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Spectrum Equity

North America, California, United States, San Francisco

Description

Spectrum Equity is a prominent growth equity firm with a specialized focus on internet, software, and information services companies. Established in 1994, the firm has cultivated a strong reputation for providing significant capital and strategic guidance to high-growth businesses, often those that are founder-led and have demonstrated profitability. Their investment philosophy emphasizes partnering closely with management teams to accelerate growth, expand market reach, and enhance operational efficiency, rather than solely relying on financial leverage.

The firm primarily targets companies at the growth stage, seeking businesses with proven products, robust customer traction, and substantial market opportunities. While they are well-known for making significant minority investments, Spectrum Equity also possesses the capability to lead larger transactions, including buyouts, depending on the specific opportunity and company needs. They actively seek companies poised for considerable scale, leveraging their extensive industry expertise and broad network to assist portfolio companies in navigating complex growth challenges and achieving their full potential.

Spectrum Equity manages substantial capital, having raised over $10 billion across its various funds since its inception. Their most recent fund, Spectrum Equity X, closed in 2022 with $2 billion in commitments, underscoring their continued strong presence and capacity in the growth equity landscape. Typically, Spectrum Equity's initial cheque sizes range from approximately $25 million to $200 million, reflecting their commitment to providing substantial capital to fuel the ambitious growth plans of their portfolio companies. This flexible investment approach enables them to support a diverse array of businesses, from rapidly scaling startups to more mature, established enterprises seeking further expansion capital.

Investor Profile

Spectrum Equity has backed more than 122 startups, with 3 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 61 rounds, about 50% of its total and boasts 49 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Private Equity, Series Unknown, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, Internet.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $25M – $200M.

Stage Focus

  • Private Equity (41%)
  • Series Unknown (20%)
  • Series B (18%)
  • Series C (7%)
  • Series A (7%)
  • Series D (6%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (2%)
  • Debt Financing (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (85%)
  • United Kingdom (7%)
  • Canada (4%)
  • Australia (1%)
  • Germany (1%)
  • Ireland (1%)
  • Sweden (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Information Technology
  • Internet
  • Saas
  • Enterprise Software
  • E-commerce
  • Health Care
  • Analytics
  • Medical
  • Finance
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Who does Spectrum Equity frequently co-invest with?

Sequoia Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
M
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
LH
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4
Goldman Sachs
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 9
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts
North America, New York, United States, Hudson
Co-Investments: 3
AT&T
North America, Texas, United States, Dallas
Co-Investments: 4
Meritech Capital Partners
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 4
Polaris Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 3
Kodiak Venture Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Wellesley
Co-Investments: 3
Tiger Global Management
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Spectrum Equity often collaborate with?

RS
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
JK
North America, California, United States, San Clemente
Shared Deals: 1
JJ
North America, Utah, United States, Provo
Shared Deals: 1
RS
North America, Utah, United States, Provo
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Spectrum Equity?

Quavo Fraud & Disputes

Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Quavo is a Disputes as a Service provider for issuers that offers end-to-end, automated dispute management SaaS solutions.

BankingFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechRisk ManagementSaaSSoftware
Secondary MarketJul 22, 2025
Quavo Fraud & Disputes

Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Quavo is a Disputes as a Service provider for issuers that offers end-to-end, automated dispute management SaaS solutions.

BankingFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechRisk ManagementSaaSSoftware
Private EquityJul 22, 2025
Amount Raised: $300,000,000
Awardco

Lindon, Utah, United States

Awardco is a human resources technology company that specializes in employee recognition and rewards solutions.

B2BEmployee BenefitsHuman ResourcesSaaS
Series BMay 20, 2025
Amount Raised: $165,000,000
Lighthouse

London, England, United Kingdom

Lighthouse is a commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry.

AnalyticsBusiness IntelligenceHospitalityHotelInformation TechnologySaaSSoftware
Series CNov 21, 2024
Amount Raised: $370,000,000
Empyrean Solutions

Woburn, Massachusetts, United States

Empyrean offers software implementation, training, and consulting to help you get up and running faster.

Software
Private EquityNov 21, 2024
Varicent Software

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Varicent Software provides incentive and sales performance management solutions for finance, sales, human resources and IT departments.

Enterprise SoftwareInformation TechnologySalesSoftware
Private EquityJul 16, 2024
BenchMark Mineral Intelligence

London, England, United Kingdom

BenchMark Mineral Intelligence is a consulting firm that focuses on price and data assessment and advisory for the energy transition.

Big DataBusiness IntelligenceEnergySustainability
Private EquityNov 16, 2023
Virtual Benefits Administrator

Germantown, Wisconsin, United States

Virtual Benefits Administrator is an IT company specializing in developing software products for the insurance and healthcare industries.

Health CareInformation TechnologyInsuranceSoftware
Private EquityAug 15, 2023
Amount Raised: $156,000,000
Netcraft

Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, United Kingdom

Netcraft is an Internet services company based in Bath which provides Internet data mining and anti-cybercrime services.

Cyber SecurityFraud DetectionGovernmentOnline Portals
Private EquityJul 18, 2023
Amount Raised: $100,000,000
SponsorUnited

Stamford, Connecticut, United States

SponsorUnited is a sports and entertainment intelligence platform enabling brands, properties, and agencies to partner more effectively.

Advertising PlatformsMarketingMedia and EntertainmentSponsorshipSports
Series ANov 21, 2022
Amount Raised: $35,000,000