After receiving a degree in furniture and product design from Ravensbourne College in London, Paul Valentine went on to work with leading London furniture and product retailers and manufacturers, where he gained an extensive knowledge of 20th Century and contemporary design. Valentine founded smallpond in San Francisco in 2005 to represent contemporary design in the US as an agent for a diverse range of products, suitable for both commercial and residential environments. Since 2007, smallpond has been located in New York City with a second base in Austin, and specializes in fulfilling detailed project requirements with architects, designers, and developers in the hospitality, corporate, institutional, and retail sectors. smallpond also realizes complete interior projects, using both specified lighting and furniture as well as Valentine's own bespoke designs.

smallpond has recently supplied furnture and lighting to projects for Disney, Facebook, Equinox, Gensler, Google, Rockwell Group, Sid Lee, Standard Hotels, and W Hotels.