TLDR:
- A former colleague of J.D. Vance at Mithril Capital Management does not remember seeing him in the office during his time there.
- Vance’s venture capital career credentials were a key aspect of his run for the U.S. Senate in 2022.
In a surprising twist to J.D. Vance’s venture capital career, a former colleague from Mithril Capital Management revealed that they never saw him in the office during his time there in 2016. This revelation comes as Vance’s track record at the fund that kickstarted his venture capital career comes into question. While some former colleagues noted Vance’s dedication to promoting his successful memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, they could not recall any significant deals he worked on at Mithril. The shortness of Vance’s stint at the firm also raised doubts among industry experts about his ability to demonstrate a successful venture capital narrative.
Vance’s connections in venture capital proved essential to his political rise, with billionaire investor Peter Thiel playing a significant role in his career. Thiel not only gave Vance a substantial amount for his 2022 campaign but also facilitated introductions that led to key endorsements, ultimately aiding Vance in winning his campaign. Following his time at Mithril, Vance joined Revolution, where he made a more memorable impact by leading or co-leading 14 deals, including investments in defense and artificial intelligence sectors. He also invested in a food production startup, AppHarvest, before eventually co-founding his own firm, Narya, with Thiel’s backing.
While Vance’s venture capital career may have faced scrutiny from some former colleagues, his connections and successes in the industry played a pivotal role in his political journey.
