Tacos and Tech Podcast
Neal Bloom
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Blueprint Equity’s $333M Bet on Early Growth Software
Blueprint Equity just closed a $333M Fund III - and they’re doubling down on a thesis that feels increasingly contrarian in today’s AI-fueled world. In this episode, Neal sits down with Sheldon Lewis and Bobby Ocampo, co-founders and managing partners of La Jolla-based Blueprint Equity, to unpack their “early growth equity” strategy - investing in bootstrapped SaaS companies doing $1–7M in ARR and growing fast. They share their journey from 2008 investment banking crash, near-billion-dollar exits, to building Blueprint from scratch. Along the way, they break down why they call themselves “anti-VC,” how AI is reshaping SaaS economics, and why raising less capital can actually create better founder outcomes. If you’re building in SaaS - especially outside Silicon Valley - this is one to study. Key Topics * What is Early Growth Equity? * From I Banking in 2008 to Building a Fund * The PayLease Story * Why They Call Themselves “Anti-VC” * How AI Is Changing SaaS (But Not Killing It) * Hands-On Portfolio Support * Fund III: $333M Closed * Why Great Companies Can Be Built Anywhere Links & Resources * Blueprint Equity Connect on LinkedIn * Sheldon Lewis * Bobby Ocampo This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe
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