Derek Minno

Career

In the early 1990s Minno co- founded Point Venture Partners, which invested in private US technology start-ups and growth companies. Through HP Russia, a partnership between Point Venture Partners and HarborVest Capital invested $50 million of European Bank of Reconstruction and Development money into the emerging Russian economy, Minno gained notice in the international private equity community. During those years, Minno sat on multiple Boards and achieved successful exits in his investments, notably E-Transport (sold to Descartes for a 17X multiple) and Avidia (sold to PairGain for > 200% IRR). In Russia, he led the initial investment of the Fund into a wallpaper manufacturing facility in Saratov.

In the later 1990s Minno worked in operating roles in start up companies. He is known for his work as CFO, VP Business Development and Investor/Board Member for Safeguard Interactive which was sold to StorageTek. He also served as CEO and Investor/Board Member in another start up company, Jovio, sold to Management Science Associates. Minno's involvement with these companies has drawn international attention.

In 2001, Minno became Managing Director of Wilshire Associates where he led the global venture capital investment process which totaled about $1 billion in 90 Funds (about 40 Firms) in the US, Europe and Asia. He also started the secondary investing for the firm, opened the Silicon Valley platform and served on the Investment Committee during his full tenure. He served on a number of venture capital partnership advisory boards including Weston Presidio, Sofinnova Venture Partners, Domain Partners, Global Catalyst Partners, O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures and Saints Capital.

Minno has a CFA degree and graduated from Carnegie Mellon (MBA) and Vanderbilt University (BECE).

Minno's work in all stages of investment over his career has been recognized as important and unique in the investment world.