ASV Annual Virtual
Winter Party 2021
February 23, 2021
Although the ASV community normally gathers in-person for an easy holiday party, this year we took the event virtual. Four ASV II Portfolio CEOs described how they fared in a pandemic year.
Also part of the presentation was an exclusive interview with Adam Sachs, a tech founder who now leads the popular media unit, Team Coco for Conan O'Brien. Adam, Somak and Pia spoke about an Indian group dating website, Ignighter, that Somak funded in 2010 and was later acquired by IAC. (At the time, the New York Times profiled Ignighter. See that here)
Those presentations were followed by a demonstration by Michelin Starred Chef and RealEats President Erik Battes and RealEats CEO Dan Wise. RealEats is a ready-to-eat meal delivery company and recently joined the ASV portfolio. It is based in Geneva, New York.
Party Introduction (4:17)
ASV Managing Partner Somak and RealEats CEO Dan Wise introduce the ASV community to this year's virtual evening of talks, presentations and special demonstrations by Michelin Starred RealEats Chef Erik Battes. A short, edited video features three ASV Fund II portfolio companies.
An Entrepreneurial Journey (24:19)
A comic, perceptive exchange with Adam Sachs, who leads the popular media unit, Team Coco for Conan O'Brien. Adam, Somak and Pia banter about Adam's previous startup adventure, an Indian group dating website, Ignighter, that Somak funded in 2010. That outsize bet led both founder and investor to travel to India for several years. Ignighter, later called StepOut, was acquired by IAC.
Market Trends and ASV Highlights (14:38)
Somak and Steve discuss VC market trends, highlighting how ASV's contrarian thesis has endured. Coupled with the firm's careful, deliberate approach to startup risk, ASV's model remains unique across the industry.
ASV II Portfolio Updates (21:54)
Somak and ASV team members weigh in on progress last year with ASV portfolio CEOs from UCM, StorySlab and Jorsek. Presentations feature short videos on each company's proprietary SaaS platforms.
A Bite and An Old Fashioned (29:01)
Michelin Starred RealEats Chef and President Erik Battes showed how a single oatmeal RealEats snack is prepared in a commercial kitchen before it makes its way to your doorstep. Attendees received a few samples from RealEats and a cocktail kit.
RealEats CEO Dan Wise demonstrated how he stirs up his favorite Old-Fashioned.
At the end, everyone who Zoomed in to join raised a glass to toast the ASV community and portfolio.
