John Leibovitz

John Leibovitz is a prominent figure in the telecommunications and venture capital sectors, currently serving as a Venture Partner at Columbia Capital, a private equity firm based in Virginia that specializes in communications, media, and technology investments. He joined Columbia Capital in 2016 and has since focused on mobility investments, particularly those related to wireless spectrum.2 3 5

Education and Early Career

Leibovitz holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge, and a J.D. from Yale Law School.1 2 He began his career at McKinsey & Company before transitioning into the telecommunications field as a wireless entrepreneur and management consultant. His expertise also includes significant roles in government; he served as the Deputy Chief of the Wireless Bureau and Special Advisor to the Chairman for Spectrum Policy at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In this capacity, he played a key role in developing and implementing the spectrum strategy outlined in the National Broadband Plan, which repurposed nearly 250 megahertz for mobile broadband.2 3 5

Contributions and Publications

Leibovitz has contributed to various publications on technology and telecom policy, including articles in the Yale Law Journal and the Yale Journal of Law and Technology. His work has focused on critical issues such as spectrum sharing and modernizing radio spectrum management.2 3 6

Current Role

At Columbia Capital, Leibovitz leverages his extensive background in telecommunications policy and investment to guide the firm’s strategies in wireless spectrum investments. His leadership is informed by his previous experiences at the FCC and his entrepreneurial ventures in the telecommunications sector.1 4 5

In summary, John Leibovitz combines a robust educational background with extensive practical experience in both private sector entrepreneurship and public sector policy-making, making him a key player in advancing telecommunications investment strategies at Columbia Capital.