Situation

• Worked with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence to define large, worldwide opportunity in data center automation
• Discovered Network Shell – small company with innovative, protected IP, a shipping product & customers
• Made Series A investment to acquire Network Shell as launch pad, getting a 9-month jump on the competition

The Battery Difference

• Backed an EIR, whom we’d worked with at Eggrock Solutions (sold to Breakaway Solutions), to pursue the thesis
• Found Network Shell and facilitated transaction to jump-start new business: BladeLogic
• Recruited management team to scale company beyond initial product targeted at small customer base
• Guided team to smart and steady growth and exceptional operating performance

Result

• Company captured leadership position in strategic and burgeoning multi-billion dollar market
• NASDAQ:  BLOG, July 2007
• Less than 12 months later, acquired by BMC for $872M ($28 / share, a significant premium over trading price)