Darcy Frisch

Overview

Darcy Frisch serves as the Managing Director and Vice President at Hearst Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Hearst Corporation. In this role, she identifies, executes, and oversees investments in early-stage digital media and information businesses. Since joining Hearst Ventures in 2000, Frisch has been instrumental in numerous investments, including drugstore.com, XM Satellite Radio, Circles, and MobiTV. She currently serves as a board director at Nexage and as a board observer at RAMP. Previously, she was on the boards of Sphere (sold to AOL in 2008) and Voxpop.tv (sold to IAC in 2011). Prior to her tenure at Hearst, Frisch worked with the investment group E2Enet, served as a tax analyst at KPMG, and was the legislative assistant for tax to U.S. Senator David Boren of Oklahoma. She holds an undergraduate degree from Yale University and an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business. Frisch has been recognized as one of the standout women in corporate venture capital on the U.S. East Coast. She has also co-chaired the GCV Synergize conference in New York City, emphasizing the evolving role of corporate venture capitalists in the industry. Her extensive experience and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth and success of Hearst Ventures' portfolio companies. Under Frisch's leadership, Hearst Ventures has focused on investing in media and entertainment industries, with a portfolio that includes 61 companies such as UK-based eCommerce fulfillment technology provider Huboo. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, real estate, and financial services, reflecting a diversified approach to corporate venture capital. Frisch's role involves not only identifying promising startups but also providing strategic guidance to help these companies scale and succeed in their respective markets. Frisch's career trajectory showcases a blend of corporate venture capital expertise and a strong foundation in marketing and finance. Her involvement in high-profile investments and her active participation in industry conferences underscore her commitment to advancing the corporate venture capital landscape. Through her work, Frisch continues to influence the direction of Hearst Ventures, fostering innovation and growth within the media and technology sectors.