Investment Philosophy
While much of our portfolio is allocated to publicly-traded innovators in the software sector, we also invest in early stage start-ups that bear similar characteristics. Key traits we favor in companies are founder-led, rapid product development, strong go-to-market and a large addressable market. For private placements, we try to invest locally to Florida where possible and support our founders with product and technology guidance. Our background in software development and consumer product design provides founding teams with actionable direction to scale up operations, find product/market fit and avoid technology selection pitfalls.
Much of our public market investing analysis is encapsulated in the popular site Software Stack Investing, which is maintained by our team. In it, readers find regular updates on emerging trends in the software infrastructure space, deep analysis of leading providers and key insights into the competitive landscape. Most of our public market exposure is guided by the research generated on this site. The insights gained from the publicly-traded innovators can uncover opportunities and patterns for nimble start-ups. Similarly, observations of start-up activity can inform and reinforce assumptions made about trends that will impact public companies.
Finally, while we strive to maximize returns on our portfolio, we also feel an obligation to support our local community and special causes. We will bias towards private placements as close to our Florida home as possible. The greater Sarasota-Bradenton area is growing rapidly and provides a pleasant, yet dynamic, base for any start-up. Additionally, we value the contributions of our military members and will make an extra effort to support founders who are veterans of our armed services.
Peter Offringa
Principal
For over 20 years, Peter has led software engineering at several of the largest consumer Internet properties. He has held CTO or VP Engineering roles at CBS Interactive, CNET, Zoosk, Boatsetter, Catalina and Vehix, the automotive channel for Comcast. In these roles, he has been responsible for highly-scalable software infrastructure spanning multiple cloud environments. His teams have launched and maintained engaging digital experiences that delighted users across multiple devices. He intimately understands systems architecture, making critical technology choices and buying decisions.
More recently, Peter has parlayed his technology experience into direct investment in public and private companies. He is the founder of the popular investment research website, Software Stack Investing, where he regularly publishes analysis on the software infrastructure sector and its leading providers. He is often tapped for expert calls with hedge funds, podcast interviews and presentations at investor conferences. He also provides technology due diligence as part of the Investment Committee at Nassau Street Ventures.
Peter has a computer science degree from Princeton University and has served as a technical advisor for several start-ups. He is a named inventor on three US patent applications.
Allison Gregory
Principal
Allison spent the majority of her career in product development, user experience and project management roles for a number Internet-based companies. These have spanned a variety e-commerce innovators, including Hotels.com, Macy’s, Restoration Hardware, PayPal, Williams Sonoma and Sephora. This broad experience across many channels has armed Allison with keen insight into what works (and doesn’t) in delivering best-in-class digital experiences.
More recently, Allison pivoted to pursue her passion for fitness and wellness. She became a certified Pilates instructor and opened the largest private pilates studio in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Allison brings operating experience to analysis of the evolving personal health industry. Working one on one with a wide range of clients has also armed her with the understanding of the needs of individuals and where current medical options fall short.
Primarily focused on investing in start ups in the health and wellness sector, she also oversees all charitable contributions for the fund.
Allison has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Florida State University and is active in a number of environmental and civic causes.