Paul Maeder

The Enterprise Strikes Back!

Paul Barber, Paul Maeder, Brett Rochkind, Robert Smith, Alec Ellison, Scott Sandell

Venture capital firms including NEA, Highland Capital Partners, and Vista Equity Partners are pivoting investment strategies toward enterprise software and global infrastructure to capitalize on predictable B2B returns rather than volatile consumer trends. The discussion highlights critical shifts in business models such as SaaS and freemium adoption alongside emerging opportunities in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging markets like China and Latin America. Furthermore, panelists note that despite high private valuations, strategic acquisitions remain the preferred exit path for mid-sized software companies due to limited public market depth.