Brett Hurt

Brett Hurt is a highly respected figure in the technology and venture capital landscape, primarily known for his serial entrepreneurship before transitioning into active angel investing and venture partnership roles. He co-founded Coremetrics, a web analytics firm acquired by IBM, and later founded Bazaarvoice, a prominent software company that went public on the NASDAQ. His deep operational experience, particularly in building and scaling successful software companies, provides a unique lens for his investment activities. From 2012 to 2015, he served as a Venture Partner at Austin Ventures, a leading venture capital firm, where he focused on identifying and nurturing early-stage technology companies.

As an investor, Brett Hurt primarily targets early-stage startups, often at the seed or pre-seed stage, where his operational expertise can have the most significant impact. His investment thesis frequently centers on B2B SaaS companies, particularly those leveraging data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to solve complex enterprise challenges. He has a strong preference for companies that exhibit robust network effects and possess defensible intellectual property. While his investment footprint extends beyond Austin, he is a staunch advocate for and active participant in the Austin tech ecosystem, frequently backing local founders.

Hurt is known for being a hands-on investor, offering mentorship and strategic guidance to his portfolio companies beyond just capital. He often leverages his extensive network to connect founders with talent, customers, and follow-on investors. His angel investment portfolio is extensive, reportedly including investments in over 100 companies across various sectors. For his typical first checks into early-stage ventures, the investment size generally ranges from $50,000 to $500,000, reflecting his capacity to either participate in a larger seed round or lead smaller, strategic angel rounds. This approach underscores his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.