ETF Venture Funds Rebranded as SeventySix Capital
Business Wire
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ETF Venture Funds, an early stage venture capital firm that invests in innovation-driven companies in the Healthcare, Mobile, Media & Entertainment, Greentech, and Business 2.0 industries, announced today that it has changed its name to SeventySix Capital. The new name is the final component of a multi-stage rebranding effort.
Founded in 1999, SeventySix Capital built its reputation by using a “roll-up-your-sleeves” approach to partnering with entrepreneurs and by delivering market leading returns to investors over the past decade. SeventySix Capital’s portfolio companies have created new industries, generating over $5 billion in revenues and supporting more than 6,000 jobs. Successful investments include SeamlessWeb, which was acquired by ARAMARK; Take Care Health Systems, which was acquired by Walgreens (NYSE: WAG); and Nutrisystem (NASDAQ: NTRI), whose stock price grew from less than $1 to over $70 over a five year span.
“SeventySix Capital is committed to the same principal objectives of portfolio company success, investing excellence, and market innovation that have been the hallmarks of our firm since its founding over a decade ago,” said Wayne D. Kimmel, managing partner of SeventySix Capital. “While our name has changed, we will not alter the distinctive manner in which we approach venture capital, most notably our strategy of cultivating deep relationships with entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 companies, governmental bodies, and limited partners. Our ability to source the best investment opportunities, coupled with the value of our relationship network, has enabled us to build market-leading companies and deliver excellent returns to our investors, while simultaneously creating thousands of jobs and driving innovation.”
The SeventySix Capital brand emphasizes the entrepreneurial spirit that led to the founding of the United States and the Philadelphia region’s increased importance along the New York to Washington, DC corridor.
Tony Bifano, managing partner of SeventySix Capital, noted that beyond its new brand, SeventySix Capital’s most distinguishing feature is its approach to venture capital.
“The economic dislocation that began in 2008 is having Darwinian consequences for the US venture capital industry,” Mr. Bifano said. “From the earliest days of this firm, we have employed a process-driven, heads-down focus on connecting, promoting, and growing highly differentiated businesses regardless of economic and technology-driven headwinds. This disciplined strategy transcends traditional ‘bits and bytes’ technology drivers, and instead focuses on understanding the fundamental ecosystem of a market so we can best assist our portfolio companies by sourcing talented team members, introducing strategic partnerships, and offering access to the innovation capital they need to succeed. As a trusted partner, we engage side-by-side with our entrepreneurs to bring new opportunities and offer practical strategies that enable our portfolio companies to become world class leaders in their industries. ”
The managing partners of SeventySix Capital are Wayne D. Kimmel and Tony Bifano.
Mr. Kimmel has over 10 years of experience in the venture capital industry, having made investments in such companies as SeamlessWeb (acquired by ARAMARK), Take Care Health Systems (acquired by Walgreens [NYSE: WAG]), and Nutrisystem (NASDAQ: NTRI). He was named as one of "Philly's People to Watch” by Philadelphia Magazine for being "one of 76 fascinating people whose moves, ideas, innovations and boldness will shape – and change – our lives over the next decade." Mr. Kimmel was selected as one of the Philadelphia region's “40 Under 40” young business leaders, and received PhillyTech Magazine’s “30 under 30” award. He also received the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from The Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware.
Mr. Kimmel is also known for his philanthropic and community engagement. He was a founding board member of the Center for Financial Policy at the University of Maryland, and serves on the boards of the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Jewish Relief Agency, as well as on the National Advisory Council of the Widener University School of Law.
Mr. Bifano is a successful entrepreneur and venture capital investor specializing in mobile location-based services, media and entertainment delivery platforms, social gaming, and Enterprise 2.0 companies. He brings extensive experience building and operating emerging technology businesses and sits on the boards of SeventySix Capital portfolio companies ReverbNation, meetMoi, MEETF, and Ryzing.
Mr. Bifano began his professional career as a developer in the Technology practice of Anderson Consulting. In 1996 he launched his first Internet company, which was acquired by a private equity firm, for which he was honored by Philly Tech Magazine as one of the “30 under 30” hottest technology executives in the Philadelphia region. He was also a member of the management team for Health Market Science, an INC 500 fastest growing company, which has since been acquired by a private equity firm. Mr. Bifano is a frequent speaker at universities and industry events on how to build high-growth technology companies.
About SeventySix Capital
SeventySix Capital has built a track record of innovation and investment excellence in the venture capital industry. Using an approach focused on strategic relationship management, advanced technology, and hands-on engagement with entrepreneurs, SeventySix Capital has proven its ability to grow portfolio companies into leading businesses across the world. SeventySix Capital portfolio companies have generated over $5 billion in revenues and supported more than 6,000 jobs. Portfolio companies include SeamlessWeb (acquired by ARAMARK), Nutrisystem (NASDAQ: NTRI), Take Care Health Systems (acquired by Walgreens [NYSE: WAG]), meetMoi, ReverbNation, OrganizedWisdom, and Fisker Automotive. For more information, please visit www.seventysixcapital.com .