How fast can you make money? Venture capital and growth equity investment firm Accel Partners hopes to accelerate that. Founded in 1983, the firm, which has some $9.6 billion under management, makes early-stage investments mostly in software and networking companies. Accel also targets more established companies in IT, internet, digital media, mobile, networking, software, and services. After making an investment, Accel typically provides its companies with strategic financing, recruiting, and business development, among other services. Its strategy has helped fuel growth of some of the most powerful and influential tech companies in the world, such as Macromedia, Riverbed, Groupon, and Facebook.