Professional Overview
Brad Feld is a highly experienced early-stage entrepreneur and venture capitalist, serving as a Partner at Foundry since January 2007. Foundry is a Boulder, Colorado-based venture capital firm focusing on early-stage information technology investments. Brad is also a Co-founder of Techstars (since 2006), a global startup accelerator network, and the Managing Director of Intensity Ventures since 1995. His investment and entrepreneurial career spans over 35 years starting in 1987.
Brad is recognized as one of the leading voices in venture capital, startup mentorship, and community building. With a significant following of over 336,000 on LinkedIn, his influence extends beyond investing into thought leadership on entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems, and venture financing.
Educational Background
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- S.B. (Bachelor of Science), 1983 – 1987
- MIT Sloan School of Management
- S.M. (Master of Science), 1987 – 1988
Roles and Responsibilities
At Foundry, Brad is a Partner and co-founder, involved in shaping early-stage investment strategy, fundraising, portfolio management, and actively mentoring startup founders and fund managers. Foundry Group’s focus is on early-stage software and internet companies across the United States.
Through Techstars, Brad has been instrumental in creating one of the world’s premier accelerator programs, helping hundreds of startups raise capital, scale operations, and succeed globally.
Brad also serves as Managing Director of Intensity Ventures, maintaining long-term involvement in startup incubation and venture activities.
Areas of Expertise
Brad's core competencies include:
- Venture Capital & Fund Investing
- Startup Mentorship & Ecosystem Development
- Entrepreneurial Community Building
- Business Strategy and Corporate Development
- Technology Entrepreneurship
- Startup Financing and Valuation
- Fundraising and Due Diligence
- Software, SaaS, and Cloud Computing
- Business Modeling and Analytics
- Strategic Partnerships and Board Governance
His strength lies in building sustainable startup communities and supporting founders through a “Give First” mentorship philosophy, emphasizing mentorship without strings attached to create lasting entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Thought Leadership and Publications
Brad Feld is a prolific author and speaker. His published works focus heavily on entrepreneurship, venture capital, startup ecosystems, and mentorship. Notable books include:
- Give First: The Power of Mentorship (2025)
Advocates for altruistic mentorship as a key to building lasting communities and entrepreneurial success.
- The Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche: A Book for Disruptors (2021)
Combines philosophy with entrepreneurial insights to inspire disruptive innovation.
- Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City (2nd Edition, 2020)
Offers a blueprint to develop thriving startup ecosystems beyond traditional tech hubs.
- The Startup Community Way: Evolving an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (2020)
Explores complex systems theory as applied to entrepreneurial communities and advises stakeholders on ecosystem development.
- Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist (2nd Edition, 2019)
Co-authored with Jason Mendelson, this book is a definitive guide to understanding and negotiating venture capital deals.
- Do More Faster: Techstars Lessons to Accelerate Your Startup (2nd Edition, 2019)
Shares practical advice from the Techstars network on accelerating startup growth.
- Startup Opportunities: Know When to Quit Your Day Job (2017)
Provides early-stage guidance to assess and pursue viable business ideas.
Brad’s authored books, combined with his active blogging and extensive public speaking, have cemented his role as a central figure in startup and venture capital education.
Recent Professional Activities & Public Presence
Brad actively participates in public discussions on entrepreneurial ethics, AI innovation policy, and startup community dynamics through podcasts, interviews, and social media. Some recent highlights:
- Vocal on AI regulation and innovation policy in Colorado, advocating for balanced bipartisan approaches to protect both consumers and innovation.
- Co-host and guest on numerous podcasts focused on venture capital lessons, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, including shows like “Give First,” “Driving Alpha,” and “The Shades of Entrepreneurship.”
- Publicly endorses the value of long-term, authentic business relationships built on empathy, resilience, and mission-driven motivation.
- Continues to engage with the entrepreneurial community through events such as board governance roundtables and startup mentoring sessions.
Network and Influence
- Founding partner of Foundry Group, a highly respected VC firm with a strong track record of investments in successful tech companies, including SendGrid (IPO) and others.
- Co-founder of Techstars, a globally recognized accelerator supporting thousands of startups worldwide.
- Runs the Anchor Point Foundation with his wife Amy Batchelor, indicating involvement in philanthropic activities related to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Recognized by peers and mentees for his visionary leadership, practical impact, and mentorship ethos.
Key Insights for Engagement
- Brad Feld’s investment philosophy and mentorship approach centers around the “Give First” principle, which emphasizes generosity of time and resources without transactional expectations, cultivating robust and enduring relationships.
- His background is deeply rooted in founding and scaling ecosystem-building platforms, making him a prime advocate for community-driven startup growth as opposed to isolated venture investment.
- With decades of VC experience, Brad provides real-world insights into deal structuring, fundraising, and scaling startups, valuable to companies seeking growth capital or strategic partnership.
- His significant presence in Boulder and broader U.S. startup communities underscores a strategic interest in innovative software and internet ventures, especially those that contribute to community development.
- As an advocate for long-term vision and adaptability, Brad values startup resilience, mission-driven founders, and leaders who view setbacks as learning opportunities.
LinkedIn Profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfeld/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfeld/)
Foundry Group: [http://www.foundry.vc](http://www.foundry.vc)
Official Blog: [http://www.feld.com](http://www.feld.com)
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This profile positions Brad Feld as a veteran venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader whose expertise and philosophy strongly influence startup ecosystems, early-stage investing, and mentorship culture in the technology sector.
