It’s no accident we’re called Bonfire. Startups don’t explode out of nowhere—they’re built deliberately, with the right spark, the right fuel, and the right people tending the flame.
That’s how we invest: intentionally, energetically, and in it for the long burn.
We don’t try to be everything to everyone. But when we go in, we go deep—with meaningful, early-stage support rooted in real experience. Our job is to help you turn early traction into enduring momentum.
Believing in you is the baseline—here’s what we actually do.
We work closely with founders on company positioning, narrative, and go-to-market strategy, especially in the first critical quarters post-fundraise as they establish PMF.
Whether you're hiring your first Head of Product or leveling up your sales team, we’ll connect you with trusted recruiters and vetted operators from our network who’ve done it before.
We work closely with our founders to identify areas for personal growth, clarify key business priorities, and establish effective management rhythms—especially as they bring on execs.
We help you identify the key milestones required for raising additional capital and then assisting in crafting the right story and connecting you with the right people when it’s GO time.
While we focus exclusively on B2B software, we invest across industries like fintech, future of work, healthcare, legal tech, go-to-market tools, and beyond. Our founders are operators who’ve lived the problem and set out to build the solution.
"Partnering with Bonfire was undeniably the best decision we've made at Boulevard."
“From our first meeting in person together, Jen & Jim have felt like an extension of our executive team. Founder-first, decisive, and relentless about unlocking growth for our company.”
“Bonfire has been an incredible partner to Orbifold AI. Brett Queener has gone far beyond investor—he’s been a coach and mentor across GTM, hiring, and org design. His support has been foundational to our early growth.”
“Bonfire is for the founder with a chip on their shoulder—told their ambition is “too big” or “impossible”—and refuses to listen. It’s a GSD firm for long-game builders who want to change their corner of the world.”
“Jim and the Bonfire team have shown unwavering commitment to our growth—even in the toughest moments. They’re selective about who they back—and it shows. Strategic, hands-on, and down-to-earth, they feel more like part of your team than just investors.”
“Bonfire’s been with us since day one—through every high and low. They’ve been a steady hand and a true partner in our corner.”
“They’re the rare investor who goes beyond advice to actively help us tackle challenges, making them my top recommendation for any startup founder.”
“Working with Bonfire has allowed us to accelerate the company's progress faster than I could have on my own. Bonfire's culture is kind, humble, and hungry, and so is its community of founders.”
“They’re thoughtful, no-ego collaborators with deep B2B SaaS expertise—and they consistently go above and beyond to help us build a high-impact company. We're big fans of the entire Bonfire team.”
“Six years ago, partnering with Bonfire became one of the most impactful decisions I’ve made as a founder. Their commitment shines in both the wins and the hard calls. For anything strategic, Brett’s my first call.”
“Not every chapter of a startup story is glamorous—and Bonfire gets that. In the hard moments, they lean in. No pretense, no posturing—just real commitment to helping you move forward and get back to building something iconic.”
“Partnering with Bonfire has been incredible—the team is supportive and their guidance is always clear, concise, and immediately actionable. I highly recommend them to fellow founders.”
“Direct, honest, no BS. They ask the right questions and are there when you need them.”
“Lots of trust and no sugarcoating. Always available (like they truly mean that).”
“Bonfire’s been in my corner across two companies — and for good reason. They show up, do the work, and actually move the needle. Mark’s day-to-day support has been a secret weapon, and Brett, Jim, and the team aren’t just present — they’re in the trenches. They are exactly who you want on your cap table when it counts.”
“Bonfire is so much more than just an investor - they are our ally, advocate, and mentor. Jim is my first call for both strategic and mundane topics. Bonfire especially stands out in my mind as incredibly founder-friendly and aligned.”
“There's no other investor like Bonfire. It's simple, they show up, they keep their word, and they will grind just as hard as you.”
“I've worked with the Bonfire team for over two decades and they provide the highest value every step along the founder journey. From their deep domain expertise, valuable pattern recognition, and a founder-first approach they continue to be a true partner every day.”
“Bonfire doesn’t just invest -- they push us to move faster, think bigger, and build smarter. We’re a stronger company because of them.”
“Jim and the bonfire team always punch above their weight, and Jim remains the most important part of our journey as a committed, thoughtful, long-term partner who masterfully balances what’s best for the company and the investors.”
“I’m proud to call us a Bonfire company. Some VCs invest in momentum—Bonfire helps create it.”
“Mullen and the Bonfire team are that rare breed of VC—unflinchingly honest, impeccably ethical, and annoyingly right most of the time.”
Quotes from Our Co-Investors
“We’re always glad to co-invest with Bonfire. Their deep focus and operational expertise consistently help great companies reach their potential. Founders trust them—and so do we.”
“Mark is that rare VC who shows up prepared, asks the hard questions, and still makes founders feel like you’re all on the same team. I’d jump at the chance to work with him again.”
“Bonfire is by far our most frequent follow-on investor, with eight deals together (including exits to Google and Microsoft), and hopefully more to come. They’re our go-to firm for enterprise software because, simply put, they put in the work. In good times and bad, they’re proactive, constructive, and fully engaged in helping founders execute and scale. If given the choice, I would bet that every one of those eight founders would pick Bonfire as their lead investor again without hesitation.”
“Mark and Dominique are true partners—thoughtful investors who apply deep operational insight to help founders succeed. They’ve been exceptional collaborators and genuinely great to work with.”
“Bonfire has been a trusted partner across multiple investments. They bring a clear understanding of enterprise business models and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. The team operates with integrity, insight, and a strong sense of partnership.”
“Bonfire is exactly who you want at your side when starting a company—low-volume, high-conviction, and high-support.”
“We’ve co-invested with Bonfire on five companies—and I hope it’s 50 someday. They back exceptional founders and show up as real partners, through both the highs and the inevitable lows. They’re not afraid of tough conversations and work shoulder to shoulder with founders to solve real problems.”
“Brett and I sit on a board together, and Bonfire’s reputation as the go-to seed firm for B2B is well-earned. Brett does what he says he’s going to do, pushes founders to grow, and is a great board partner. At Ensemble, we’re always looking for ways to team up with Bonfire.”
“Every founder should have a board member like Brett. He’s prepared, insightful from his operating experience, and never takes himself too seriously.”
Learn what we look for in founding teams and traction metrics.
