is certain – they’re gearing up for another round of groundbreaking partnerships that will shape the future landscape of cybersecurity technology.
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