Profile

Updata Partners is a leading technology-focused growth equity firm based in Washington, D.C. Led by an investment team averaging more than 25 years of technology experience, and who began their software careers working in operating companies, Updata invests in high-growth B2B software and software-driven businesses where the combination of capital and operating experience will help accelerate success. Updata has partnered with more than 75 entrepreneurs to date, and has raised more than $1.5 billion in committed capital.

Awards

2023 Top Growth Equity Firms

2022 Top 25 Growth Equity Firms

2022 Best Growth Investment Firms

2020 Top 25 Growth Equity Firms

Key People

Carter Griffin, General Partner

Carter Griffin is a General Partner, co-manages the firm, and has been a member of Updata’s investment team since 2005. He has more than 20 years of experience as an operator and investor in the software industry. Before joining Updata, Carter co-founded Brivo Systems and served as Chairman and CEO until selling the company to a strategic acquirer. Carter also spent four years as a Senior Vice President at Kaiser Associates, where he advised Fortune 500 clients. Carter graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in business administration. He also holds an M.B.A. from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Jon Seeber, General Partner

Jon Seeber is a General Partner, co-manages the firm, and has been a member of Updata’s investment team since 2006. He has more than 20 years of experience as a software operator and investor. Before joining Updata, Jon worked on the Business Development team inside IBM Global Services, managing key growth activities for IBM’s largest business unit. Earlier in his career, Jon served on Active Duty and in the Reserve as an officer in the United States Air Force. He also spent time as a developer, and holds two U.S. patents in network optimization and network security. Jon graduated from Duke University with a B.A., majoring in computer science and history. He also holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Braden Snyder, Partner

Braden Snyder joined Updata Partners in 2014 and is a Partner. Prior to joining Updata, Braden was an Associate at Sagent Advisors, a middle-market investment banking firm, in the Software & Systems and Aerospace, Defense & Technology groups where he focused on providing M&A and strategic advisory services to clients. Braden graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce with a B.S. in commerce, with concentrations in finance and accounting.

Funds Raised

Updata was founded in 1998 by operators from the software industry. Since then, the firm has closed seven funds totaling over $1.5 billion. The latest fund was announced in May 2022 and was oversubscribed at $608 million.

Key Investments

Since inception, Updata has invested in over 75 software businesses, completed over 55 exits, and raised more than $1.5 billion of committed capital.

Netwrix: Invested, February 2017, recapitalized by TA Associates in 2020, recapitalized by Centerbridge in 2023

Netwrix’s Auditor platform provides visibility, governance, and control over changes, configurations, and access in hybrid cloud environments; IT departments worldwide use Netwrix to increase the productivity of IT security and operations teams.

Ruby: Exited, 2023, acquired by a strategic buyer

Ruby Receptionists is the leading technology-enabled provider of live, virtual receptionist services to small and medium businesses.

Nintex: Exited, 2021, acquired by TPG

Nintex is the global leader in workflow software and cloud services that business users leverage to automate routine tasks and business processes quickly and easily, without intervention from the IT department.

Bridge2 Solutions: Exited, 2020, acquired by ICE

Bridge2 Solutions is a software-as-a-service (“SaaS”) redemption platform that connects loyalty and rewards program sponsors with leading commerce and travel partners.

HG Insights: Exited, 2020, acquired by Riverwood Capital

HG Insights is the global leader in competitive intelligence for in-use products and services. The Company’s machine generated data set powers a variety of use cases including market analysis, competitive displacement, predictive modeling, lead scoring, marketing campaigns, and client retention initiatives.

Homesnap: Exited, 2020, acquired by CoStar Group

Homesnap provides real estate agents with real-time tools and data intelligence, allowing them to manage their businesses and to serve their clients right from their mobile phones.

Storyblocks: Exited, 2020, acquired by Great Hill Partners

Storyblocks provides high-quality, royalty-free stock footage, audio, and editing tools to professional and amateur videographers, major production houses, and consumers.

PeformYard: Invested, December 2023

PerformYard is a performance management solution that helps organizations of all sizes facilitate employee evaluations, goal tracking, and feedback processes.

ContactMonkey: Invested, November 2023

ContactMonkey is an omnichannel internal communications platform that helps organizations connect and engage with their employees from anywhere.

FusionAuth: Invested, October 2023

FusionAuth is a configurable, developer-oriented customer identity platform that allows developers to seamlessly add best-of-breed login functionality to their applications.

