After investing in New York startups such as social targeting technology company 33Across, database software developer 10gen, and social media management system developer tracx, Boston’s Flybridge Capital Partners quietly set up an office on Broadway in February, led by general partner David Aronoff.
On Monday Flybridge said it sent Matt Witheiler, a principal with the firm, to join Aronoff in New York. Flybridge also hired Caitlin Strandberg as associate. She most recently served as director of business development for New York-based LearnVest, a personal finance and lifestyle website aimed at women.
With his local team now in place, Aronoff spoke to Xconomy about expanding Flybridge’s presence in New York—though he plans to maintain his love of the Red Sox while cheering for the Mets a little.
Xconomy: Why did your firm establish a New York office?
David Aronoff: Most of us had been spending a lot of time in New York over the past few years. Our deal flow, as well as the number of new investment companies, has been growing steadily here. It was clear that New York was more than an experiment. From a Flybridge standpoint, this community established itself as a center of gravity. Opening up the New York office became natural.
X: Was there a tipping point that signaled a need for an office in town?
DA: Our deal flow at the end of 2011 was equivalent in Boston and New York. We spent enough time developing our networks here in New York that the flywheel had
