Thank You: A Year in Review

The author, Mark, reflects on the wild ride of 2013 in the venture capital world, expressing gratitude to the people who helped him navigate through the year's challenges and successes. He acknowledges the tremendous growth of the SaaS sector and the continued rise in company creation, making dealflow management a demanding task.

• He thanks his associate team for their tireless work in evaluating new opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
• He expresses appreciation to the founders of successful companies, recognizing the unique pressures associated with rapid growth.

Thank You to the Team

Mark acknowledges the dedication and effort of various teams, including those at Maker Studios, DataSift, and Invoca, highlighting their significant contributions to the success of their respective companies.

• He commends Courtney Holt for his dedication to Maker Studios, particularly for his tireless efforts during the company's early days.
• He celebrates the achievements of the DataSift team, recognizing their commitment to international growth and customer success.
• He expresses gratitude to the Invoca team, specifically mentioning the role of SurfAir flights in facilitating their growth.

Thank You for Your Resilience

Mark acknowledges the challenges faced by companies during the year, including those who underwent transitions, faced funding turmoil, or experienced team changes. He expresses his appreciation for their perseverance and continued focus on the future.

• He acknowledges the unique stresses faced by startups, particularly those dealing with business challenges.
• He thanks his partners for their brainstorming, support, and willingness to provide guidance during challenging situations.

Thank You to the New Partners

He welcomes his new partners, Hamet and Greg, highlighting their valuable contributions and perspectives. He appreciates their honesty and willingness to challenge his thinking.

• He acknowledges the trust placed in him by limited partners (LPs), who have invested in Upfront Ventures' fourth fund.
• He emphasizes his commitment to delivering strong performance and earning the trust of his investors.

Thank You to My Family

Mark expresses his deepest gratitude to his wife, Tania, for her understanding and support. He acknowledges the demanding nature of his job and emphasizes the importance of her role in providing him with peace and stability.

• He credits Tania for the development of their two sons, praising their intelligence, kindness, and enthusiasm.
• He concludes with a lighthearted thank you to Nick Foles for making his Sundays more enjoyable with his unexpected performances.

Thank You to the Readers

Finally, Mark expresses his appreciation to the readers of his blog, acknowledging the role of their encouragement, critiques, and commitment in motivating him.

• This heartfelt message reflects Mark's gratitude for the people who have contributed to his success in the venture capital world, highlighting the importance of teamwork, resilience, and strong support systems in navigating the challenges and triumphs of the startup ecosystem.