- Trump’s VP pick J.D. Vance has deep Silicon Valley roots.
- He founded Narya Capital after stints at major VC firms.
- Vance’s tech ties add complexity to the 2024 campaign.
Mithril to MAGA
J.D. Vance, Trump’s newly announced running mate, brings a unique Silicon Valley pedigree to the ticket.
The “Hillbilly Elegy” author spent years in the venture capital world before his Senate win in 2022.
Vance cut his teeth at Peter Thiel’s Mithril Capital in San Francisco, then joined Steve Case’s Revolution in D.C., where he spearheaded the “Rise of the Rest” initiative focusing on startups outside major tech hubs.
In 2020, Vance launched his own VC firm, Narya Capital, in Cincinnati. The firm raised $93 million for its first fund, backed by tech heavyweights like Marc Andreessen and Eric Schmidt. Narya, like “Rise of the Rest,” targets startups in underserved U.S. areas.
Despite Vance’s political pivot, Narya continues operations under co-founder Colin Greenspon.
Tech ties that bind
Vance’s VC career highlights the intricate connections between Silicon Valley and politics. His backers include prominent tech figures, some of whom have distanced themselves since his Senate run.
Steve Case, for instance, publicly separated himself from Vance’s political views. Nevertheless, Vance’s tech background adds an intriguing dimension to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
