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

Harvard Kennedy School

Pivotal Ventures
Successful clients at


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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 Venture Capital Qualifications
Experience level: Senior Associate
Malcolm has helped clients get into these companies:
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:
Cover Letters
Deal Sourcing
Due Diligence
Fundraising
Investment Evaluation
Networking Strategy
Portfolio Management
Resume Review
Skill Building
Technical Interview Prep
Venture Capital Strategy
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 companies: