Comdisco Ventures

Comdisco Ventures was the venture capital arm of Comdisco, Inc., a prominent technology services and equipment leasing company based in the United States. Active primarily from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s, the firm played a significant role in financing the burgeoning internet and technology sectors. Its investment strategy was unique, often combining traditional equity investments with substantial equipment leasing and financing solutions, leveraging its parent company's core business. This dual approach allowed Comdisco Ventures to provide comprehensive capital solutions to its portfolio companies, particularly those in telecommunications, internet infrastructure, and enterprise software.

The firm typically focused on growth-stage companies, participating in Series B, C, and later rounds. While specific "first cheque" sizes varied, historical data indicates that Comdisco Ventures was comfortable deploying significant capital. For instance, the firm participated in a $20 million financing round for Corio in 2000 and made a $10 million investment in NetSolve in 1999, demonstrating its capacity for substantial commitments. Their equity investments generally ranged from approximately $2 million for significant minority stakes in promising growth companies, up to $15 million or more for leading or co-leading larger financing rounds, especially when combined with their equipment financing capabilities.

However, Comdisco Ventures' active investment period concluded with the financial difficulties of its parent company. Comdisco, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2001, a significant event that reshaped its operations. Although the company successfully emerged from bankruptcy in August 2002, the reorganized entity shifted its focus from new investments to managing and divesting its existing asset portfolio and collections. Consequently, Comdisco Ventures ceased its activities as an active venture capital investor, making it a historical entity in the venture capital landscape rather than a current participant.