Blueprint Equity’s $333M Bet on Early Growth Software

Blueprint Equity just closed a $333M Fund III - and they’re doubling down on a thesis that feels increasingly contrarian in today’s AI-fueled world.In this episode, Neal sits down with Sheldon Lewis and Bobby Ocampo, co-founders and managing partners of La Jolla-based Blueprint Equity, to unpack their “early growth equity” strategy - investing in bootstrapped SaaS companies doing $1–7M in ARR and growing fast.They share their journey from 2008 investment banking crash, near-billion-dollar exits, to building Blueprint from scratch. Along the way, they break down why they call themselves “anti-VC,” how AI is reshaping SaaS economics, and why raising less capital can actually create better founder outcomes.If you’re building in SaaS - especially outside Silicon Valley - this is one to study.Key Topics* What is Early Growth Equity?* From I Banking in 2008 to Building a Fund* The PayLease Story* Why They Call Themselves “Anti-VC”* How AI Is Changing SaaS (But Not Killing It)* Hands-On Portfolio Support* Fund III: $333M Closed* Why Great Companies Can Be Built AnywhereLinks & Resources* Blueprint EquityConnect on LinkedIn* Sheldon Lewis* Bobby Ocampo This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe