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Partner Information:

Title: General Partner

Location: Atlanta, US East

Blog:

Firm Rating:

Firm Information:

Type: Medium Private VC

FIRM DESCRIPTION: Noro-Moseley Partners (“NMP”) is one of the largest and most experienced venture capital firms in the southeastern United States. Since our inception, we have created six limited partnership funds totaling over $660 million in capital and have invested in over 160 companies.
NMP invests in Southeastern-based, early and growth stage companies in the technology, healthcare, communications and business and financial services industries. We invest as little as $3 million in early stage companies and as much as $10 million in early growth companies.
Over the last 25 years, we have helped emerging and growth companies realize their long-term vision by providing the appropriate financial resources, experience and foresight to take them to the next level. Our mission is to create strong relationships with our portfolio companies and entrepreneurs and to add value where needed to produce superior returns for the company, its employees and its shareholders.

Posted by
os
on 2012-03-31

PUBLIC:

The pitch process with Noro was straightforward. They were consistent in communicating the steps in their diligence process, which I found to be thorough and efficient. The team's perspective on and understanding of the nuances of B2B sales processes made them a solid fit for us.

Mike Elliott has been on our board for about two years. Everyone appreciates his tactful candor and ability to help steer conversation to productive topics.

Further, both Mike and Alan Taetle have delivered solid executive hires and potential business development opportunities.

Bottom line: Very happy with Noro-Moseley. Would work with them again in a heartbeat.

Posted by
onmy5th
on 2010-09-21

PUBLIC:

I have run two companies that took money from NMP. They consistantly show up to do real work and provide real value. They dont take every opportunity they see but once in, they dig deep and are willing to provide whatever value they can when asked. In my current assignment, I have members of the team, customers and partners I wouldnt have found had it not been for the partners at NMP. I will seek out their money and time as a first stop on my next start up.

Could be the overall climate, but this team seems tentative in their decision making right now. As compared to others I have been pitching over the recent couple of months, they were very slow in the process and seemed to always need "level 3" detail after previously saying they just needed to get to "level 2" on this or that.

On the other hand, very smart and super nice guys. Enjoyed working with them even though we are unlikely to work together for the current deal. One of the most respected southeast region VCs, according to most CEOs I know on the east coast and southeast.

We pitched Noro about a month ago. We are currently in the diligence stage. I worked primarily with Greg Foster and Mike Elliott. Both great guys. I found their team to be very easy to work with. I like their team structure of a former operator and another that is more purely aligned with the financial side. They have been very courteous during the entire process. Although this sounds like a basic compliment, it seems to be lacking in many other firms. They also seem less likely to monkey with your vision. I do not have a deep wealth of experience in this process, but it has worked well to this point.

Prior to pitching them, I had heard they don't do early stage tech deals and were a little old-school and staid. But I was introduced to a Alan Taetle, a well-respected partner who was aggressive, positive, and "got it" right away. After the first pitch, they moved fast, were willing to lead a deal or be part of a syndicate, and ended up introducing us to a great West Coast VC who co-lead our deal. They have also added a strong new partner with tech and media experience who complements the team well. So far they have added good value on the board, especially with media connections and local recruiting.

Posted by
omrebs
on 2007-11-15

PUBLIC:

I worked for a company backed by a California venture firm in the past. This was my first time to raise money on my own and I worked with Mike Elliott and Allen Moseley at Noro. They were great to work with - asked really good questions and made decisions quickly. Our company is more of a business services company so I cannot speak for how they view deeper technology or scientific investments. But if you work in business services, I can endorse Noro-Moseley highly. Great people, very well connected and they have added a lot of value to our company. Compared to a loose, uneven relationship with a highly respected California VC, I have been pleasantly surprised with the feeling of partnership that Noro creates. I am glad that we chose to take money from them - they have provided more than we expected.

I presented opportunities and always found them to be upfront and constructive. Despite not funding, they remained in touch and provided solid support and introductions as we grew and exited. French and Taetle specifically have proven willing to provide helpful thinking and always follow-up. Agreed Atlanta lacks the local VC base one would desire, but NM has played a supporting role, not a destructive one. Perhaps more conservative, but they are clear about it and, if allowed, will help with alternatives.

Very traditional money, very conservative business viewpoint. They only have one parter that is tech saavy (Alan Taetle), but have made some new hires in recent years. So, may be getting better. Like most VCs, only had enough time to attend our board meetings, but did not really have the time to dig in and understand our business. Caused issues at times at our board meetings, as they were not always in sync with us or the other investors.

Have to agree with the other comment. These guys aren't VCs. They are private equity. A couple years ago I got an email from them stating that they were looking for deals with $5M+ in revenue, a track record of profitability and an industry leader. That isn't Venture Capital.

Plus these guys are so old school they wouldn't know the latest trend in the valley if it hit them on the head.

I have done several deals in their market. My impression from pitching them is that they are more like private equity than VC. Maybe they have gotten defensive in their old age. If you are a later stage company, they may be perfect for you.