Spark Capital, a venture capital firm specialising in investments in the media, entertainment and technology industries, has promoted Alex Finkelstein to general partner.<
Spark Capital, a venture capital firm specialising in investments in the media, entertainment and technology industries, has promoted Alex Finkelstein to general partner.
Since joining the firm at its inception as a principal, Finkelstein (photo) has led Spark’s investments in New York-based 5min, an online how-to video company, and 8D World, a virtual world that teaches English as a second language.
As a general partner, Finkelstein will take a leading role in identifying and building breakthrough media and technology companies.
‘Alex has real talent for uncovering emerging trends, recognizing new businesses with real potential, and partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs,’ says Todd Dagres, founder and general partner of Spark Capital. ‘Since joining Spark at our inception, he has made a tremendous contribution to our firm and the companies within our portfolio.
‘Alex has identified investments that are poised to be leaders in their emerging market segments. He has played an important role in their growth by offering hands-on support in recruiting top talent, making important partner and customer introductions to support business development, and working closely with chief executives on all facets of their operations.’
Before joining Spark Capital, Finkelstein was the creator and producer of various TV shows and Internet properties sold to major networks, including Fox, E!, Discovery, ITV1 and Yahoo!.
He was also a principal for Seed Capital Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm that was formed in partnership with Softbank. Earlier he was an associate at GrandBanks Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm also formed in partnership with Softbank, and was a senior venture capital research associate with Cambridge Associates.
‘The world of converging digital media and technology is rapidly evolving as disruptive, new businesses emerge,’ Finkelstein says. ‘Highly passionate entrepreneurs who are building transformative companies are the key to building these new businesses. I look forward to continuing to forge relationships with the industry’s top entrepreneurs and working with them to push innovative companies to the forefront of adoption and recognition.’
