Subtraction Capital has appointed Paul Willard as Partner. Willard brings more than 20 years of technology experience in product, design and marketing to the venture capital firm.
"I am thrilled to have Paul join me at Subtraction Capital," says Jason Portnoy, Founding Partner at Subtraction Capital. "When I started the fund, it was important that we provide not just financial support to the companies but also mentorship and guidance. Paul has a proven track record of identifying markets that are ready for disruption and growing businesses within them, and I know that he will be an amazing resource for our portfolio companies."
"Subtraction Capital helps founders identify and eliminate noise and distractions that are hindering success for their companies," says Willard. "Jason and I have been collaborating for years and have discussed our shared belief that this kind of approach is the most beneficial for founders and investors alike. I am grateful that I can now leverage Subtraction Capital's existing infrastructure and LP base, and can focus my energy on helping startups ignite their intrinsic rocket fuel and reach their full potential."
Willard has spent his career building hyper-growth websites and mobile applications for large-scale markets. From engineering to product, design, and marketing, he has helped companies focus on accelerating growth while finding a balance between what customers need, what the business wants and what can be done with available resources. Prior to joining Subtraction Capital, Willard was CMO of Atlassian and Practice Fusion after having held senior management positions at Coupons.com, NextCard and Washington Mutual. Willard started his pre-internet career as an Aerodynamics Engineer for Boeing.
Willard received his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University, and Masters of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Stanford University. Willard and Portnoy plan to work closely with the companies currently in the portfolio, in addition to evaluating new opportunities for the fund.
