IPivot (acquired by Intel) San Diego, CA “DCM has done a spectacular job running their firm. Their job is to pick winners, hire and fire CEO’s and provide guidance. They have done what is expected of them. Portfolio companies are best served when VC’s have money and are making decisions with clarity of thought.” - Brett Helm, CEO and Chairman of Coradiant, former President and CEO of IPivot

IPivot provided high-quality Internet Appliances that significantly enhanced transaction performance over the Internet. IPivot’s products enable customers to set policies, priorities and classes of application access that are permitted within and across IP server clusters. IPivot was awarded a United States patent in October 1997 for an Internet content distribution solution and received Best of Show Award at NetWorld + Interop 99 Las Vegas.

IPivot was acquired by Intel in October 1999 for $500 million, which at the time was Intel’s largest cash acquisition of a private company. Since IPivot, Brett Helm has returned to the DCM portfolio as CEO and Chairman of Coradiant. Brett describes his experience with DCM as follows:

“For context, I have been involved with DCM since its inception. I have been a CEO in two portfolio Companies, both successful and I am an investor (Limited Partner), in every fund, side fund and affiliates fund except one. I have been a Board member for several companies with both Dixon Doll and David Chao. I have received funding from DCM 100% of the time that I have asked. I know DCM, its partners and its operation.

I want to provide feedback as a knowledgeable reference. Specifically, I want to point out aspects of DCM that exceeded expectations.

During the brutal 2000-2006 time frame when we all know many VC partners were taking their jets to Europe or hanging out at the golf course because the VC work was difficult, the DCM partners and firm kept their heads down working away at helping the DCM portfolio companies make progress and survive. I know this first hand because I was in their offices many times during that period.

Next, during that same time period, DCM, and David Chao in particular, entered Asia as an investor. DCM was an early entrant into the Asian Market when most VC were complaining about the tech “Nuclear Winter.” Because they entered Asia so early they were able to get into great investments, were able to hire a great team and were also able to make great partnerships. As many of us know, windows of opportunities close. DCM entered into that opportunity at the right time, early and with staying power.

From what I see, DCM has demonstrated “character” as a firm and a team. This starts with the leadership. DCM is in it for the long haul.”