Connor Ryan

Connor Ryan is a venture capital professional currently serving as Vice President at Bridge Investments, a Chicago-based early-stage venture fund.1 His career in finance and investment spans several years, with experience in both private equity and venture capital.

Professional Experience

Connor joined Bridge Investments as Vice President in July 2020.1 In this role, he focuses on investing in early-stage SaaS and Consumer Brands across various markets.1 Some of the notable portfolio companies he's involved with include InGoodTaste, EarlyBird, Mack Weldon, Simple Mills, and ConverseNow.1

Prior to his current position, Connor's career path included:

• Venture Capital MBA Intern at Listen Ventures (October 2019 - July 2020)1
• Venture Capital MBA Intern at Bridge Investments (April 2019 - August 2019)1
• Private Equity Associate at The Riverside Company (2016 - May 2018)1
• Investment Banking Analyst at MHT Partners (August 2013 - July 2016)1

Education

Connor's educational background includes:

• MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (2018-2020), with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Marketing1
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance from the University of Notre Dame (2009-2013)1

Investment Approach

At Bridge Investments, Connor takes a data-driven approach to investing while also considering cultural shifts.2 He is particularly interested in early-stage consumer and B2B businesses.3 Bridge Investments, as a firm, focuses on overlooked businesses and underserved markets.4

Connor's role at Bridge Investments involves various aspects of the venture capital process, including deal sourcing, thesis development, and due diligence.2 The firm also maintains strong ties with MBA programs, particularly at the Kellogg School of Management and the Booth School of Business, engaging MBA Associates in their investment activities.2