Route One Investment Company

Michael Goguen is the Managing Partner and primary decision-maker, overseeing all investment activity. He previously spent 15 years at Sequoia Capital, where he led investments that shaped the firm's enterprise portfolio.

Route One differentiates by focusing on secondary purchases from founders and early employees in late-stage private companies. This sourcing approach avoids auction processes and provides direct access to shareholders seeking liquidity.

Route One functions as a single-family office for Michael Goguen but operates with institutional infrastructure, deploying capital through direct investments, fund commitments, and credit vehicles. It has over 30 professionals (per public record).

The firm participates in both. It maintains a fund-of-funds program alongside its direct co-investment and credit strategies. Route One has committed to external venture and buyout funds while also leading direct deals.

Route One focuses on late-stage venture and growth equity, often buying secondary shares from existing holders. It also targets mid-market private credit opportunities, typically in companies with $10M+ EBITDA.

The firm avoids early-stage venture, seed rounds, and cryptocurrency-native businesses. It also does not invest in tobacco, gambling, or weapons manufacturing.

The wealth originates from Michael Goguen's success as a venture capitalist at Sequoia Capital, where he was an early investor in networking infrastructure company Juniper Networks and other enterprise technology firms.