KRISTY FRIEDRICHS (MCBRIDE)

Kristy Friedrichs (McBride) is a distinguished Partner at Operator Collective, a prominent venture capital firm renowned for its unique model of investing in B2B companies with the collective power of leading operating executives. As a key member of the investment team, Kristy plays a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and nurturing the next generation of enterprise technology leaders.

At Operator Collective, Kristy Friedrichs (McBride) focuses on sourcing and conducting due diligence for promising B2B startups. Her responsibilities extend beyond capital deployment to actively supporting portfolio companies with strategic guidance, leveraging the firm's unparalleled network of operators. Her investment thesis is deeply rooted in understanding the operational intricacies of B2B SaaS, enterprise software, developer tools, future of work solutions, and other innovative business-to-business technologies. She is particularly keen on companies demonstrating strong product-market fit, scalable business models, and exceptional founding teams.

Kristy's journey to venture capital is marked by a rich background in building and scaling technology businesses. Prior to joining Operator Collective, she was a co-founder of SaaStr Fund, a venture fund dedicated to investing in SaaS companies. This experience provided her with invaluable insights into the venture landscape and the specific needs of SaaS founders. Before her foray into direct investing, Kristy served as the Vice President of Marketing at SaaStr, the world's largest community for SaaS founders and executives. In this role, she was instrumental in building and expanding a vibrant ecosystem, further honing her understanding of market dynamics, growth strategies, and community engagement within the B2B tech space.

Earlier in her career, Kristy Friedrichs (McBride) gained foundational experience at major technology companies, including Salesforce, where she developed a robust understanding of enterprise operations, sales, and marketing. This blend of operational leadership, community building, and direct investment experience provides her with a unique lens through which to evaluate potential investments and offer meaningful support to portfolio companies. Her approach is characterized by a deep empathy for founders, informed by her own experiences in the trenches of startup growth.

Kristy's contributions are vital to Operator Collective's mission of empowering B2B innovation. She is a strong advocate for founders, providing not just capital but also strategic mentorship and access to critical resources. Her expertise helps portfolio companies navigate challenges, accelerate growth, and achieve their full potential in a competitive market. Kristy Friedrichs (McBride) continues to be a driving force in the B2B venture ecosystem, committed to backing the companies that will define the future of business.