
Malcolm M.
5.0
Tech Chief of Staff | Former VC | Harvard MBA/MPP

Studied at Harvard Kennedy School
Worked at BrightUp
Available tomorrow at 2:30 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Malcolm's Coaching Offerings
Pay as you go
Get help with Skill Building, Venture Capital Strategy, and .
Malcolm’s Venture Capital Qualifications
Experience level: Senior Associate
I bring over 8 years of comprehensive venture capital, operations, and investment experience across multiple stages and sectors. As a Venture Associate at Rethink Impact, I was team member number four, so I understand the ins and outs of what is required to build and run a venture capital firm, from due diligence to writing investment memos, building cap tables, deal sourcing, fundraising, and portfolio construction. I currently serve on the Investment Committee for Resilient Ventures where I continue to evaluate and invest in early-stage technology companies. With dual Harvard graduate degrees (MBA and Public Policy) and experience as Chief of Staff at a venture-backed fintech company, I understand both the investor and entrepreneur perspectives. I've personally navigated career transitions within the VC ecosystem and can provide practical guidance on breaking into the industry, advancing within firms, and building the skills that matter most to investment committees and senior partners.
Malcolm can help with:
Skill Building
Venture Capital Strategy
Deal Sourcing
Portfolio Management
Cover Letters
Resume Review
Networking Strategy
Due Diligence
Investment Evaluation
Technical Interview Prep
Fundraising
About Malcolm
Malcolm McClain is a Harvard Business School alumnus (MBA/MPP 2023) and the inaugural recipient of Harvard Business School's RISE Career Fellowship. Malcolm brings extensive experience in impact investing and venture capital and most recently served as Chief of Staff at BrightUp, a venture-backed fintech company focused on democratizing wealth building and financial wellness. Prior to Harvard, McClain worked at Rethink Impact, the largest female-focused VC firm in the U.S., and Cambridge Associates, where he advised institutional investors. He currently serves on the Investment Committee of Resilient Ventures and is passionate about leveraging private capital to create economic opportunity for historically overlooked communities. Malcolm holds a BA from Amherst college and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I understand how challenging the graduate school application process and career changes can be. I applied to seven top graduate programs and was admitted to four, so I know what it takes to craft a strong application. I also broke into venture capital as a non-traditional hire. I feel a responsibility to pass these blueprints along.
Work Experience
Chief of Staff
BrightUp
July 2023 - March 2025
Fellow
Harvard Business School
July 2023 - July 2024
Summer Fellow
Harlem Children's Zone
June 2021 - August 2021
Associate
Modern Energy
September 2019 - July 2020
Associate / Senior Associate
Rethink Capital Partners
July 2017 - September 2019
Senior Associate
Cambridge Associates
January 2014 - March 2017
Education

Harvard Kennedy School
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
2020 - 2023
Awards and Fellowships: David M. Rubenstein Fellow & George Leadership Fellow, Center for Public Leadership
Harvard Business School
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
2020 - 2023
Activities and societies: Student Association, Co-Chief DEI Officer; Rise Career Fellow
Malcolm was also personally admitted to
Columbia Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Malcolm has helped clients get into these schools:
Malcolm has helped Leland clients get into Rethink Food