Scott Friend
Scott Friend invests in application software companies, leveraging a career working in the commerce and marketing ecosystems. A former seed-to-exit founder of a successful Bain Capital backed commerce-tech analytics business, Scott is a trusted operational partner and advisor to founders at all stages.
Portfolio Highlights
About
What is the first company you invested in? Do you have any anecdotes from when you first began working together?
Rent the Runway, now a public company, was one of my first investments when I started at BCV. There are lots of great stories from the early days there. One of my favorite memories was how after launching the business in late 2009 — in time for the holidays but in the teeth of the Great Financial Crisis — the company exceeded its first year revenue plan in the first few months! They couldn’t dry clean the dresses fast enough to satisfy all the demand. We knew we had a tiger by the tail right from the start on that one.
What do you love about working for Bain Capital Ventures?
Being part of such a high caliber, winning team and culture. This is true across Bain Capital, not just BCV. I’ve never experienced this level of talent, teamwork and humility in combination, and with such powerful results, anywhere else in my career.
What are your interests and passions outside of BCV?
My family. Great literature. BUILD.org. Crossword puzzles. Being outdoors all year round.
Do you have an investment ethos?
Founder first. Great founders make the impossible happen. They see the future, are unconstrained by the odds, and create success through sheer power of persuasion, vision and brilliance. They are so inspiring to be around!
What is compelling about your domain?
The commerce ecosystem has gone through tremendous disruption thanks to the internet, mobile and Amazon over the past 15 years. And more recently, due to the pandemic and its aftermath, the trends reshaping the commerce world have only accelerated. The opportunity for founders in commerce and marketing-tech to create new businesses faster and bigger than ever before has never been greater.
What advice would you give your younger self?
As my grandmother used to say, “This too shall pass."
What is a self-care ritual you practice?
NYT’s crossword puzzle. Daily if possible, though I tend to hold them for flights. Still trying to conquer Friday and Saturday editions without a little help!
Background
Insights
Portfolio
ShopMy
Bridging the gap between creators and brands by turning authentic recommendations into revenue.
ManicubeAcquired
Making the lives of working women easier with on-the-go beauty services.
Persado
Creating AI platform offerings for C-Suite executives to motivate their team to engage and act.
Fermat
Creating highly-personalized shopping experiences optimized for conversion without a dev team.