Tod Francis

Founder, Managing Director @ Shasta Ventures

About

I have been focused on building consumer businesses throughout my career. Most recently, I co-founded Shasta Ventures in 2004 to build a venture firm focused on companies that leverage technology to improve customer experiences. Shasta has raised over $1 billion across five funds and backed companies such as Canva, Nest, Zwift, Tonal, Turo, Nextdoor, Maurten, Mint, Stance, Farmers Dog as well as many other companies. Prior to Shasta, I was a general partner at Trinity Ventures and began his career in consumer brand management at Johnson & Johnson.

Country

United States

City

Menlo Park

Industry

Computer Software

Skill

Venture Capital, Strategic Partnerships, Start-ups, Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Corporate Development, Mergers & Acquisitions, Product Management, Business Development, Private Equity

Experience

Founder, Managing Director

Shasta Ventures

2003-10 - Present · 23 yrs

San Francisco Bay Area

Shasta Ventures invests in early stage technology enabled companies. My focus is consumer services companies.

Seed Investor

Canva

2014-5 - Present · 12 yrs 5 mos

Investor

Tonal

2017 - Present · 9 yrs

Led Shasta Series A investment in Tonal, a connected strength fitness company

Investor

Zwift

2016-8 - Present · 10 yrs 2 mos

Zwift is an immersive indoor training platform initially focused on cycling

Investor and Board Member

Maurten

2017-11 - Present · 8 yrs 11 mos

Board Member

SOS Outreach

2019 - Present · 7 yrs

SOS provides mentorship and curriculum to help under privileged kids gain confidence and improve their life path. Programs are conducted on the mountain to provide a richer connection between mentors and the kids.

Board Member

Protect Our Winters

2022-7 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

Board Member

ClassDojo

2014-9 - Present · 12 yrs 1 mo

San Francisco Bay Area

ClassDojo is one of the world's fastest growing education technology companies: currently used by teachers in 1 in 3 schools in the US, and growing fast in another 150 countries. They're scaling from tens of millions to 100 million+ users - and they're hiring (careers@classdojo.com) The product is a feedback platform used by 50 million+ teachers, parents & students to help students develop the character skills and behaviors they need for success in life - things like grit, leadership, creativity and curiosity. It is an important mission and we're proud to be investors alongside Paul Graham, Jeff Clavier, Ron Conway, Matt Ocko, Mitch Kapor, General Catalyst and others.