
The New England Venture Capital Association is a key player in the region's innovation ecosystem. It was founded in 1985 by a group of venture capitalists to promote the growth of the industry.
The association has a strong presence in the region, with a network of over 300 members. This network includes venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and other industry professionals.
The New England Venture Capital Association hosts various events throughout the year to connect its members and facilitate deal-making. One such event is the annual Venture Capital Conference.
This conference brings together top venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the field.
Leadership
The leadership at the New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA) is made up of a diverse group of individuals who are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Kent Bennett, Chair of the Board, brings a wealth of experience from Bessemer Venture Partners.
Lily Lyman, NEVCA Vice Chair, is also the Treasurer, and Deborah Palestrant, 5AM Ventures, is the new Treasurer.
Here's a list of the current NEVCA Board of Directors:
- Kent Bennett, Bessemer Venture Partners — NEVCA Chair
- Lily Lyman, Underscore VC — NEVCA Vice Chair
- Deborah Palestrant, 5AM Ventures — NEVCA Treasurer
- Yumin Choi, Valspring Capital
- Colleen Cuffaro, Canaan
- Jasmina Marjanovic, Takeda Ventures
- Anna Palmer, Flybridge
- Rudina Seseri, Glasswing Ventures
- Stefan Vitorovic, Vida Ventures
- Darshana Zaveri, Catalyst Health Ventures (CHV)
The NEVCA board maintains over 50% gender diversity, with five new members joining the board in 2024.
About NEVCA
The New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA) is a non-profit organization that represents the venture capital community in New England.
NEVCA was founded in 1989 with the goal of promoting the region's venture capital industry and supporting its growth.
The association has a strong network of members, including venture capital firms, angel investors, and startup companies.
NEVCA's membership has grown significantly over the years, with over 150 member organizations today.
One of the key services NEVCA offers is access to its network of experienced venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
NEVCA also provides educational resources and events for its members, including conferences, workshops, and webinars.
These resources help entrepreneurs and venture capitalists stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
By providing a platform for connection and education, NEVCA helps to foster a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for startups and venture capital firms in New England.
Cooley Clients Win NevY Awards

Cooley clients took home a total of six awards at the New England Venture Capital Association's (NEVCA) annual NevY Awards.
The awards recognize excellence in venture capital and entrepreneurship in the New England region.
The winning Cooley clients included Carbonite, which took home the award for Best Venture Capital Deal.
Carbonite was acquired by Dell in 2019 for $813 million.
This marked a significant milestone in the company's history and a testament to the success of its venture capital backing.
The other Cooley clients who won NevY Awards were Carbonite's co-founders, David Friend and Jeff Flowers.
Programs
The New England Venture Capital Association offers a range of programs to support its members and the venture capital community.
One such program is the promotion of professional development and networking opportunities. This is aimed at helping members grow both personally and professionally.
Through this program, members can tap into valuable networking opportunities with the venture capital community. This can lead to new connections, partnerships, and potential investments.
The goal of this program is to foster a collaborative and supportive environment for all members.
Sources
- https://newenglandvc.medium.com/the-new-england-venture-capital-association-appoints-five-new-directors-and-board-leadership-d504ab888428
- https://www.matternow.com/case-study/new-england-venture-capital-association/
- https://contactout.com/company/New-England-Venture-Capital-Association-20762
- https://www.cooley.com/news/coverage/2014/cooley-clients-win-2014-nevy-awards
- https://www.guidestar.org/profile/04-2579421
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