Santa Barbara Venture Partners Featured in Pacific Coast Business Times

posted on August 16, 2025
Santa Barbara Venture Partners Featured in Pacific Coast Business Times

Santa Barbara Venture Partners (SBVP) just closed a $25 million Fund II and they’re already putting it to work. Featured in Pacific Coast Business Times, the article highlights SBVP’s disciplined, LP-first approach to venture capital, one that’s producing real returns and breaking from Silicon Valley convention.

What the Firm Said:

“For us, it’s a way to de-risk the portfolio and make sure we’re capturing profits as we go,” said founder and managing partner Dan Engel. “It’s a strategy our limited partners have been really, really pleased about.”

About the Article

The article spotlights how SBVP navigated the post-pandemic tech downturn to emerge as one of the few firms able to raise a second fund. Their approach? A focus on capital-efficient startups, smart timing, and geographic arbitrage. Instead of holding positions indefinitely, SBVP trims equity as valuations rise locking in early wins and returning capital faster than most funds.

Key takeaways from the story:

  • Fund 1 still showing strength
  • Fund 2 already delivering gains
  • Preference for Series A–C companies with $2M–$50M in revenue and strong growth
  • Active investments in underserved markets like the Midwest and Southeast

Why It Matters

In a venture landscape where many funds are stuck waiting for exits, SBVP is showing what it looks like to reward LPs faster and smarter. Their strategy isn’t based on hype or unicorn hunting, but on real revenue, reasonable multiples, and calculated timing. That’s a story the industry is ready to hear and this feature in Pacific Coast Business Times brings it to the forefront.

Want to Learn More

Read the full article on Pacific Coast Business Times website: https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2025/08/16/funding-success-santa-barbara-venture-partners-closes-25m-fund/

Want to Turn Strategy into Story?

Escalate PR helps VC firms like SBVP land media coverage that highlights what makes them different and why it matters to LPs, founders, and the broader industry.

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FAQs

Who is Santa Barbara Venture Partners?

Founded in 2020, SBVP is a venture capital firm that invests in capital-efficient software and tech-enabled businesses, with a focus on overlooked geographic markets and earlier-stage growth companies. Unlike traditional VCs that wait for a full exit, SBVP captures gains throughout a company’s growth returning capital to LPs sooner and de-risking the portfolio.

Does Escalate PR work with VC firms and their portfolio companies?

Yes. Escalate PR partners with venture capital firms, growth equity investors, and their portfolio companies to craft earned media strategies that raise firm visibility, support fundraising, and strengthen brand value across the portfolio. From fund closes to founder stories, we help VCs turn moments into momentum.

Why is this feature in Pacific Coast Business Times important from a PR perspective?

It’s a feature in a trusted regional business outlet, tailored for LPs, entrepreneurs, and the local innovation economy. It reinforces SBVP’s credibility as a disciplined, performance-driven firm and gives them a shareable, evergreen narrative that differentiates them in a crowded funding environment.