With 52 exits, including 22 IPO’s, it’s hard to pick favorites. Each had its own unique characteristics, its own challenges, and its own rewards. The eight companies profiled below have a particularly special place in our hearts. In some cases, we grew the company from inception to IPO. In others, we recognized our value-add was to stay out of the way and let a truly superior management team fire on all cylinders. In every case, we feel an almost parental pride, reflecting on the process of discovering, mentoring, nurturing, challenging, collaborating, course-correcting, fighting through difficulties and ultimately rejoicing in mutual success.