Malcolm M.

Malcolm M.

5.0

Tech Chief of Staff | Former VC | Harvard MBA/MPP

Harvard Kennedy School Logo

Studied at Harvard Kennedy School

BrightUp Logo

Worked at BrightUp

Available tomorrow at 2:30 PM UTC

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Malcolm's Coaching Offerings

Pay as you go

Get help with Skill Building, Venture Capital Strategy, and .

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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

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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

BrightUp Logo

Chief of Staff

BrightUp

July 2023 - March 2025

Harvard Business School Logo

Fellow

Harvard Business School

July 2023 - July 2024

Harlem Children's Zone Logo

Summer Fellow

Harlem Children's Zone

June 2021 - August 2021

Modern Energy Logo

Associate

Modern Energy

September 2019 - July 2020

Rethink Capital Partners Logo

Associate / Senior Associate

Rethink Capital Partners

July 2017 - September 2019

Cambridge Associates Logo

Senior Associate

Cambridge Associates

January 2014 - March 2017

Education

Harvard Kennedy School Logo

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 Logo

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 Logo

    Columbia Business School

  • The Wharton School (UPenn) Logo

    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

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Malcolm M.

Malcolm M.

5.0

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