Tim Guleri

Tim Guleri

MANAGING PARTNER

Tim Guleri is a former serial entrepreneur, having built two successful software infrastructure companies: Scopus Technology (IPO in 1995) and Octane Software (M&A – Epiphany $3.2 billion). He joined Sierra Ventures as Managing Director in 2001, focusing on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. Since joining, he has taken two companies public (Sourcefire – $FIRE, and MakeMyTrip – $MMYT) and has been responsible for several M&As.

Tim holds a BA in Electrical Engineering from PEC University of Technology (India) and an MS in IEOR/Robotics from Virginia Tech. His passion (outside of his family and companies) is soccer.

Focus

Insights from Tim

What kind of opportunities are you looking for in 2023

Sierra has been investing in Artificial Intelligence for the last 10 years, and in the generative AI space for the last 3 years, well before it became mainstream. We invested in companies like Quillbot (acq by CourseHero) and Modulate. With the latest advancements, we are excited to see this space flourish in 2023. The infrastructure layer is maturing rapidly, making way for new application opportunities and will turbocharge all aspects of Enterprise Software.

Vertical SaaS is another area of interest as software built for specific industries are going to continue to expand its reach into all verticals. There is a lot of value to unlock, and sometimes the toughest verticals have the most amazing SaaS companies that grow out of it. Data and Security continue to boom and now they are becoming nation-state-level investments. Infrastructure to support this boom is of great interest to us and we continue to invest aggressively in the sub-vertical.

Tell us how you’d like to be approached by a founder with their initial pitch.

I think it is important for founders to be resourceful when trying to connect with a VC. Cold outbound is always going to be challenging because, these days, most VCs openly share their email. That typically translates to a flood of inbound pitches.

As a founder navigating and extending the network, you is key. Go to meetups, reconnect with past colleagues, and find inroads to get warm introductions. This also shows hustle, which is a key attribute to be a successful entrepreneur.

I like a “prepared” mindset entrepreneur who has done their work on their target customer, the market dynamics, their competition, and me. Ie its important to have done your work on if the VC you’re pitching is the right fit from a sector and temperament standpoint.

What book do you recommend to founders?

One of the best and most practical books I have read and gift to all my founders is "The Great CEO Within: The Tactical Guide to Company Building" by my good friend Matt Mochary.

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Content

Generative AI
VentureBeat: Tim Guleri on Generative AI: ‘I’ve never been as excited and as scared in my 20 years of doing VC’
Generative AI

Generative AI in the Enterprise

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Tim Guleri on Succeeding as an Entrepreneur and VC, Sierra Ventures