What happens when a seasoned enterprise operator trades execution for equity? Steve Johnson, a veteran of the software scale-up world, has done just that, launching Seguin Ventures in late 2024 to back the next generation of AI-native software startups. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Johnson brings a blend of deep product leadership, operational expertise, and venture insight to his latest role as Co-Founder and General Partner of the firm.
Before entering the venture world, Johnson helped scale some of the most recognized names in SaaS. Now, he’s turning that experience into fuel for founders building tomorrow’s enterprise infrastructure.
From Operator to Investor: The Seguin Thesis
Johnson co-founded Seguin Ventures alongside Alex Tong with a clear mission: support “AI-native” startups reshaping how software is built, delivered, and scaled. The fund emerged from what Johnson calls a “passion project”, rooted in decades of experience navigating tech shifts from the inside.
“2024 marked a change … a lifetime as a technology operator to venture capital co-founder at Seguin Ventures … focused on investing in one of the biggest technology shifts of my lifetime – the move to AI-native software.”
Seguin itself is a symbol of the new wave: its logo is AI-generated, and the firm openly embraces AI tools in operations and founder support. Johnson’s thesis is simple, the most impactful companies of the next decade will be built with AI at the core, not just as a feature.
Track Record: Scaling Software at Speed
Before Seguin, Johnson’s career reads like a blueprint for operational excellence. He helped scale:
- Hootsuite as Chief Revenue Officer, leading its transition from early-stage tool to a globally recognized SaaS brand.
- Vidyard as President & COO, pushing enterprise expansion and growing a client base that includes over 80% of the Fortune 100.
- Intelex, a compliance and sustainability software provider, which he helped scale to a $570 million acquisition in 2019.
Perhaps most notably, Johnson served as President & COO of Berkshire Grey, where he helped commercialize robotics and AI solutions for supply chains. Under his leadership, the company went public in 2021 and was acquired by SoftBank in 2023, a major milestone for AI hardware–enterprise convergence.
Investing with Depth: F-Prime and Ecosystem Impact
Even before Seguin, Johnson had one foot in venture. As a Venture Partner at F‑Prime Capital, he mentored founders and advised on tech strategy across a portfolio that raised over $2 billion. His hybrid profile, operator and investor, has made him a trusted name in the B2B software ecosystem.
At F‑Prime, Johnson brought hands-on insights to scaling businesses, particularly those building tech-enabled enterprise platforms. His influence extends from boardrooms to cap tables, and now into early-stage conviction bets at Seguin.
Thought Leadership and Public Engagement
Johnson is also a thoughtful voice in the startup community. His post “A year as a venture capital co-founder” on LinkedIn garnered strong engagement, detailing lessons learned from launching Seguin and underscoring his passion for purpose-led investing.
Through public posts and speaking engagements, Johnson emphasizes founder empathy, operational rigor, and long-term product vision, qualities he looks for in Seguin’s investments.
Why Steve Johnson Matters
In an industry teeming with new funds, Steve Johnson stands out for his credibility across the startup lifecycle. He has scaled software, guided companies to IPO and acquisition, and now backs the next class of builders who see AI not as a tool, but as a foundation.
Seguin Ventures isn’t just another fund. It’s a culmination of Johnson’s career, a platform where operational muscle meets venture foresight. For startups solving real problems with AI-native approaches, Johnson is the GP you want on your side.
