DBL Investors

Founding partner John H. Chaffee leads investment decisions. Chaffee previously worked at TPG Growth for 12 years, where he led investments in Vail Resorts and PetSmart (per public record). The firm has not disclosed a CIO or other senior investment professionals.

The firm leverages its double-bottom-line mandate to attract entrepreneurs seeking both financial and impact-oriented investors. Deal flow comes from its network of institutional LPs and co-investors. DBL Investors does not publicly disclose a formal sourcing process such as an accelerator or thematic scouting team.

DBL Investors operates as a venture capital firm with institutional limited partners, not a single family office. It manages committed capital from foundations, endowments, and family offices. The firm follows a traditional VC fund structure with co-investment opportunities.

DBL Investors makes both fund commitments and direct co-investments, according to public records. Its primary vehicle is a venture capital fund that invests directly into growth-stage companies. The firm also participates in syndicate deals alongside other venture firms and impact investors.

The firm targets growth-stage venture investments, primarily Series B through Series D rounds. It focuses on companies with proven business models and measurable social or environmental impact. Earlier-stage investments are not a typical focus per public record.

DBL Investors avoids sectors that conflict with its double-bottom-line mandate, such as fossil fuels, tobacco, defense, and gambling. The firm does not invest in companies that cannot demonstrate a positive social or environmental outcome alongside financial returns. Other traditional VC sectors like enterprise software may be excluded if impact is not identifiable.

DBL Investors has a history of co-investing alongside other venture and growth equity firms. Its portfolio includes companies like Beyond Meat and Etsy that had multiple institutional investors. The firm evaluates co-investment opportunities on a deal-by-deal basis, requiring alignment with its impact criteria.