Phoebe Wood
Title: Principal
Company: CompaniesWood
Based in: Kentucky
Year you began investing: In the early ‘90’s
Key companies that you’ve invested in: Boppy, TNG, RxLightning, Beam, Blue Wave Technologies
Wood’s hometown: Born in Minnesota
Lives: Louisville
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Smith College (cum laude); MBA, University of California, Los Angeles
Hobbies: Home renovation, gardening, hiking
What’s one thing you always look for in a pitch? I always watch the talent of the leadership team. How well do they work together? Do they have all the skillsets they need? Are they coachable?
What kind of deals are you interested in? I am interested in tech-enabled, scalable companies or those that have a niche protected by intellectual property (i.e. patents).
What’s been your strategy on investing in startups as many VCs have pulled back in 2023? I have continued to invest in those companies that are already in my portfolio but need additional growth capital.
What’s a Kentucky company you’ve been keeping your eye on? I strongly suggest that we watch GoodMaps, the startup that came out of the American Printing House for the Blind. They have a navigation tool that allows for navigation inside buildings where GPS cannot penetrate.
Tell us about one of your portfolio companies that is doing well. I like what RootNote in Nashville, Tennessee, is doing. They were focused on providing data to musicians, but the new NIL (name, image, likeness) Supreme Court decision has opened up a new market to them as they can provide data to athletes. They were in TechStars Sports this summer.
Best piece of advice for startups that are fundraising right now? Assemble the team, the technology, and the most compelling and comprehensive market data on why your idea will work in the marketplace.
