Many startup founders and young entrepreneurs cite access to funding as a major hurdle when trying to establish operations in Pittsburgh. Enter BlueTree Venture Capital Fund, which Sreekar Gadde helps to lead. The fund provides Series A financing for startups based locally and throughout the Midwest. The firm also provides mentorship opportunities for companies, with Gadde himself leveraging his expertise in intellectual property strategy to guide startups on how to use IP assets to grow their business. According to the Business Times List published earlier this year, BlueTree Allied Angels/BlueTree Venture Fund is the 12th-largest venture capital fund in the region, with over $95 million in capital under management and about 20 local investments, the highest of any local fund.
What inspires you to assist startups and help provide resources to startup leaders?
The dedication and motivation of the founders to address real needs that they have experienced.
What is a challenge for Pittsburgh’s startup community, and how could it be addressed?
Pittsburgh entrepreneurs and investors need to understand that there are fundamental differences (good and bad) between Silicon Valley and Pittsburgh and modify their approach to entrepreneurship in view of those differences.
What has you most optimistic about the region’s startups in the years to come?
The gritty culture of this region. There are significant hurdles that all entrepreneurs face, especially in this region, but the culture here is to dig in harder rather than to give up and move on when faced with difficulties.
Join us at The Assembly in Bloomfield on Sept. 20 to honor our Fire Awards recipients and celebrate innovation, resilience and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
