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Marlon Nichols
Esteemed Investor Recognized for Impact in Technology and Diversity
Marlon C. Nichols is a prominent venture capitalist and entrepreneur, currently serving as the co-founder and managing partner at MaC Venture Capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm. He has a strong commitment to investing in visionary founders, particularly those from BIPOC and female backgrounds, and focuses on companies that are poised to drive significant cultural and consumer behavior shifts.134
Background and Career
Before establishing MaC Venture Capital, Nichols co-founded Cross Culture Ventures, where he led efforts to identify and support game-changing entrepreneurs. His career also includes a significant role as an Investment Director at Intel Capital, where he was involved in launching a $120 million diversity fund aimed at increasing representation in venture capital.123
Nichols has an extensive portfolio that includes investments in notable companies such as Blavity, Gimlet Media, and MongoDB. His approach to investing is informed by his keen insight into global trends and consumer behavior, which he leverages to accelerate the growth of startups.123
Education and Recognition
Nichols is a Kauffman Fellow, a prestigious program dedicated to developing future leaders in venture capital. He holds an MBA from Cornell University, where he was a Roy H. Park Leadership Fellow. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of Pitchbook’s "25 Black Founders and VCs to Watch" for several consecutive years and receiving the SXSW Innovator of the Year award in 2018.1234
Personal Philosophy
Marlon Nichols emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in venture capital, advocating for greater representation of underrepresented groups in the industry. He believes that personal experiences can serve as a superpower for entrepreneurs, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to address unique challenges within their communities.23
Overall, Nichols is recognized not only for his investment acumen but also for his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable venture capital landscape.
