Bradley Tusk

Overview

Bradley Tusk is a prominent venture capitalist and political strategist known for his expertise in guiding early-stage startups through complex regulatory landscapes. As the founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures, he has pioneered a unique approach by investing in startups that operate in highly regulated sectors, providing both capital and strategic advice to navigate political and regulatory challenges. His portfolio includes companies like Lemonade, Ro, FanDuel, Circle, Coinbase, Latch, and Bird, among others. In addition to his venture capital endeavors, Tusk has an extensive background in political strategy. He served as the campaign manager for Michael Bloomberg's successful 2009 re-election bid for New York City Mayor and later worked as a special advisor in Bloomberg's administration. His political acumen extends to his role as Deputy Governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2006, where he managed the state's budget, policy, operations, communications, and legislation. Tusk also served as the communications director for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer from 2000 to 2002. Beyond his professional roles, Tusk is an active philanthropist and author. He founded Tusk Philanthropies, focusing on initiatives like the Mobile Voting Project, which aims to increase voter turnout through secure mobile voting technology. He has authored several books, including 'The Fixer: My Adventures Saving Startups from Death by Politics' and 'Obvious in Hindsight,' a novel about the politics of flying cars. Tusk also hosts 'Firewall,' a podcast discussing the intersection of technology and politics, and co-founded the Gotham Book Prize, awarding $50,000 annually to the best book set in or about New York City.

Investment Focus

• Innovative business models
• Scalable growth potential
• Strong management teams
• Ability to navigate regulatory environments
• Commitment to social impact

Portfolio Companies