Decibel Partners

Decibel is an independent venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in the enterprise sector. Founded by Jon Sakoda in partnership with Cisco, Decibel combines the agility of a traditional VC firm with the extensive resources and network of a major technology company. This unique setup allows Decibel to offer significant advantages to its portfolio companies, including access to Cisco's customer base, go-to-market capabilities, and deep industry expertise​. Decibel invests in essential software used by developers, data engineers, and cybersecurity teams. Their notable investments include companies like Brightwave, Censys, and Penpot. The firm typically makes large "conviction" investments at the earliest stages, ranging from $5 million to $15 million, to help startups hire talent, build products, and secure early customers. One of Decibel’s differentiators is its strong emphasis on mentorship and support from experienced founders. Leveraging Cisco’s network of over 40 recently-acquired founders, Decibel provides invaluable guidance and support to new entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the volatile startup journey. Decibel operates with a long-term perspective, ensuring that it can provide reliable capital and support throughout the 8-10 year journey typical of successful startups. With offices in Palo Alto, Decibel is well-positioned to support the next generation of enterprise technology innovators​.