
Malcolm McClain

Harvard Kennedy School

Pivotal Ventures
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Malcolm McClain is a Harvard Business School alumnus (MBA/MPP 2023) with 8+ years of experience in strategy, operations, and venture capital. I'm currently an investor at Pivotal, a collection of organizations founded by Melinda French Gates. Prior to Pivotal, I was Chief of Staff at fintech startup BrightUp, where I designed capital products, managed fundraising, and led AI integration. Previously, I advised institutional investors with up to $2B in AUM at Cambridge Associates and managed 20+ portfolio companies at venture capital firm, Rethink Impact ($300M+ AUM). My expertise spans financial services, technology, and venture capital with proven success in capital formation and C-suite advisory across traditional and mission-driven organizations.
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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 (HBS, CBS, Wharton, and HKS) so I know what it takes to craft a strong application. I also broke into venture capital as a non-traditional hire.
Work Experience

Investor
Pivotal Ventures
January 2026 - Present
I'm on the investment team at Pivotal, investing in venture capital funds and impact funds across asset classes.

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)
5.0 average review
4 reviews
Overall rating
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