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§ Venture Capital · Munich, Germany
Venture capital firm providing liquidity for VC investments in secondary markets, LP stakes, and primary funds for technology companies.
Key people at 33:Industry Ventures.
Industry Ventures is a San Francisco, California-based venture capital firm with additional offices in Washington, DC, and London, specializing in secondary market liquidity solutions prior to initial public offerings. The organization invests across the entire venture lifecycle through complementary strategies, including limited partner stakes, direct secondary purchases, and primary fund commitments to early-stage managers. As of its twenty-fifth anniversary, the firm manages $8.2 billion in assets under management, representing a $940 million year-over-year increase across its various portfolios. The firm actively deploys capital through multiple investment vehicles, including its $900 million Partnership Holdings VII fund and its $301.5 million Direct III fund, before being acquired by the global financial institution Goldman Sachs in October 2025 for over $900 million. Industry Ventures was originally founded in the year 2000 by entrepreneur Hans Swildens.
Industry Ventures is a leading venture capital and growth firm with a mission to unlock unique opportunities across the venture ecosystem by applying an entrepreneurial mindset to capital solutions. The firm’s investment philosophy centers on flexibility, reliability, and long-term partnership, supporting innovative technology companies and venture capital investors at every stage—from seed and early-stage investing to late-stage secondaries and tech buyouts. With a focus on technology-driven sectors, Industry Ventures has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern venture landscape by providing differentiated access to private tech investments, reducing risk while preserving upside potential. Its impact is felt across thousands of startups and hundreds of venture funds, making it a cornerstone of liquidity and strategic capital in the global tech ecosystem.
Founded in 2000 in San Francisco, Industry Ventures began as a pioneer in secondary venture investments, a niche strategy at the time. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Hans Swildens, the firm evolved from a secondary specialist into a full-stack venture platform, expanding its offerings to include primary direct investments, fund commitments, and tech buyouts. Over two decades, Industry Ventures built deep relationships with venture managers and entrepreneurs, establishing a robust network and a reputation for reliability and innovation. The firm’s expansion into international markets—opening offices in Washington, D.C., and later London—reflected its growing influence and the global reach of venture capital.
Industry Ventures is riding the wave of a maturing venture ecosystem, where traditional IPO exits are no longer the only path to liquidity. The rise of secondary markets, tech buyouts, and alternative exit strategies has made firms like Industry Ventures essential for venture managers and limited partners seeking flexibility and risk mitigation. As the venture capital industry adapts to a world of prolonged IPO droughts and increasing competition for top startups, Industry Ventures’ expertise in structuring non-traditional capital solutions positions it at the forefront of a fundamental shift in how venture value is realized. Its influence extends beyond individual investments, shaping how the entire ecosystem approaches growth, liquidity, and partnership.
With its acquisition by Goldman Sachs, Industry Ventures is poised to scale its impact even further, combining global institutional resources with deep venture expertise. The future will likely see expanded offerings in tech buyouts, international direct investments, and innovative capital structures tailored to the evolving needs of founders and investors. As alternative exits become the norm and the boundaries between venture, growth, and buyout blur, Industry Ventures will continue to redefine the venture capital playbook—proving that flexibility, network strength, and entrepreneurial thinking are the keys to thriving in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Key people at 33:Industry Ventures.
