Sonya Brown
Director/Board Member at Sister Sam LLC
Profile
Sonya joined Norwest in 2011 and brings more than 20 years of investment experience to her role as General Partner and co-Head of the firm’s Growth Equity team.
Based in Norwest’s Menlo Park office, Sonya is focused on growth equity and buyouts investing across a wide range of sectors with a particular interest in consumer products and services, internet/eCommerce, retail, and business services.
Sonya was previously at Summit Partners, a private equity firm with over $20 billion under management, where she worked for almost a decade in the Boston office and was responsible for leading the firm’s Consumer and Internet Industry Group in North America.
Sonya was engaged in all aspects of the deal process including deal sourcing, due diligence, deal negotiations and board representation.
Her most recent and past board directorships and investments include Aramsco (acquired by AEA Investors), Airborne Health (acquired by Schiff Nutrition), Central Security Group, Physicians Formula (NASDAQ: FACE), Snap Fitness (acquired by TZP Group), and Sparta Systems (acquired by Thoma Bravo).
Prior to joining Summit, Sonya was a founder and General Partner of iXL Ventures in 1999, where she oversaw the funding and growth of numerous technology and Internet companies.
In addition, she was Vice President of Corporate Development for the parent company iXL Enterprises, Inc., one of the largest global web development companies at that time.
Sonya sits on the advisory board of Harvard Business School’s California Research Center.
She is an active speaker at numerous industry events and universities including ShopTalk, SXSW, theBoardlist, Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School and Northwestern University.
She also contributes to Women’s Wear Daily and Forbes.
Sonya holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
In addition, she is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Sonya Brown active positions
| Companies | Position | Start |
|---|---|---|
Norwest Venture Partners
 Norwest Venture Partners Investment ManagersFinance Norwest Venture Partners is a venture capital division of Norwest Partners founded in 1961. The firm is headquartered in Palo Alto, California with additional offices in Mumbai and Herzliya. | Private Equity Investor | 2013-06-13 |
Sister Sam LLC
 Sister Sam LLC Apparel/FootwearConsumer Non-Durables Sister Sam LLC produces women's apparel. It offers dresses, tops, jackets, and bottoms. The company was founded by Ruthy Grode, Shelli Segal, and Ruthy Emsallem in 2006 and is headquartered in Vernon, CA. | Director/Board Member | - |
Physicians Care Alliance LLC
 Physicians Care Alliance LLC Household/Personal CareConsumer Non-Durables Physicians Care Alliance LLC engages in the development of chemical peel and daily care products. The firm's treatment services include therapeutic masks, peels, retinoid treatments, peel alternatives and treatment enhancements. It also offers daily skin care items such as facial cleansers, toners, blemish correctors and skin hydration and protection products. The company was founded by Margaret M. Ancira in 1990 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. | Director/Board Member | - |
Jolyn Clothing Co., Inc.
 Jolyn Clothing Co., Inc. Recreational ProductsConsumer Durables Jolyn Clothing Co., Inc. manufactures and sells women’s swim tops, swim bottoms, onesies, and accessories. It offers printed tie-back, solid tie-back, solid fixed-back, and other style tops; solid, printed, and other style bottoms; and solid tie-back, printed tie-back, solid fixed-back, and printed fixed-back style onesies. The firm sells its products through its online store primarily to customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. The company was founded by Warren Pedersen in 2010 and is headquartered in Huntington Beach, CA. | Director/Board Member | - |
| Face Reality Skincare | Director/Board Member | 2022-08-31 |
PoolWerx Corp. Pty Ltd.
 PoolWerx Corp. Pty Ltd. Miscellaneous Commercial ServicesCommercial Services PoolWerx Corp. Pty Ltd. provides pool and spa maintenance services. It offers maintenance and repairs, regular pool services, green pool cleaning, insurance and weather services, vacation services, household pool checks, and water management solutions. The company was founded by John O’Brien in 1992 and is headquartered in Milton, Australia. | Director/Board Member | 2022-05-31 |
Forum Brands, Inc.
 Forum Brands, Inc. Internet RetailRetail Trade Forum Brands, Inc. provides retailing services. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. | Director/Board Member | 2021-05-31 |
Maelys Cosmetics Ltd.
 Maelys Cosmetics Ltd. Internet RetailRetail Trade Maelys Cosmetics Ltd. is an Israeli company that offers groundbreaking solutions to shape, lift, and firm the body in all the right places. The company is based in Jaffa, Israel and was founded by Tomer Arzoan. The company's best selling creams, masks, and more are clinically-proven and ethically made. | Director/Board Member | 2021-03-31 |
MTN OPS LLC
 MTN OPS LLC Pharmaceuticals: OtherHealth Technology MTN OPS LLC is a company that specializes in outdoor performance supplements, nutrition, and hunting lifestyle. The company is based in Fruit Heights, UT and was founded by Trevor Farnes, Jordan Harbertson, and Casey Harbertson. The company offers peanut-based raw energy bars that are high in protein and low in calories, called MTN OPS Venture Bars. The company encourages customers to share their stories about how their lives have improved by being part of the MTN OPS family. The company also offers Phenix, a bioactive concentrated whey protein powder that targets faster recovery and increased performance intensity. Trevor Farnes has been the CEO since incorporation. | Director/Board Member | 2020-07-31 |
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Former positions of Sonya Brown
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Training of Sonya Brown
| Northwestern University | Undergraduate Degree |
Experiences
Positions held
Connections
1st degree connections
1st degree companies
Male
Female
Members of the board
Executives
Linked companies
| Listed companies | 1 |
|---|---|
| EQUITY RESIDENTIAL | Finance |
| Private companies | 26 |
|---|---|
Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc.
 Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. Investment Banks/BrokersFinance Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. is a global investment banking, securities trading and brokerage firm located in New York City with additional offices in Dallas, Boston and San Francisco. The firm is a subsidiary Bear Sterns Cos., Inc. (NYSE: BSC). Their equity research team consists of senior analysts located throughout the world. In addition to domestic coverage, they have research teams focusing on Latin America, Asia and Europe. The analysts use a bottom-up approach to stock selection. The Bear Stearns fixed-income research department provides coverage of every sector of the fixed-income universe. The financial analytics and structured transactions group (F.A.S.T) provides investment research, fixed-income portfolio management and analytical systems, trading technology and general financial expertise. The group also provides a broad range of services to financial institutions including asset-liability management, balance sheet restructuring, receivables-based financing analysis, security and portfolio analysis, peer analysis, and historical and real-time market-based information. | Finance |
Merry Land & Investment Co., Inc.
 Merry Land & Investment Co., Inc. Real Estate Investment TrustsFinance Part of Equity Residential, Merry Land & Investment Co., Inc. is a real estate investment trust. The private company is based in Augusta, GA. Merry Land & Investment Co. was acquired by Equity Residential on October 20, 1998 for $1,291.11 million. | Finance |
Summit Partners LP
 Summit Partners LP Investment ManagersFinance Summit Partners LP (Summit Partners) is a private equity firm founded in 1984 by Gregory Avis, Roe Stamps and Stephen Woodsum. The firm is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. | Finance |
iXL Enterprises, Inc.
 iXL Enterprises, Inc. Information Technology ServicesTechnology Services Part of Scient, Inc., iXL Enterprises, Inc. provides Internet strategy consulting and comprehensive Internet-based solutions to Fortune 1000 companies and other corporate users of information technology. The private company is based in Atlanta, GA. iXL Enterprises was acquired by Scient, Inc. on November 07, 2001 for $29.66 million. | Technology Services |
Alert 360 Opco, Inc.
 Alert 360 Opco, Inc. Miscellaneous Commercial ServicesCommercial Services Alert 360 Opco, Inc. provides security alarm installation and monitoring services. The firm specializes in interactive security, video monitoring, energy management and home security. The company was founded by Harry Schenk and Mark Wilson in 1973 and is headquartered in Tulsa, OK. | Commercial Services |
Physicians Formula Holdings, Inc.
 Physicians Formula Holdings, Inc. Specialty StoresRetail Trade Physicians Formula Holdings, Inc. engages in the development, marketing, and sale of cosmetic and skin care products. The company was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Azusa, CA. | Retail Trade |
Aramsco, Inc.
 Aramsco, Inc. Wholesale DistributorsDistribution Services Aramsco, Inc. engages in the distribution and sale of industrial safety products. It offers cleaning equipment, drying, negative air and air scrubbers, water extraction, vacuums, odor neutralizers and accessories, and meters and testing equipment. The company was founded by Herbert Abrams in 1966 and is headquartered in Paulsboro, NJ. | Distribution Services |
Norwest Venture Partners
Norwest Venture Partners Investment ManagersFinance Norwest Venture Partners is a venture capital division of Norwest Partners founded in 1961. The firm is headquartered in Palo Alto, California with additional offices in Mumbai and Herzliya. | Finance |
Sparta Systems, Inc.
 Sparta Systems, Inc. Packaged SoftwareTechnology Services Sparta Systems, Inc. engages in the provision of enterprise quality management software solutions. Its products includes TrackWise Digital, TrackWise, and QualityWise.ai. Its services includes Sparta training, customer support, and consultation and delivery.The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Hamilton, NJ. | Technology Services |
Airborne, Inc. (Minnesota)
 Airborne, Inc. (Minnesota) Medical DistributorsDistribution Services Airborne, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells dietary supplements. The company was founded on September 29, 2009 and is headquartered in Roseville, MN. | Distribution Services |
Physicians Formula, Inc.
 Physicians Formula, Inc. Specialty StoresRetail Trade Physicians Formula, Inc. manufactures cosmetics products. Its products include face powders, bronzers, concealers, blushes, eye shadows, eye liners, brow makeup, and mascaras. The company was founded by Frank Crandall in 1937 and is headquartered in Azusa, CA. | Retail Trade |
Snap Fitness, Inc.
