
Malcolm McClain
Harvard MBA/MPP | Former VC | Startup Chief of Staff

Harvard Kennedy School

Pivotal Ventures
Successful clients at




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Starting at 7:30 PM UTC
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Work with Malcolm

Comprehensive MBA Application Package — Land Your Dream Program
Starting at $2,20020h+ of coaching
Best Value

Craft Powerful MBA Essays
Starting at $4755h+ of coaching
Save up to $100

Nail the MBA Interview
Starting at $2913h+ of coaching
Save up to $25
About
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.
Malcolm’s MBA Qualifications
Malcolm has helped clients get into these schools:
As a Harvard Business School and Kennedy School graduate with extensive experience across venture capital, investment management, impact investing, and startup operations, I bring a unique perspective to MBA admissions coaching that combines elite academic credentials with real-world business impact. During my dual-degree program, I served as a Rock Center Fellow, student government officer, and was selected for HBS' inaugural RISE Career Fellowship, giving me deep insights into what top business schools value in candidates. I also believe in helping candidates think holistically about the application process, including how this might impact their lives financially and personally. I'm particularly passionate about helping candidates from non-traditional paths, drawing from my own experience. Let's work together to showcase your unique story and secure your spot at your dream school!
Malcolm can help with:
Application Strategy
Editing
Essays
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Interviews
Recommendations
Resume
School Selection
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
Malcolm has helped clients get into these schools:
Comprehensive MBA Application Package — Land Your Dream Program
Starting at $2,20020h+ of coaching
Best Value
Craft Powerful MBA Essays
Starting at $4755h+ of coaching
Save up to $100
Nail the MBA Interview
Starting at $2913h+ of coaching
Save up to $25
Final Application Review
Starting at $2913h+ of coaching
Save up to $25
Nail the Harvard Business School Interview
Starting at $2913h+ of coaching
Save up to $25
Boost Your MBA Applications
Starting at $1962h+ of coaching
Save up to $16