Jim Andelman

Jim Andelman

Co-Founder & Managing Director
Vertical software, SMB software, developer-centric solutions, e-commerce tech, martech

"The longer I do this job, the more I care about the people. There is nothing more important than the integrity, competence, cohesiveness and drive of a founding team."

Favorites
Book

The Martian (back when Andy Weir self-published it on his website)

Movie

I suspect I quote Monty Python and the Holy Grail far too often

App

I’m a sucker for Alltrails

What it's like to work with me

I make suggestions not mandates.  I’m generally in a good mood.  I’m even-keeled and excel at helping founders navigate complex situations.

Interesting fact

I took a break from VC and volunteered in Yosemite for two summers, with a winter on Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol in between. Oldest guy in my rookie class!

Bio

I have spent my entire career in and around B2B software, and the past 17+ years in Southern California’s startup ecosystem as a VC. In 2005 I founded and served as Managing Partner at Rincon Venture Partners. After a string of successful co-investments with Mark Mullen, we joined forces and co-founded Bonfire Ventures to lead seed stage funding exclusively in B2B software. 

I began my VC career in the Bay Area in 1999, leading software investing for a $250M expansion-stage fund.  Now, after being a VC for over 20 years, I finally feel like I’ve shed the imposter syndrome, and actually know what I’m doing. I love the job, and I think that comes through in my interactions with founders.  I try to bring a service and servant orientation to all interactions, and my best moments (sounds cheesy but it’s true) are when I know that I’ve helped a founder or team in a way that no one else would have.  

My wife Courtney and I, along with our teen-age twin daughters, spend as much time as we can in nature: camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, etc.

What Founders Have to Say

"Never underestimate the value of calm consistent guidance. During the seed stage, it’s quite common to feel like everything is on fire as you move fast to construct the pillars of the company. Jim’s understanding and steadiness allows us to slow down and lay a foundation that feels solid for the future. He is incredibly smart and focused on helping us de-risk the biggest challenges we face at every stage of the company."

Eric Ingram, CEO & Co-Founder, Swell

In the News
Article
Jim Andelman on Insider's Top 100 Seed Investor List 2023
Jim Andelman
May 23, 2023
Article
Why We Invested in Prado
Jim Andelman
November 20, 2022
Article
Southern California's Tech Ecosystem
Jim Andelman
May 13, 2022
Podcast
Jim Andelman on The Full Ratchet Podcast: SaaS Metrics, Sales Shifts & Emerging Manager Tips
Jim Andelman
April 17, 2023
Podcast
Jim Andelman on Helping Seed Stage Founders Make Progress Towards Their Mission
Jim Andelman
May 13, 2022
Podcast
Jim Andelman on LA Venture Podcast
Jim Andelman
March 21, 2022
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