Ted Schlein, a veteran figure in the venture capital world with a storied history at Kleiner Perkins, is currently making waves with Ballistic Ventures. The firm, founded in late 2021, is on the brink of launching a new $100 million fund as per recent disclosures to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Venture capitalists often hold an air of mystique around them – seen as key players in shaping the next big tech breakthroughs. And Schlein is no exception. With Ballistic Ventures setting its sights on cybersecurity startups, it’s clear that they are diving into one of the most crucial sectors of our digital age.
“The Ballistic crew is very hands-on. We take board seats, help with hiring and landing customers,”
Schlein shared in an earlier interview. This proactive approach speaks volumes about their commitment to nurturing the companies they invest in. It’s not just about injecting funds; it’s about rolling up their sleeves and getting deeply involved in the success stories they help create.
In any successful venture capital firm, having a stellar team is paramount. Alongside Schlein are four other talented general partners: Kevin Mandia, Barmak Meftah, Jake Seid, and Roger Thornton. Each member brings their unique expertise and network to the table, amplifying Ballistic Ventures’ reach within the industry.
Last year saw a strategic move by Ballistic Ventures when Gregory Crabb was appointed as CISO-in-residence. Such appointments underscore the firm’s dedication to fortifying its portfolio companies against cyber threats – a critical aspect given today’s digital landscape where data breaches loom large.
Investment decisions are at the core of what firms like Ballistic Ventures do best. With investments made in 59 startups so far and notable exits under their belt, including GetReal Labs’ recent Series A round announcement worth $17.5 million – it’s evident that their strategy is yielding results.
Cybersecurity remains a hot sector for investment opportunities globally due to escalating cyber threats targeting businesses across all industries. In 2024 alone, venture funding in cybersecurity surged by 43%, totaling $11.6 billion through 639 deals sealed – showcasing an increasing appetite for securing digital infrastructure worldwide.
As Ballistic Ventures gears up for this significant fundraising endeavor towards its new fund launch, there’s no doubt that Ted Schlein’s visionary leadership will continue to steer them towards backing groundbreaking innovations within cybersecurity and beyond.
