IDG Ventures SF invests primarily in privately-held, early stage, new media technology start-up companies. We take an active role in the success of our companies, seeking opportunities to provide resources and assistance at the most critical stages of their development.

We look at a range of technology sectors including :

Internet content and e-commerce
Internet Infrastructure
Enterprise Software
Mobile and Wireless
Computer Hardware

We select our portfolio companies according to well-established investment criteria. To interest us, a startup must:

offer a uniquely beneficial product or service that targets a lucrative, clearly defined marketopportunity
be able to leverage technological advantage into a defensible market position
understand the demographics, behavior and preferences of its customers
be responsive to changing market conditions,
be led by a strong management team with the vision, experience and dedication to build a successful company.

Our typical investment is $1 million to $5 million per round, with further participation in subsequent private rounds. Our follow-through is based upon our Partners' backgrounds. We come from a business perspective where start-ups can take years to flower. Patient through market and product cycles, we have a track record of sticking with our investees. We believe adding value is more than just investing money and work as a partnership with our portfolio companies to achieve success.

Though IDG is a limited partner of the fund, IDG Ventures is not a corporate fund. The firm is structured as a typical venture capital firm in that it has the mission of maximizing return on investment, but it aims to do so by leveraging the unique experience, perspective and resources of IDG to help its portfolio companies achieve success.