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Ravi Mohan
Retired ex Venture Capitalist and Advocate of Founders, Management and Employees
Professional Background
Ravi is a distinguished figure in the realm of venture capital as a Managing Director and co-founder of Shasta Ventures, a prominent early-stage investment firm managing over $1.3 billion in assets. With a keen focus on software investments, Ravi has dedicated his career to supporting innovative entrepreneurs who bring unique product and market insights. His strategic investments have helped shape numerous high-growth companies in the data and analytics, SaaS applications, and infrastructure management sectors. Ravi’s approach is characterized by his expertise in product/market fit and team building, often translating complex business concepts into actionable strategies.
At Shasta Ventures, Ravi has played a pivotal role in the investment landscape, leading key investments in notable companies such as Lucidworks, Highspot, SendBird, LeanData, and CommerceIQ. Moreover, he contributes his governance and strategic insights as a board member for multiple entities including Vfunction, Resilinc, and Suplari, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing businesses through targeted support and expertise. Ravi's leadership also extends to investments in companies that have undergone significant exits; he has been involved with the acquisition of startups like Appsheet (by Google), Clickability, and Volometrix (by Microsoft), showcasing his ability to identify companies with substantial growth potential.
Education and Achievements
Ravi's educational background lays a solid foundation for his thriving career in technology and entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University, a prestigious institution known for fostering innovation and analytical thinking. Following his undergraduate studies, Ravi pursued an MBA with the highest distinction from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he honed his strategic and operational skills in a competitive business environment. Notably, he was a member of the second class of Kauffman Fellows, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and leadership in entrepreneurship.
Before co-founding Shasta Ventures, Ravi accumulated experience in various high-profile roles that equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the software industry. As a general partner at Battery Ventures, he developed a successful track record, achieving a remarkable 4X return on capital through eight investments in enterprise software and technology-enabled service companies. His earlier career at Accenture, Hyperion Software Corp., and McKinsey & Company allowed him to deepen his technical knowledge while also developing a keen sense of market dynamics, which he leverages to this day.
Noteworthy Contributions
Throughout his career, Ravi has made significant contributions to the venture capital landscape, demonstrating a consistent ability to identify and cultivate innovative companies. Not only has he led successful investments in startups, but he has also served on various boards, driving strategic initiatives and guiding entrepreneurs to scale their businesses effectively. His role at overarching firms such as Shasta and Battery Ventures emphasizes his significant influence in venture capital, particularly in technology, where he continues to foster the next generation of groundbreaking firms and solutions.
Ravi’s passion for technology and entrepreneurship is evident not just through his career achievements, but also through the myriad of companies he has supported and advised. His collaborations with companies like Anaplan, Finsphere, and Apptio, now valued significantly higher post-acquisition, illustrate how his investment philosophy underscores a deep understanding of market needs and growth trajectories. Furthermore, Ravi's extensive organizational involvement showcases his dedication to mentorship and community-building within the industry.
Achievements
- Managing Director and Co-Founder of Shasta Ventures, managing over $1.3 billion.
- Key leader in investments with companies including Lucidworks, Highspot, and SendBird.
- Successful investments resulting in 3 acquisitions and a public company while at Battery Ventures, yielding a 4X return on capital.
- Holds a B.S. degree from Cornell University and an MBA with the highest distinction from the University of Michigan.
- Kauffman Fellow (second class), a prestigious program for emerging leaders in venture capital.
