Dolphin Equity Partners logo

Dolphin Equity Partners

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

Dolphin Equity Partners is a New York-based private equity firm with a strategic focus on growth equity investments within the dynamic sectors of emerging media and marketing services, enterprise services, technology, and communications. Established with a clear mandate to support companies poised for significant expansion, the firm targets businesses that have already achieved commercial traction and possess proven business models. Their investment philosophy centers on providing capital and strategic guidance to help portfolio companies scale operations, expand market reach, and enhance profitability.

The firm primarily engages in later-stage growth equity rounds, seeking out companies that demonstrate strong revenue generation and a clear path to market leadership. Dolphin Equity Partners typically looks to partner with businesses that have annual revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million, indicating their preference for established, yet rapidly growing, enterprises. Over its history, the firm has successfully raised and deployed capital through multiple funds, including a $100 million Fund I launched in 2000 and a $150 million Fund II in 2005, demonstrating a consistent commitment to its investment thesis.

Dolphin Equity Partners' typical initial investment, or first check size, generally falls within the range of $5 million to $20 million. This capital is deployed to fuel organic growth initiatives, support strategic acquisitions, or facilitate market expansion. The firm's hands-on approach involves leveraging its extensive network and operational expertise to assist portfolio companies in navigating complex market challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, aiming to drive substantial value creation for all stakeholders. They are known for their disciplined investment process and long-term partnership approach with management teams.

Investor Profile

Dolphin Equity Partners has backed more than 28 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 8 rounds, about 29% of its total and boasts 15 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series Unknown, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, India.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, SaaS, Mobile.
  • Typical check size: $5M – $20M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (36%)
  • Series Unknown (32%)
  • Series C (18%)
  • Series A (7%)
  • Debt Financing (4%)
  • Series D (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (93%)
  • India (7%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Saas
  • Mobile
  • Consulting
  • Mobile Apps
  • Analytics
  • Telecommunications
  • Wireless
  • Enterprise Software
  • Social Media
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Dolphin Equity Partners frequently co-invest with?

GrandBanks Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Needham
Co-Investments: 2
Motorola Solutions Venture Capital
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 3
M/C Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 2
Sevin Rosen Funds
North America, Texas, United States, Dallas
Co-Investments: 3
DC
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Whelan Capital Management
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
Key Venture Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
ABS Ventures
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Waltham
Co-Investments: 3
Crescendo Ventures
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 3
SoftBank Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Dolphin Equity Partners often collaborate with?

PP
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Dolphin Equity Partners?

Sportvision

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Sportvision, Inc. is the premier innovator of sports and entertainment products for fans, media and marketers. Sportvision is a privately

BroadcastingMedia and EntertainmentSports
Debt FinancingMay 26, 2010
Overtone

San Francisco, California, United States

Overtone offers a listening system that delivers consumer insights, brand performance metrics and market intelligence for companies.

AnalyticsSaaSSocial MediaSocial Media Management
Series CApr 19, 2010
Amount Raised: $7,000,000
Overtone

San Francisco, California, United States

Overtone offers a listening system that delivers consumer insights, brand performance metrics and market intelligence for companies.

AnalyticsSaaSSocial MediaSocial Media Management
Series UnknownOct 1, 2009
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
Overtone

San Francisco, California, United States

Overtone offers a listening system that delivers consumer insights, brand performance metrics and market intelligence for companies.

AnalyticsSaaSSocial MediaSocial Media Management
Series BJul 2, 2008
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Airband Communications Holdings

Dallas, Texas, United States

Airband is a fixed-wireless broadband provider offering high-speed data, VoIP and security solutions for businesses in the U.S.

MobileTelecommunicationsVoIPWireless
Series UnknownJun 1, 2008
Amount Raised: $2,500,000
TouchCommerce

Agoura Hills, California, United States

TouchCommerce provides online interaction optimization solutions that enable enterprises to increase customer conversion.

AnalyticsE-CommerceSoftware
Series DAug 28, 2007
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Mobile Armor

St Louis, Missouri, United States

Mobile Armor secures data on digital and storage devices by utilizing endpoint data encryption and authentication technology.

Developer PlatformMobile DevicesSecuritySoftware
Series AJun 14, 2007
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Airband Communications Holdings

Dallas, Texas, United States

Airband is a fixed-wireless broadband provider offering high-speed data, VoIP and security solutions for businesses in the U.S.

MobileTelecommunicationsVoIPWireless
Series CMay 29, 2007
Amount Raised: $12,500,000
Artful Home

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Artful Home helps artists get exposure and sell their work.

ArtE-CommerceLifestyleOnline PortalsRetail
Series BFeb 27, 2007
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
MaxPreps

El Dorado Hills, California, United States

MaxPreps is a website focused on high school sports helping users communicate with their sports community.

MarketingSports
Series BJul 19, 2006
Amount Raised: $7,000,000