
Toba Capital
Description
Toba Capital, founded by technology veteran Vinny Smith, the former CEO of Quest Software, is a prominent investment firm deeply committed to fostering the growth of innovative technology companies. Based in Newport Beach, California, the firm primarily focuses on the B2B enterprise software sector, leveraging its deep industry knowledge and operational expertise. Toba Capital distinguishes itself through a flexible, multi-stage investment approach, spanning from early-stage seed rounds to significant growth equity investments and even large-scale buyouts. This broad mandate allows them to support companies throughout their lifecycle, adapting their capital deployment to the specific needs and maturity of each venture.
The firm's investment philosophy is heavily influenced by Smith's extensive experience in building and scaling successful software businesses. Toba Capital is not merely a capital provider; it actively partners with its portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a vast network of industry contacts. This hands-on approach is designed to accelerate growth, optimize operations, and help management teams navigate the complexities of scaling a technology enterprise. Their commitment extends beyond financial backing, aiming to create long-term value through active collaboration and mentorship.
Toba Capital's investment scope is reflected in the diverse range of its portfolio and the varying sizes of its initial commitments. For instance, they have participated in seed rounds, such as a $1.5 million investment in SalesHood, demonstrating their willingness to back promising startups at their nascent stages. Conversely, the firm is also known for deploying substantial capital in later-stage deals, exemplified by their significant $145 million investment in Kaseya, a leading IT management software provider. This wide range underscores their capacity to write first checks anywhere from approximately $1.5 million for early-stage ventures to over $100 million for growth equity and buyout opportunities, depending on the company's stage and capital requirements. Vinny Smith initially committed $200 million of his personal capital to launch the firm, providing a robust foundation for its investment activities.
Investor Profile
Toba Capital has backed more than 124 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 47 rounds, about 38% of its total and boasts 29 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series A, Series Unknown, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Germany, Israel.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, SaaS, Analytics.
- Led 2 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1.5M – $150M.
Stage Focus
- Series A (23%)
- Series Unknown (23%)
- Seed (19%)
- Series B (19%)
- Series C (10%)
- Private Equity (4%)
- Series D (2%)
- Series F (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (91%)
- Germany (3%)
- Israel (2%)
- The Netherlands (2%)
- Canada (2%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Saas
- Analytics
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Enterprise Software
- Machine Learning
- Big Data
- Health Care
- Cyber Security
Frequently Asked Questions
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