Innovation and change are at the center of the venture capital industry. Entrepreneurs must embrace these forces as they enable ideas to become the iconic companies that shape our ecosystem. Similarly, the firms and investment professionals in the venture industry must also seek out innovation and change to constantly evolve and become the best versions of themselves.
Beginning in January, I will transition to a Venture Partner role at Lightspeed in order to pursue my idea for a new model for seed stage investing. Serving, teaching and coaching entrepreneurs has always been my passion. I am excited about a new chapter where I can devote myself to an innovation I humbly believe will improve the industry and better prepare entrepreneurs for the capital that is readily available.
I am thankful to have joined Lightspeed in 2006 and after 11+ years, seven funds and nearly four dozen investments, I am proud of all we have accomplished. Only a small group of firms have ever seen the kind of growth and success we have achieved in the past decade. We have expanded our investment strategy and added many talented members to the team in my tenure, always with a goal of striving to improve how we operate. I believe embracing change has been a key reason why Lightspeed has become the elite firm that it has. It is also a lesson I’ve taken to heart which is why the time has come for me to make a change and focus on my passion of working closely with others at the earliest stage.
I am indebted to Chris, Barry, Ravi and Peter for the trust they placed in me, first as an aspiring Associate, and ultimately as an equal partner. I want to express my sincere thanks to all of the entrepreneurs, colleagues and teammates who have made my time at Lightspeed an extraordinary experience.
To ensure a smooth transition, I will continue to represent Lightspeed on boards. I will forever be a part of the Lightspeed family and a supporter of the firm and its people.
Respectfully,
John Vrionis
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