Nerdio: Invested, December 2022

Nerdio is a Microsoft cloud infrastructure management platform that allows MSPs and enterprises to deploy, manage, and control the costs of Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Intune.

Benivo: Invested, August 2022

Benivo offers an end-to-end employee mobility management platform. Benivo’s platform helps enterprises execute new and existing employee moves by managing the entire process including interfacing with vendors and streamlining employee reimbursements.

CData: Invested, March 2020

CData Software enables customers to access and integrate data from virtually any source in real- time, regardless of where it resides—in the cloud or on-premise.

Bigleaf Networks: Invested, September 2019

Bigleaf’s SD-WAN improves cloud connectivity and internet performance. Its customers rely on Bigleaf’s plug-and-play solution to maintain consistent access to their cloud applications.

Built In: Invested, July 2019

Built In operates a network of recruitment marketing sites for local tech communities. Built In’s platform and content helps companies to attract quality talent and make better hires.

Adthena: Invested, March 2019

Adthena provides a competitive intelligence and brand protection software and data platform for paid search.

Piano: Invested, December 2018

Piano enables content and media companies to drive subscription revenues through audience segmentation, engagement, and access control management.

Jellyvision: Invested, March 2017

Jellyvision’s employee communication platform, ALEX, guides people through big life decisions, like selecting a health insurance plan, saving for retirement, managing finances, and navigating a career.

Capital Responsibility

Updata recognizes the importance of strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in creating exceptional outcomes for all stakeholders. The firm evaluates ESG considerations as part of its investment process, and assists portfolio companies in implementing and maintaining ESG best practices while holding itself to the same standards.

Updata is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The firm is a proud signatory of ILPA’s Diversity in Action initiative and is committed to building diverse management teams and boards of directors.

The firm is also dedicated to giving back to the DMV community and sponsors regular service days for various local causes.

CEO Reviews

Joseph Landes, CRO & Co-Founder, Nerdio

“We understood they were not looking to come and change what we were doing – they were just looking to add expertise. And I can tell you from the day that we met them until today, that is what they have done. They have added tremendous expertise to our company, tremendous expertise to the things I do as a CRO every day.”

Brian Pontarelli, CEO, FusionAuth

“We chose to work with Updata Partners because they believe in our approach as much as we do. They have a solid track record of partnering with the software industry’s emerging leaders, and as you can read on their website, they are software leaders, builders, hustlers—just like us and just like our customers.”

Amit Sharma, CEO, CData Software

“The quality and authenticity of the people at Updata is what makes them unique. Carter and his team are true partners who understand the operating challenges of a business and are vested in your success. They have been a great partner at the board level. They have helped add senior management (CRO, CFO, CPO). They have helped us develop key SaaS metrics as part of board reporting. They have made connections to talented employees, recruiters, customers, acquisition targets, and investment bankers, that have all helped us grow the business.”

Amanda Lannert, CEO, Jellyvision

“Updata is a thoughtful, strategic, and patient investor who looks for quality companies and plays the long game. They put customers and employees first in their counsel because they know ultimately that’s what creates great companies and therefore great shareholder value. They provide smart, unobtrusive counsel, and are a great resource for portfolio companies.”

TJ Leonard, CEO, Storyblocks

“Updata delivers on the promise of bringing an operator’s perspective to your board. They consistently provided valuable insight based on their collective experience, and yet understood the importance of empowering management to make the critical decisions about talent, strategy and product investments.”

Vadim Vladimirskiy, CEO, Nerdio

“Working with Updata has been amazing. They have met and exceeded our expectations. They are responsive and will proactively roll up their sleeves to help with a wide range of initiatives from hiring and corporate development to financial planning and vendor negotiations. No ask is too big and we are thrilled to be partnered with such an experienced and knowledgeable team who are responsive and always willing to help.”

Trevor Kaufman, CEO, Piano

“Updata has been a supportive and management-friendly investor to our company through thick and thin. I would recommend them to another CEO without any qualifiers or hesitation.”

Maria Katris, CEO, Built In

“An investor’s temperament in and out of the Board room is what sets them apart from others. This road is long, and rarely easy, Updata understands this and their temperament, and returns, are proof of it.”

Ashley Rose, CEO, Living Security

“When looking for a growth partner, industry expertise and alignment with vision were at the top of my list. Jon and the Updata team brought both and so much more; strong character, willingness to dig in where helpful, provide constructive feedback and support; they have been true partners all around.”