 Snap Fitness, Inc. Other Consumer ServicesConsumer Services Snap Fitness, Inc. engages in the operation of fitness centers. Its facilities feature 24/7 access, cardio and strength-training equipment, and value-add fitness services. The company was founded by Peter Taunton in August 2003 and is headquartered in Chanhassen, MN. | Consumer Services |
Kendra Scott LLC
 Kendra Scott LLC Specialty StoresRetail Trade Kendra Scott LLC provides fashion jewelry and accessories. It offers earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets, charms, and accessories. The company was founded by Kendra Scott in 2002 and is headquartered in Austin, TX. | Retail Trade |
The Learning Experience Systems LLC
 The Learning Experience Systems LLC Miscellaneous Commercial ServicesCommercial Services The Learning Experience Systems LLC operates child development centers. It offers child care to children of six weeks to five years by its programs Yippee 4 Yoga, Music 4 Me, Movin’ N Groovin’, manners and etiquette, and foreign language. The company was founded by Michael H. Weissman, Richard Weissman and Linda Weissman in 1980 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL. | Commercial Services |
Physicians Care Alliance LLC
Physicians Care Alliance LLC Household/Personal CareConsumer Non-Durables Physicians Care Alliance LLC engages in the development of chemical peel and daily care products. The firm's treatment services include therapeutic masks, peels, retinoid treatments, peel alternatives and treatment enhancements. It also offers daily skin care items such as facial cleansers, toners, blemish correctors and skin hydration and protection products. The company was founded by Margaret M. Ancira in 1990 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. | Consumer Non-Durables |
Sister Sam LLC
Sister Sam LLC Apparel/FootwearConsumer Non-Durables Sister Sam LLC produces women's apparel. It offers dresses, tops, jackets, and bottoms. The company was founded by Ruthy Grode, Shelli Segal, and Ruthy Emsallem in 2006 and is headquartered in Vernon, CA. | Consumer Non-Durables |
SmartSign LLC
 SmartSign LLC Miscellaneous ManufacturingProducer Manufacturing SmartSign LLC engages in the manufacture and design of signs. It offers numbers and letters, custom, portable, safety, property, and indoor signs. The company was founded by Blair Brewster in 1999 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. | Producer Manufacturing |
PoolWerx Corp. Pty Ltd.
PoolWerx Corp. Pty Ltd. Miscellaneous Commercial ServicesCommercial Services PoolWerx Corp. Pty Ltd. provides pool and spa maintenance services. It offers maintenance and repairs, regular pool services, green pool cleaning, insurance and weather services, vacation services, household pool checks, and water management solutions. The company was founded by John O’Brien in 1992 and is headquartered in Milton, Australia. | Commercial Services |
Project 1920, LLC
 Project 1920, LLC Consumer SundriesConsumer Non-Durables Project 1920, LLC manufactures, distributes and sells handbags. The company was founded by Coral Chung and Wendy Wen in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. | Consumer Non-Durables |
Jolyn Clothing Co., Inc.
Jolyn Clothing Co., Inc. Recreational ProductsConsumer Durables Jolyn Clothing Co., Inc. manufactures and sells women’s swim tops, swim bottoms, onesies, and accessories. It offers printed tie-back, solid tie-back, solid fixed-back, and other style tops; solid, printed, and other style bottoms; and solid tie-back, printed tie-back, solid fixed-back, and printed fixed-back style onesies. The firm sells its products through its online store primarily to customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. The company was founded by Warren Pedersen in 2010 and is headquartered in Huntington Beach, CA. | Consumer Durables |
Forum Brands, Inc.
Forum Brands, Inc. Internet RetailRetail Trade Forum Brands, Inc. provides retailing services. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. | Retail Trade |
Jolyn Clothing Co. LLC
 Jolyn Clothing Co. LLC Apparel/FootwearConsumer Non-Durables Jolyn Clothing Co. LLC designs and distributes women's apparel products. The company is headquartered in Huntington Beach, CA. | Consumer Non-Durables |
Maelys Cosmetics Ltd.
Maelys Cosmetics Ltd. Internet RetailRetail Trade Maelys Cosmetics Ltd. is an Israeli company that offers groundbreaking solutions to shape, lift, and firm the body in all the right places. The company is based in Jaffa, Israel and was founded by Tomer Arzoan. The company's best selling creams, masks, and more are clinically-proven and ethically made. | Retail Trade |
MTN OPS LLC
MTN OPS LLC Pharmaceuticals: OtherHealth Technology MTN OPS LLC is a company that specializes in outdoor performance supplements, nutrition, and hunting lifestyle. The company is based in Fruit Heights, UT and was founded by Trevor Farnes, Jordan Harbertson, and Casey Harbertson. The company offers peanut-based raw energy bars that are high in protein and low in calories, called MTN OPS Venture Bars. The company encourages customers to share their stories about how their lives have improved by being part of the MTN OPS family. The company also offers Phenix, a bioactive concentrated whey protein powder that targets faster recovery and increased performance intensity. Trevor Farnes has been the CEO since incorporation. | Health Technology |
| Junk King Franchise Systems, Inc. | |
| Face Reality Skincare |
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