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Kip McClanahan is a General Partner at Silverton Partners, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm. He is also a successful serial entrepreneur with a background in founding and leading multiple technology companies.
Kip McClanahan primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a specific focus on enterprise software, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), fintech, and data infrastructure.
Kip McClanahan works as a General Partner at Silverton Partners, a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas.
Kip McClanahan is a General Partner at Silverton Partners based in Austin, Texas. Before transitioning to venture capital, he spent over three decades as a technology executive, co-founding and leading multiple enterprise software and cybersecurity companies. As Chief Executive Officer, he guided TippingPoint Technologies to a $430 million acquisition by 3Com, and he previously co-founded Agere, which Lucent purchased for $415 million. McClanahan also founded NetSpeed, which was acquired by Cisco, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. As an investor, he has directed numerous successful venture deals, including an early investment in AlertMedia prior to its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners. He currently focuses on seed and Series A investments across enterprise SaaS and IT infrastructure, leveraging his extensive operational background to guide early-stage technology startups.
Kip McClanahan is a distinguished General Partner at Silverton Partners, a leading venture capital firm renowned for its early-stage investments in groundbreaking technology companies. Based in Austin, Texas, Kip plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of successful startups, contributing significantly to the firm's robust portfolio.
At Silverton Partners, Kip McClanahan's investment focus areas are primarily centered around enterprise software, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), fintech, and data infrastructure. His keen eye for disruptive technologies and scalable business models allows him to back companies poised for significant growth and market impact. He is known for his hands-on approach, working closely with founders and management teams to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities, drawing from his rich history as an entrepreneur and operator.
Kip's career background is marked by a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures and leadership roles. Before transitioning to venture capital, he was a serial entrepreneur, co-founding and serving as CEO of TippingPoint, a network security company acquired by 3Com. He also co-founded and led Motive, a broadband management software company that successfully went public before being acquired by Alcatel-Lucent. Further demonstrating his operational prowess, Kip served as CEO of HotSchedules (acquired by Marlin Equity Partners) and Aggregate Knowledge (acquired by Neustar), showcasing his ability to scale and exit technology businesses effectively. This deep operational experience provides him with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies, making him a highly effective investor and advisor.
Among his notable investments at Silverton Partners, Kip McClanahan has supported a diverse range of companies that have gone on to achieve significant success. These include industry leaders such as WP Engine, SailPoint, AlertMedia, Convey (acquired by One Network), SpyCloud, Aceable, SourceDay, Cart.com, OJO Labs, Stoplight, Eventus Systems, Workrise (formerly RigUp), Zello, Praetorian, OutboundEngine, Favor (acquired by H-E-B), The Zebra, and TurnKey Vacation Rentals (acquired by Vacasa). His involvement in these companies underscores his commitment to fostering innovation and driving value creation within the technology ecosystem.
Kip McClanahan's blend of entrepreneurial spirit, operational expertise, and strategic investment acumen makes him a formidable force in the venture capital landscape. His contributions to Silverton Partners and the broader startup community continue to shape the future of technology.
