Mustafa joined NEA’s Technology team in 2021. His investment focus from seed to late-stage growth includes AI, cybersecurity, infrastructure, defense, and frontier technologies across hardware and software. Before NEA, Mustafa advised on $58B of transformative tech M&A deals at Qatalyst Partners across frontier tech, infrastructure & application software, cybersecurity, fintech, and consumer internet. After early years in Tokyo and Mumbai, Mustafa moved to the Dallas suburbs and is a proud Texan. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, studying fundamental and quantitative finance, liberal arts, computer science, and mathematics.
What excites you about the sector you’re focused on?
I’ve been obsessed with technology since I was a kid. I started soldering circuit boards and building software in elementary school because I had an insatiable sense of curiosity about how things work. Today, my focus on the tech sector as an investor allows me to indulge my desire to understand the technology itself while also helping to scale it in a way that creates meaningful impact.
What keeps you motivated?
I’m motivated every day by my family’s lived progress. My dad grew up working from a young age, selling school supplies after school. He was a first-generation college student at the Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai and eventually became a public company CEO. My family has taught me that it takes a great deal of tenacity to turn potential into progress.
How would a founder describe working with you?
I’d like to be a founder’s thought partner and confidant. The entrepreneurial journey is certainly hard—and at times lonely. I’m there to play different roles depending on what’s needed—from deeply supportive to intellectually challenging. By your side through the ups and the downs, I hope to amplify the ups and help you see around the corner to mitigate the downs.
How do you indulge your curiosity?
By continually exploring the world through deep experiences across dimensions: technology, food, sports, geopolitics, music, art, history, philosophy, exercise, nature, travel, and more. I have an immense love of learning and trying new things.
What makes NEA a valuable partner?
I think we’re low in ego, high in energy, and we truly play as a team. NEA’s storied history and deep, diverse experience across the partnership and platform is proactively there to help daring founders build enduring companies.
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy activities that cater to my sense of adventure: skiing, skydiving, kite surfing, scuba diving, live music, hiking, and camping are a few of my favorites.
