Meet the team
Our name implies our approach to life. We’re founders, just like you, and we operate with that same entrepreneurial creativity and passion.
Our Story
As serially successful entrepreneurs, Freestyle has been backing market leaders for the past 10 years.
Dave and Josh originally teamed up in 1997, after meeting at a tech conference at the Fairmont. That year they launched Spinner, the first multichannel Internet music service, and in 2014 Grouper (now Crackle), one of the first Internet video networks. Both companies were acquired in less than three years and sold for $320 million and $65 million, respectively. After taking a few years off, Josh and Dave joined forces again in early 2009 to found Freestyle. Their goal was to fill the current void of VC’s who were simply writing checks, and be investors that offered real-world, real-time operational advice. Jenny joined the Freestyle tribe in 2014, a serial entrepreneur herself, she dropped out of Stanford before it was cool, to found WeddingChannel.com – the first aggregated gift registry. She joined Freestyle because she shares the same fundamental beliefs about investing, but adds a new voice and perspective.
Freestyle has a common goal: to be brutally honest mentors and share strategic and operational experience as you grow your company. We are an extension of your management team, not just a VC writing a check.
We invest in 12 companies each year so you get the time and attention you deserve. Since our founding, we have invested in a total of 106 companies and have $247M AUM across our funds. Our sweet spot is $1.25M – $1.75M checks for 12-18%. We are also sector agnostic, so as long as you are a tech company, we’re here with open ears. We are most at home as your funding lead, so we will work 24x7 and deliver whatever you need to win.
Team Freestyle
We are all serially successful entrepreneurs with a startup addiction.
Dave Samuel
Jenny Lefcourt
Josh Felser
Molly Gunderson
David Bill
CTO
“Jenny works tirelessly for her companies and founders. She is your advocate, thought partner, cheerleader and, when necessary, the messenger of the tough love founders sometimes need. If you’re lucky enough to have an opportunity to work with Jenny, do yourself (and your business) the biggest favor ever and do it.”
— Caren Maio, Founder, Nestio
“You can’t ask for better seed investors than Dave and Josh. They bring to the table excitement for your vision, experience as real founders, and high respect from the investment community. And best of all, with Freestyle, you’re more than likely to have fun along the way.”
— Howie Liu, Founder Airtable
“Josh is always there for me when I go seeking advice. He always takes two different perspectives on things: what’s best for the company and what’s best for us personally. I appreciate that perspective.”
— John Esrey, Founder Juvo
“Jenny is the rarest of investors: she balances being your biggest champion with pushing you exactly when you need it most. She is crazy smart and intuitive, but gives founders the room to build their companies in an authentic way. Jenny is the best investor I’ve ever met, and I’m so proud to build our company together.”
— Sahil Mansuri, Founder, Bravado
Work with our Companies
Want to be a part of something extraordinary?
Find your new home with one of our portfolio companies.
