Dawit Heck
Dawit invests in application software companies across both the early and growth stages. He focuses on opportunities ranging from AI apps to traditional enterprise software disrupting legacy markets or creating new ones. He looks for great founders with businesses that have durable market tailwinds.
About
What is the first company you invested in?
I did my first investment alongside BCV partner Scott Friend in Soona, a virtual photo and video studio that leverages AI to help brands create high-quality content quickly and inexpensively. Our investment in Soona’s CEO Liz and her team is a testament to building a longstanding relationship. I first met with Liz before her Series A financing to learn more about her background, listen to her vision and find ways to be helpful as she continued to scale. While we did not invest at that time, we stayed close, talking every quarter until her Series B financing. At that point, we had a good understanding of the business, had built trust with the founding team and were well positioned to lead the round. Liz has been a tremendous thought leader, executor and product visionary. I work closely with the team to brainstorm go to market tactics, new product developments and core KPIs.
What do you love about working for Bain Capital Ventures?
The people! We have a strong team of investment professionals whose backgrounds include working in finance or consulting, to product managers, heads of GTM and engineers. The varying opinions and ability to learn through osmosis from our broader team constantly informs my own investment strategy for the better. Plus, the access we have to the full Bain Capital network provides leverage for assisting our portfolio companies and robust emerging insights for learning about new markets and opportunities.
Do you have an investment ethos?
My goal is to invest in the best set of founders building the most useful and innovative tools. Attentive, which provides an SMS marketing tool that improves customer satisfaction and boosts conversion, is the perfect example of a company I’m looking for. It checks all the boxes: I’m striving to back companies that provide immediate ROI, are easy to implement and integrate with and can work with customers of all sizes to grow both the top and bottom line of their businesses over time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient!
What is a self-care ritual you practice?
Exercise. I think everyone needs one hour in the day to decompress, no matter what that is. For me, taking my mind off the day-to-day and zoning out while getting an early workout in helps me clear my head and feel motivated to tackle the day. Oh, and I make sure to make my bed every morning!
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