Sierra Ventures

Early-stage venture capital firm investing in AI, SaaS, Security, Digital Health, DeepTech and more.

Venture Capital Active San Mateo, United States Est. 1982
Last updated 2026-07-20
Portfolio
1
in our dataset
Rounds participated
4
Rounds led
1
Rounds' value
$38.0M
total disclosed, rounds participated
Stages
A Round, Seed

About

Sierra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, that invests globally in next-generation enterprise and emerging technologies. The firm focuses on Seed and Series A technology companies across sectors including artificial intelligence, Software-as-a-Service, cybersecurity, digital health, and DeepTech. Sierra Ventures was founded in 1982 by Peter Wendell and is known for its knowledge-driven and hands-on approach, providing growth capital and leveraging an extensive network, including its CXO Advisory Board, to accelerate the business development of its portfolio companies.

Portfolio · 1

Investment activity

1 portfolio exit on record.

Portfolio by sector

Business Software4
Industrial Technologies1
Cyber Security1
Aerospace, Defense & HLS1

Funds · 12

  • 12 — $215M Jul 2019
  • 11 — $170M Jan 2016
  • 10 — $145M May 2014
  • 9 — $400M Oct 2006
  • 8 — $500M Jan 2000
  • 7 — $250M Jan 1999
  • 6 — $175M Jan 1997
  • 5 — $100M Mar 1995
  • 4 — $75M Jan 1991
  • 3 — $50M Jan 1987
  • 2 — $24M Jan 1985
  • 1 — $16M Jan 1985

Q&A

What is Sierra Ventures' primary investment focus?
Sierra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests globally, focusing on Next Generation Enterprise and Emerging Technologies. They primarily invest in Seed and Series A rounds.
What is Sierra Ventures' most recent fund close?
Sierra Ventures closed Fund 12 in July 2019, raising $215 million.
Which portfolio company did Sierra Ventures exit in 2021?
Sierra Ventures exited Applitools in March 2021 through an acquisition by Thoma Bravo for $250 million.
Can you name some of Sierra Ventures' portfolio companies?
Sierra Ventures' portfolio includes companies such as Applitools, which provides automated visual software testing, and Sisense, an AI-driven platform for infused analytics.
What are the investment stages Sierra Ventures typically participates in?
Sierra Ventures primarily invests in Seed and Series A rounds, and also participates in B, C, and E rounds as follow-on investments.
Which sectors does Sierra Ventures concentrate its investments in?
Sierra Ventures shows concentration in Business Software, Industrial Technologies, Cyber Security, and Aerospace, Defense & HLS sectors.
Who are the Managing Partners at Sierra Ventures?
The Managing Partners at Sierra Ventures are Mark Fernandes, Tim Guleri, and Ben Yu.
What is the typical check size for Sierra Ventures?
Sierra Ventures' investment range is between $6.3 million and $80 million.
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