TLDR:
- Sam Blond, a partner at Founders Fund, has left the firm after 17 months.
- Blond cited a preference for operating over full-time investing as the reason for his departure.
Sam Blond, a former Brex executive, recently announced his departure from Founders Fund after 17 months with the firm. Blond, known for his sales expertise, expressed a desire to return to a more operational role rather than focusing on venture capital investment. His exit follows that of Keith Rabois, the second partner to leave Founders Fund this year, sparking rumors of tensions among the partners.
Blond’s background includes serving as the chief revenue officer at Brex, a fintech startup that has raised billions in capital. His ability to grow the business significantly during his tenure caught the attention of Founders Fund partners, leading to his appointment as a partner at the firm in 2022. Founders Fund, which recently closed a $1.9 billion fund in 2022, has experienced a slowdown in fundraising and investment activity, with reports of a shrinking fund size and reduced deal participation.
Blond’s decision to leave Founders Fund and return to an operational role indicates a shift in his career trajectory and a preference for hands-on business involvement over investment focus. The departure of key partners like Blond and Rabois may signal changes within the firm’s strategy and direction moving forward.