Stage

We're deeply grateful for Dan's visionary leadership and immense contributions to Stage over the past 15 years. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have been instrumental in shaping Stage into everything it is today. While we'll miss his daily presence, we're thrilled that he'll continue to be involved as an advisor. We're so excited for Dan as he embarks on this new chapter, spending more time with his family and pursuing new ventures. And although he's stepping back, we know we'll still be seeing plenty of him – his insights and experience will continue to be invaluable to our team and portfolio companies. From all of us at Stage, we wish Dan the very best in his next chapter. Here's to new beginnings and the lasting impact of great leadership!

"You already have a great team. You already know the market. You have everything you need. Trust it, make a choice, and go." This week our General Partner, Krista Morgan, shared game-changing insights on the Practical Founders Podcast, debunking the "growth at all costs" myth in SaaS. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Krista unveiled a pragmatic approach to building sustainable, profitable tech companies that challenges conventional startup wisdom. Key takeaways from the episode: • Why rapid growth fueled by VC funding isn't always the answer • Current trends in M&A for practical SaaS companies • The benefits of acquisition-based growth vs. organic growth • Strategies for approaching potential future acquirers We're committed to providing alternative growth paths for venture-funded SaaS companies. Learn how we're reshaping the tech landscape by listening to Krista's full interview: https://lnkd.in/gSfs9Ra9 #SaaS #TechStartups #VentureCapital #PracticalGrowth

Proud to spotlight our portfolio company StrongArm Tech, who continues to revolutionize workplace safety with their latest innovation—the SafeWork Sensor. This wearable device is helping companies: • Reduce workplace injuries by up to 89% • Achieve a 250%+ ROI • Empower workers with real-time safety feedback Their AI-powered solutions are protecting essential workers daily while driving operational excellence for clients. Congratulations to the StrongArm team on their continued growth and innovation in workplace safety tech! Discover how Strongarm is revolutionizing workplace safety: https://lnkd.in/dWCsaKe #PortfolioSpotlight #WorkplaceSafety #Innovation

Silicon Valley's reign as the tech hub is over. Tech is now a truly global marketplace; our exit strategy should be, too. We're so excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Germany-based Carlsquare that's opening up Stage portfolio companies to a worldwide network of buyers, enhancing our ability to execute successful exits and achieve superior returns for investors. Our founder Dan Frydenlund and Carlsquare's John "Coop" Cooper recently sat down to discuss how this collaboration enhances Stage's M&A strategy by enabling: • Proactive exit planning from day one • Access to 180+ bankers across 8 countries • Ability to achieve higher returns for investors faster Read the full blog to hear insights from Dan and Coop and learn how we're maximizing exit value in today's global tech landscape: https://lnkd.in/gjzs8iaj #TechMandA #GlobalTech #ExitStrategy #PrivateEquity

🚀 Meet the Marketing Powerhouse Behind Stage Fund: CleverFunnel Digital We work tirelessly to make sure we’re empowering our portfolio companies with top-tier resources. That's why we're proud to spotlight our in-house marketing agency, CleverFunnel Digital – a true game-changer on our team. Why is CleverFunnel one of our most valuable assets? ✅ Strategic Growth: CleverFunnel's expertise drives the strategy and growth of both our portfolio and Stage Fund itself. ✅ Comprehensive Support: From carefully crafting engaging email newsletters to managing our social media presence, CleverFunnel does it all. ✅ Web Wizardry: They design and maintain websites that help drive traffic and truly represent our portfolio companies' visions. ✅ Content Creation: Constantly producing compelling blogs and case studies that keep our stakeholders informed and engaged. Simply put, CleverFunnel Digital is the backbone of our marketing efforts. Their diverse skill set and dedication to excellence make them an indispensable part of the Stage Fund family. We couldn't imagine our journey without the CleverFunnel team by our side. Interested to find out what they could do for your company? Connect with Chelsea to find out how we can help you grow: Chelsea@CleverFunnel.com #StageFund #CleverFunnelDigital #MarketingExcellence #PortfolioGrowth #StartupSupport

AI is here to stay, but funding is getting tougher. What's next for promising AI startups? Read our take on the changing landscape and how smart companies are adapting. #AIStartups #VentureCapital #AlternativeFunding #PrivateEquity #TechInvestment

Shopping online should be seamless, enjoyable, and tailored to your unique preferences. Imagine browsing through your favorite website, looking for that perfect outfit for a special occasion, or seeking advice on the latest trends. We understand that every interaction counts. At Linc, we're passionate about enhancing your shopping journey through the power of conversational AI. Our chatbots and messaging platforms are designed to engage with you in real-time, providing personalized recommendations and support based on your specific needs. Whether you're asking "What do I wear to the beach?" or "I want to look my best for a date," our AI is here to assist. But it doesn't stop there. By integrating Linc with cutting-edge personalization technology, we ensure that your experience is not only personalized but also cohesive across all channels. This synergy isn't just about convenience; it’s about delivering a superior customer experience. Studies show that this integrated approach can boost conversion rates by 15%-20%, as it guides you towards products that truly resonate with your style and preferences. We're committed to redefining your online shopping experience. Are you ready to discover a new level of personalized engagement? Join us in transforming how you shop, interact, and enjoy every moment of your journey. #Personalization #ConversationalAI #CustomerExperience #Ecommerce #Retail

Happy Independence Day from all of us at Stage Fund! 🇺🇸 We hope you're enjoying a beautiful day outside, celebrating with friends and family. Whether you're grilling, watching fireworks, or simply relaxing, take a moment to appreciate the day off. Have a safe and joyful Fourth of July!

I am thrilled to announce that Stage Fund currently has 5 investments in the market for exit. These investments reflect the hard work and dedication of the past 5 years across Fund 1 and Fund 2, showcasing the effectiveness of the model I developed 15 years ago. Our journey began with a simple philosophy: identify strong companies at pivotal moments needing new investors and a renewed focus on profitability. This model is challenging, hands-on, and often tough, but it’s also where real value is created. My early career experiences with two brilliant billionaires and some of the finest venture capitalists in the business taught me the importance of staying true to your model. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with top-notch Venture Equity Investors and Venture Debt Lenders to find opportunities that offer future growth and debt recovery. A special shoutout to John A. (Coop) Cooper from Carlsquare. Coop has been a valuable partner for years, providing guidance and achieving successful outcomes for several of my Limited Partners. Here’s to continued success and exciting exits ahead! #Investment #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Success #StageFund

Here's the thing: change is inevitable. Markets shift, technologies disrupt, and companies face new challenges that can threaten their stability and long-term viability. It's during these critical moments that restructuring becomes paramount. Restructuring is not a band-aid solution. It's a proactive approach that allows companies to adapt, transform, and unlock their full potential. By recognizing the need for change and taking decisive action, businesses can navigate turbulent times and emerge stronger, leaner, and better positioned for success. It's also not a one-size-fits-all solution. Restructuring requires a tailored approach that takes into account the unique circumstances of each organization. This often involves bringing in seasoned experts who can help you navigate the specific challenges at play and avoid potential pitfalls. The ability to adapt and transform is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. Embracing restructuring services can empower your company to overcome obstacles, seize new opportunities, and unlock its true potential, ensuring you remain on top in the face of adversity.