When I started Ascend in 2019, I realized even though I was o-l-d OLD, I had more in common with the folks in town who were earlier in their professional investing journeys than the venerable VC’s I’d pitched as a founder. I admire and respect the new wave of Seattle/Pacific Northwest venture capitalists, and thought it would be fun to profile some of our region’s up and coming VC talents in these pages. —KW
Will Finney is one of the most active investors in the Seattle venture capital market. He and the SeaChange Fund team deploy ~$6M per year across a broad range of categories. And while Will is incredibly humble, he’s backed some of the region’s most successful companies. Will’s own experience as a founder and his calm demeanor make him a valuable asset to founders, and a great collaborator.
What made you decide to be a professional investor?
I have a passion for helping founders and a continuous learning mentality that dovetails nicely with venture. At the end of the day, I want to help elevate the town I grew up in. Having gone the founder route prior, resources available at an early stage were few and far between, I want to be part of that solution. Regardless of the stage of an idea/company I am always happy to meet.
What did you do before becoming an investor and how does that benefit your founders?
Prior to this I was at two startups BevPass (failed, founder) and Pivotal Living (exit 2016, early employee), and then a prior life at a macro focused currency fund. I’ve been on both sides of the equation (failed/successful). I think this translates well into my current role. The funding ecosystem is not easy and therefore compassion, time, and experience are critical components I can share to help elevate founders in the PNW.
What are your most successful investments so far?
Thrive Causemetics, CSATS, Prescryptive, Lockstep, Factal, Slumberkins, Violet
Why should founders want you on their cap table?
The network provided by our LP base is a remarkable resource and something I believe sets us apart. But, I would also encourage founders to do their own diligence on their capital partners, get out and talk with their portfolio co’s. I am always impressed when a company has independently studied up on us.
How many new pitches (actual calls/zooms) do you take per month?
It varies, but on average I take 8-10 per week.
How many new investments do you make per year?
We target 8-12 investments annually.
What's your sweet spot(s) in terms of check size, valuation, and vertical?
$500k-$750k check, valuations or caps sub $20m (ideally sub $8m), vertically agnostic
What one portfolio company do you want to hype for us here?
You’re asking me to pick a favorite child. Prescryptive. But also Yesler that we are in together. They’re both disintermediating large incumbents in their respective industries.
What do you think the next ten years looks like for Seattle/Pacific Northwest startups?
I believe that Seattle has become one of, if not the epicenter for cloud computing. Additionally we’re now a first stop for net new engineering offices and lets not forget our cities biotech heritage. This has attracted a lot of world-class talent. I hope we will better enable founders to start companies. The golden handcuffs are often hard to break but a tremendous amount of potential innovation is sitting in our own backyard. We just need to elevate the resources available to potential founders. Ken and Sean are doing a great job of this with V/O.
What song is currently getting the most run on your Spotify/Apple Music?
Glass Animals - Cane Shuga
Ford. - Dusk
Favorite shoes?
You’re going to hate this answer, but I’m on my fourth pair of AllBirds. (Ed. - he was right.)
Favorite cooking ingredient?
Going through a big spice stage over the last year, a must is Momofuku Chili Crunch and Bend Sauce Co - Hot Chipotle
Anything else to say?
Thanks for the opportunity and look forward to collaborating on more deals!