Andrew joined NEA in 2014 and invests in founders innovating in AI/ML, cybersecurity, fintech, frontier and deep tech, and technically differentiated software. Prior to NEA, he was a member of Blackstone’s M&A team. Prior to Blackstone, he co-founded Flicstart (acquired). Andrew serves on the Cornell University Council, the Advisory Council for Entrepreneurship @ Cornell, and is President Emeritus of the Cornell Venture Capital Club. He earned his master’s degree as a Schwarzman Scholar and his bachelor’s degree in economics and science of earth systems in engineering, Phi Beta Kappa, at Cornell University.
How do you approach relationship-building?
Trust and teamwork. I offer a WYSIWYG interface: what you see is what you get. When I commit to partnering with a founder, I put all my cards on the table, face-up, and we play together as a team. We operate in sync, sharing the same facts, challenges, and triumphs.
What’s a philosophy that guides your approach to investing?
A VC should only invest in companies that ignite a deep, visceral excitement. This excitement serves as a dual-filter: for founders, it's a vital criterion towards selecting an investor who is genuinely and doggedly committed to your mission. For me, as an investor, it guides where I allocate my time (and capital). Life is too short to work on things that don’t fire us up!
What’s something you look for in a founder?
Resource magnetism. By this, I mean the ability to attract not just the capital, but the talent, technology, and customers crucial for success. Stylistically, this doesn’t mean slick and salesy—it is domain-specific. This quality is often the hallmark of a visionary leader capable of building something extraordinary.
What matters most in the process of company-building?
Grit, manifested as persistent enthusiasm with substance.
What part of your personality makes you well-suited for venture?
I bring a blend of analytical rigor and intuitive insight. I dive deep on companies, technologies, and markets to ensure full situational awareness at a granular level in support of my portfolio companies. I pair that with the guiding principle that I invest only in companies which evoke an electrifying conviction in their potential to generate scaled, meaningful and positive impact.
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“An investor should be as committed to your vision as you are. They should offer more than just capital—they should offer true partnership, connections, and unflinching support.”
