Accel Partners' European Launch

In spring 2001, with the venture market crashing all around, the London office of Accel Partners, a major west coast venture capital firm, needs to make a decision about investing in an Irish software company. As the first investment of the new European operation, the decision will serve as a proof of concept for the process that the organization has set up. This case presents Accel's strategy in moving into Europe and staying there even as many other firms shuttered or reduced their overseas' operations. In addition, the protagonists must decide how to structure a term sheet and whether to include another venture firm in the deal.