PALO ALTO, Calif., September 21, 2018-- Sapphire Ventures, a leading venture capital firm with $2.5 billion under management that invests in emerging growth-stage companies and early-stage venture funds, today announced that Michael Spirito will be joining the firm as a partner in October. In his return to the venture capital industry, Michael will be making direct investments for Sapphire Ventures in companies spanning sports, media and entertainment—areas where he brings deep operating and investment expertise.