Austin Ventures (AV) is a private equity firm focused on venture capital and growth equity investments in business services and supply chain, financial services, new media, Internet, and information services companies nationally with a focus on Texas. The firm, which is based in Austin, Texas, was founded in 1984. AV has raised approximately $3.9 billion since inception across ten private equity funds. In September 2008, the firm announced the closing of Austin Ventures X with $900 million of investor commitments which will be used to fund start-up capital for emerging companies and growth capital for expansion rounds and recapitalizations.
 
CEO-in-Residence Program
In early 2003, AV initiated the CEO-in-Residence program, where they partner with proven, entrepreneurial CEOs to pursue value-creation opportunities in segments of mutual interest.
Austin Ventures proactively seeks to buy and build companies in markets where their CEO partners have experience. They work closely with their CEO partners by assisting with deal flow, supporting the recruitment of their team, driving due diligence efforts, refining investment and business strategy, and providing transaction expertise.
Several AV Partners are continually developing investment themes and simultaneously seeking out talented executive entrepreneurs with whom to partner in this program. Jeff Browning, AV Recruiting Partner, leads AV's effort from a recruiting process perspective. AV looks for CEOs to work with in several areas including:
Business Services and Supply Chain, Financial Services, Information Services, New Media, Software & Internet, Texas Special Situations
 
Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program
Similar to the CEO-in-Residence program, Austin Ventures partners with visionary entrepreneurs and startup executives to build category-defining technology companies. AV focuses on seed and rapid growth opportunities in:
Business Services and Supply Chain, Financial Services, Information Services, New Media, Software & Internet, Texas Special Situations
 
Portfolio
The portfolio includes HomeAway, Bazaarvoice, WhaleShark Media, Dachis Group, Spiceworks