Smyth Will Lead and Source North American Investments For Leading Growth Equity Firm
MENLO PARK, Calif. and TORONTO, Ontario, October 20, 2010 – Bridgescale Partners, a California- and Toronto- based growth equity firm providing equity to high growth information technology companies, today announced Derek Smyth joined the firm as Managing Director. Smyth, a venture and technology industry veteran with an extensive operating background as a CEO, will leverage his company building experience and broad network to originate, source and manage new investment opportunities for Bridgescale Partners throughout Canada and the United States. Smyth has served on the board of many of Canada’s leading early stage companies and compliments Bridgescale Partners’ Howard Gwin in Canada as well as the U.S. investment team.
“Derek’s operating expertise in both Silicon Valley and Canada as well as his excellent venture capital track record make him a great addition to the Bridgescale team,” said Robert Chaplinsky, Managing Director, Bridgescale Partners. “He complements our existing team of experienced investment professionals. We expect Derek to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact to the firm.”
“Derek brings a diverse network of relationships to the Bridgescale platform, which will enable us to attract exciting new investment opportunities in the U.S. and Canada,” said Matthew Cowan, Managing Director, Bridgescale Partners.
Over the past six years, Smyth served as a Partner at EdgeStone Capital Partners, L.P (“EdgeStone”). At EdgeStone, Smyth sourced and managed investments for EdgeStone’s Venture Funds and was involved with the funds’ portfolio companies including: Decision Dynamics (acq. ACFN); Maximum Throughput (acq. AVID); Rapidmind (acq. INTC) RSS Solutions (acq. INFOR); and Solace Systems. Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of CiRBA, RedMere Technology, Rypple, Shoplogix and Varicent. Smyth will continue to manage the existing Edgestone Venture Fund portfolio in partnership with the Bridgescale team.
“With Bridgescale Partners, I look forward to leveraging my experience and network to identify the best investment opportunities and play a key role in the growth and development of American and Canadian high-growth startups,” said Derek Smyth, Managing Director, Bridgescale Partners.
Prior to joining EdgeStone, Smyth was President and CEO of Bridgewater Systems Corporation (TSX: BWC). Before joining Bridgewater Systems, he held the position of COO at Ironside Technologies. Previously, he held a number of positions with Bay Networks and Radius Inc.
Bridgescale has significant experience working with both American and Canadian entrepreneurs and companies. Bridgescale is currently an investor in Bluecat Networks, Cortina Systems, Digital Chocolate, IMVU, IronKey, Jasper Wireless, Neonova Networks, Nest Naturals, Proofpoint, Carrier IQ, Xactly and Rypple.
