Brad Feld

Brad Feld is an American venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and author known for his role in shaping startup ecosystems in the United States and internationally. He is a co‑founder of Foundry Group and an early investor in multiple technology companies. Feld has written extensively on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and community development, influencing practitioners across Silicon Valley, Boulder, Colorado, and global startup hubs.

Early life and education

Feld was born in Ohio and raised in the American Midwest, attending local schools before enrolling at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and later transferring to Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied computer science and management information systems. He completed graduate studies at the University of Colorado Boulder and participated in programs and networks connected to MIT Media Lab and regional incubators. During this period he engaged with emerging technology firms and met founders who later became partners and co‑investors in firms across Denver, Boulder, Colorado, and San Francisco.

Career

Feld began his career as a software developer and entrepreneur, founding and leading startups that operated in enterprise software and internet infrastructure markets, working with teams that interfaced with corporate clients such as Oracle Corporation, Microsoft, and IBM. He transitioned from founder to investor, joining early venture firms and angel networks that included collaborations with Techstars, Foundry Group partners, and regional accelerators. Feld served on boards and advisory councils for companies and organizations ranging from seed‑stage technology ventures to later‑stage firms listed on exchanges such as the NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange, and participated in initiatives connecting policymakers, investors, and founders in cities like Boulder, Colorado, Denver, Austin, Texas, and New York City.

Venture capital and Foundry Group

As a co‑founder of Foundry Group, Feld helped establish a venture capital firm focused on software, internet, and infrastructure companies, raising multiple funds and investing in startups across the United States and internationally. Foundry Group invested in companies that later interacted with major technology platforms and acquirers such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Salesforce. Feld also engaged with accelerator programs including Techstars, serving as a mentor and limited partner, and worked with angel investment networks like AngelList and institutional investors including Sequoia Capital and Accel through co‑investment and syndication. His investment approach emphasized founder support, community building, and repeatable capital formation, contributing to the growth of regional ecosystems in Boulder, Colorado, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and international markets such as London, Berlin, and Tel Aviv.

Writing and thought leadership

Feld is the author and co‑author of books, essays, and blogs addressing startup formation, venture capital, and founder psychology, publishing works alongside coauthors and contributors from entities like O'Reilly Media and collaborating with practitioners from Y Combinator, 500 Startups, and Andreessen Horowitz. His notable publications cover themes such as lean startups, founder‑investor relationships, and community development, and have been cited in outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, TechCrunch, and Wired. Feld has spoken at conferences and events hosted by organizations such as SXSW, Web Summit, TED, and regional conferences in collaboration with institutions like Colorado State University and civic organizations in Boulder, Colorado. He contributed thought leadership on topics intersecting with policy and economic development by engaging with chambers of commerce, startup advocacy groups, and foundations.

Personal life and philanthropy

Feld lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he has been active in civic initiatives, nonprofit boards, and philanthropic efforts supporting entrepreneurship, education, and health research. He has supported organizations and institutions including University of Colorado Boulder, local accelerators, health research foundations, and community development projects in partnership with municipal governments and regional economic development agencies. Feld has also been involved with initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion within technology and venture capital circles, working with community groups, mentoring programs, and scholarship funds connected to universities and accelerator programs.

Category:American venture capitalists Category:People from Boulder, Colorado Category:1965 births Category:Living people