Bullpen Capital Introduces Andrew Trader as Operating Partner and Head of Platform
Zynga Co-founder Will Lead the Firm's World-Class CEO Coaching Program and GP-focused 'No Fleece Allowed' Conference
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2007, Bullpen Capital invested in the first round of Zynga. Sane people thought that no one would ever spend real money on virtual goods in a Facebook game.
By 2009, journalists were writing deep, considered articles like, "How A Stupid Facebook Game Makes Zynga Millions." While Zynga was approaching 100 million users, the pundits scoffed, "Time to Stop Laughing: Selling Virtual Goods, Zynga Profits on Revenues Close to $50m." Too late, the lonely cow had already taken over your Facebook feed.
In other words, Zynga was classic Bullpen, a contrarian investment in a company that was first ignored then happily hated. It became one of the fastest-growing companies in history – $1B in revenue profitably in 5 years – thanks to an extraordinary founding team that included Andrew Trader, a.k.a. "AT."
AT now joins Bullpen as Operating Partner and Head of Platform. As Operating Partner, he'll be part of our investment team. As Head of Platform, AT will lead our world-class CEO coaching program, our GP conference, and No Bull, our forthcoming podcast.
No Bull is a platform and curriculum that institutionalizes the lessons we've learned from renowned mentors like Bill Campbell, "The Coach." Its unvarnished, straight-talk approach is the hallmark of Bullpen and the best way to help entrepreneurs run their companies.
"AT is the right person to lead No Bull. As a four-time co-founder at Zynga ($3B market cap), Madison Reed (raised $70m), Coremetrics (acq: IBM for $377m), and Tribe (acq: Cisco), he's a prolific entrepreneur," said Bullpen Capital General Partner Paul Martino. "He's also a two-time VC who helped dozens of entrepreneurs at Early Impact Ventures and Maveron."
Ever since selling Tribe, one of the world's first social networks, Paul and AT have wanted to work together again.
"As a proud investor in Fund I (2010!) and a member of Fullpen, Bullpen's advisor network, I've had a ringside seat to Bullpen's "No Bull" approach. I'm super excited to work more closely with our fantastic founders. Going from Fullpen to Bullpen is about helping these entrepreneurs who were ignored, laughed at, and cast aside by the VC world.
"Why Bullpen?
"I love this team. Bullpen is unique in VC. The team speaks truthfully with its founders and has the guts to stand behind its conviction. Being direct and honest is the most effective way to help entrepreneurs grow and achieve their milestones.
"Besides launching the No Bull CEO coaching platform and podcast, I'm helping create No Fleece Allowed (NFA), the first-ever GP-focused roundtable. How is it possible there's no conference where we can speak our minds about what's working in the industry and fix what's not?
"We're partnering with Mike Maples from Floodgate to host NFA on December 12, 2018. It's time that GPs get together and have some honest (no fleece) discussions about the state of the business. We're inviting one GP from each firm to participate.
"Meanwhile, I'll be helping Bullpen look for those unloved founders with odd backgrounds, in unpopular categories, located in far-flung places. If you fit that description, get in touch with us.
"Finally, we're hiring an amazing analyst. Please let us know if this sounds like you.
I'm grateful and honored to be joining Bullpen. Thanks to Paul, Eric, Duncan, James, Rich, Wenz and the entire team!" said AT, Bullpen Capital Operating Partner and Head of Platform.
About Bullpen Capital
Bullpen Capital is a venture firm that invests in startups between their Seed and Series A rounds. This differentiated 'Post-Seed' strategy catapults startups to a supersize Series A while giving founders more control over their future. Since 2010, Bullpen has invested in nearly 80 companies projected to generate over $5 billion in annual revenues. Collectively, they have raised $1.8b in follow-on funding. Bullpen seeks out startups that have achieved product-market fit in nontraditional locations and markets ranging from sports betting and medical cannabis to the Internet of Things and the sharing economy. The portfolio includes well-known companies such as FanDuel, Wag!, SpotHero, Ipsy, and Namely. For more information visit www.bullpencap.com.
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SOURCE Bullpen Capital
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