Bezos invests in 37signals

37signals, a company that makes Web-based collaboration and productivity software, has received an equity investment from Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos.

The company has turned down investment money from venture capitalists in the past. Executives made it clear that what they were looking for was not so much Bezos' cash, but his input.

"What we've been looking for is the wisdom of a very special entrepreneur who's been through what we're going through. Someone who sees things a little differently and makes us feel right at home. Someone with a long-term outlook, not a build-to-flip mentality. We found a perfect match in Jeff. Jeff is our kinda guy," 37signals executives wrote on their blog.

Blog community response:

"37signals (executives say) they aren't interested in cash or contacts, they just want access to Jeff. In my opinion, this is a great deal for both sides."
--TechCrunch

"37signals is very much a cult brand, and it seems there could be a little controversy around this latest news. Personally, I think this is a really smart (and necessary) move, but some 37signals devotees might see it as a change of direction."
--Mashable

"I still can't believe what I'm reading. 37signals has shunned the possibility of taking VC money for some time now. I guess now the speculation begins. What, exactly, does this mean? Well, obviously, 37signals has plans for something very big."
--Postbubble