Will Allen

Will Allen is a founding partner at Magarac Venture Partners (MVP), an early-stage venture capital firm based in Pittsburgh, PA.13 He brings over a decade of diverse experience to his role, having been a business leader, investor, non-profit founder, and professional athlete.2

Professional Background

Allen's career spans multiple sectors:

Venture Capital:: As a partner at MVP, Allen focuses on investing in market-defining companies in the Midwest, particularly in cities like Pittsburgh, Columbus, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit.1

Business Leadership:: He has experience managing high-performing teams and serving as a business executive.24

Board Positions:: Allen is a member of the board of directors at Allegheny Health Network.

Entrepreneurship:: He is a co-founder at Nascent Group Holdings.

Sports Career

Before his business career, Will Allen was a professional athlete, having played as a safety in the NFL.5 This experience likely contributes to his approach in managing teams and understanding high-performance environments.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Allen has shown a commitment to social causes and diversity:

• He is the founder of a non-profit organization, the Will Allen Foundation.6
• At MVP, he advocates for diversity in startups and has implemented a "Rooney Rule" approach, requiring portfolio founders to interview diverse candidates for senior-level positions.15

Education

Will Allen is a graduate of The Ohio State University.6

Through his role at Magarac Venture Partners, Allen continues to influence the startup ecosystem in the Midwest, with a particular focus on fostering diverse entrepreneurship and driving innovation in the region.