Sprout Group is a venture capital and private equity investment firm focused on emerging technology companies from startups to management buyouts. The firm seeks to invest in sectors in healthcare technology (biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, laboratory infrastructure and technology, other healthcare investments), communications (components, equipment & software, service providers), and software (applications, infrastructure, electronic design automation). The firm frequently serves as the lead investor in its portfolio companies and serves on its company's Board of Directors. The Sprout Group is a venture capital affiliate of Credit Suisse First Boston. Sprout Group is no longer making new investments, but works actively with associated funds; New Leaf Ventures, which invests in Healthcare Technology, and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, which focuses on a broad range of equity investment opportunities.