In 2011, I had a great job with SVG Capital. But I also had an entrepreneurial itch to scratch — which involved pursuing a tremendous market opportunity I could address by creating a new company. 

I would not have been able to chase this dream without the encouragement, support and understanding of my family. At the time, my wife and I had two young sons and two houses — the latter the unintended result of trying to sell our old house in an uncooperative market.

Despite her risk averse nature, my wife was incredibly encouraging in respect to my interest in improving the clarity and efficiency of private equity. My parents and in-laws were incredibly supportive of my decision to quit a good job for the freedom to build something from scratch. 

I am sure my change in course caused a lot of angst for everyone in my family, but they did not voice their concerns to me and were very supportive from day one. What I found most amazing was my sons’ understanding of my need to travel  — even though it was too much for their liking. They were surprisingly accepting of my long and irregular work hours and tolerated the occasional startup anxieties that, on certain days, were more than most people could handle.

My family’s faith in me paid off. Their positive energy supports me again today at Vestigo Ventures as we build a first-time fund from scratch and give it our all 24/7/365. 

A first-time fund is incredibly similar to a technology startup. It requires operating in unknown territory and a willingness to learn as we go with fewer resources than usual. That said, we have been humbled by the support of our limited partners and collaborative spirit of the VC and FinTech community. We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us, and we are fully embracing it.

My dreams to be an entrepreneur and pursue a career in venture capital are now a reality. I feel incredibly lucky to have joined the Vestigo Ventures team. I am indebted to the family, friends and colleagues who make all this possible. In the simplest and most heartfelt terms, “Thank You!”

Mike Nugent
Managing Director