Tiffany joined NEA in 2023 as an investor on the Technology team. Prior to joining NEA, she worked as a Growth Investor at Sands Capital Management. She’s also held positions at both Qatalyst Partners and Cowen and Company as an Investment Banking Analyst. Tiffany graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in accounting and finance.
What part of your personality makes you well-suited for venture?
One of my favorite quotes is “only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go,” by T.S. Elliot. I get a deep sense of satisfaction from feeling uncomfortable, and I empathize strongly with founders who are pushing boundaries and venturing into the unknown every day. Being quick on your feet, open-minded, and always willing to pivot helps make sense of ambiguity and incites innovation.
Why is it important for you to keep learning?
My father was an engineer, and he didn’t just explain to me how things worked—he showed me. I remember how amazing it was as a child to watch him take apart a computer and show me how a big mess of wires connected to a motherboard could make numbers and images appear on a screen. Learning makes nebulous concepts feel tangible and consistently challenges my perspective on an ever-changing world.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Never be afraid to start the conversation. I’ve developed some of my strongest professional relationships with people I chased down after a lecture or conference or who I’ve introduced myself to in odd places. You'd be surprised how many interesting people you take the elevator with every day.
In what ways does NEA’s ethos align with your personal ethos?
I live by the phrase “learn by doing,” and I’m proud of NEA’s commitment to doing, over just talking. I want to be a founder’s first call not only when things are going unbelievably well but also when they’re confronted with a challenge. As a firm, we aim to stand by our founders and assist them in solving their toughest problems as best we can.
How would you describe the team at NEA?
I believe our team operates with the highest amount of integrity. For us, acting with integrity means adhering to ethical standards, doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and taking ownership of our actions. We strive to deliver on our promises and are here to be a partner for the long run.
If you hadn’t found your way into venture capital, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be a songwriter. I've always been obsessed with the idea of translating thoughts and memories into something others can experience. I find music to be one of the most powerful ways to share a story and connect with others.
