Norwest Invests in SmartSign, Leading Online Distributor of Signs, Labels and Tags

PALO ALTO, Calif.--()--Norwest, a premier multi-stage investment firm, today announced that it has made a strategic investment in SmartSign, the nation’s leading online distributor of signs, labels and tags. SmartSign is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and is led by Founder and CEO, Blair Brewster. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Brewster founded SmartSign in 1999 and has grown consistently since. The company operates a network of more than 20 websites, each dedicated to offering a combination of stock and custom products. The company has sales to over 75 percent of the Fortune 1000, as well as non-profits, churches, military bases, schools, universities and small businesses. SmartSign has served over two million customers and sold signs in over 75 countries.

We are excited to announce this investment in SmartSign. We are all delighted to find a partner that supports our culture of customer service, innovation, and community of employees, vendors and loyal customers,” said Brewster. “Together with Norwest and our exceptionally talented team, I look forward to many years of continued growth.”

Norwest’s Sonya Brown and Stew Campbell will join the SmartSign board of directors.

SmartSign has established itself as a premier, differentiated retailer. The company’s portfolio of custom, high quality products and focus on customer service are appealing,” said Sonya Brown, General Partner at Norwest. “SmartSign has served millions of customers and we look forward to supporting Blair in serving millions more.”

Blair and his team built a tremendous, lasting company. The team’s approach to product development, optimization, and customer service should propel the brand for years to come,” said Stew Campbell, Principal at Norwest. “We are thrilled to partner with Blair and team.”

Stifel acted as exclusive financial advisor to SmartSign and Mayer Brown LLP served as legal counsel. Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal counsel to Norwest.

About Norwest

Norwest is a premier multi-stage investment firm managing more than $7.5 billion in capital. Since our inception, we have invested in more than 600 companies and partner with over 140 active companies across our venture and growth equity portfolio. The firm invests in early to late stage companies across a wide range of sectors with a focus on consumer, enterprise, and healthcare. We offer a deep network of connections, operating experience, and a wide range of impactful services to help CEOs and founders scale their businesses. Norwest has offices in Palo Alto and San Francisco, with subsidiaries in India and Israel. For more information, please visit www.nvp.com. Follow Norwest on Twitter @NorwestVP.

About SmartSign

SmartSign is one of America's fastest growing e-commerce companies, and parent of brands like MySafetySign, MyParkingSign, and nearly 30 other sites. The company manufactures and distributes a wide range of signs, tags, mats, and labels and has offices in Brooklyn and Jaipur, India. Customers can tailor their signs to meet their individual needs, and through content-rich and authoritative retail sites, the company provides specific solutions to specific problems, such as preventing accidents in the workplace. For more information, visit: http://www.smartsign.com

Contacts

Ellie Javadi
Norwest Venture Partners
ejavadi@nvp.com

Contacts

Ellie Javadi
Norwest Venture Partners
ejavadi@nvp.com