History

Cue Ball began when a small group of us came together over a uniquely-powerful set of bonds. As a team, we have shared the joys, scars, successes and lessons of building businesses together over the past fifteen years. We wanted to dedicate ourselves to backing pioneering entrepreneurs and businesses that can help define us as part of the next generation of great venture firms. What has emerged is a model for venture capital that at once both represents a new vision and also harkens back to traditional venture values.

The earliest beginnings of Cue Ball started in Boston in 2005 when we used our own capital to build an initial portfolio and test our investment thesis. This thesis centered on a "human capital first" philosophy, the power of collective wisdom, and the belief that pioneering ideas are not mutually exclusive with rational business building. In 2008 we formalized our fund with the launch of Cue Ball Capital. One of our most differentiating characteristics is our investor base. We have established a unique value-add investor base, the Cue Ball Collective, which more than their capital, provides far-reaching relationships and deep industry knowledge.

People have asked how we picked our name, "Cue Ball." The answer is certainly not our skill level in billiards. Learn more about the characteristics and connotations of a cue ball that led it to become the moniker for our firm.