Brian Keil

Managing Partner

2019 - Current

Alumni Ventures is a leading venture capital firm comprised of funds for the alumni communities of the entire Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, and other leading universities. AV was ranked as a Top 20 Venture Firm by CB Insights in 2024. AV is also among the #1 Most Active US Venture Firm, and #3 Globally (PitchBook '22 & '23) We exclusively co-invest with well-established funds such as Accel, a16z, Benchmark, NEA and Sequoia. We complement the lead investor with a network of 600K alumni to make warm customer/partner introductions, support recruiting, and identify advisors. Investment criteria: sector agnostic, seed+, $10M-$50K check size but <$15% of round Process: 2-3 weeks from data room to decision, 1hr IC, 1 check I manage Chestnut Street Ventures (Penn), Triphammer Ventures (Cornell) and I am a council member for Expo Ventures (USC)

Managing Partner

2019

Chestnut Street Ventures is a private, for-profit venture fund for Penn alumni to invest in early and growth stage companies connected to the Penn alumni community. The Chestnut Street Fund provides accredited investors with smart, simple access to venture capital investing. We prefer to follow in the lead of an experienced VC and don't set terms or take Board seats. Each of our annual funds invests in about 20-25 companies from diverse industries, geographies, and stages. Chestnut Street Ventures is not affiliated with Penn, but we pride ourselves on fostering the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Fund is part of Alumni Ventures Group, a network of 20+ venture capital funds that collectively rank as one of the most active venture capital groups (PitchBook).

Managing Partner

2023

Triphammer Ventures is a venture capital fund for Cornell alumni to access the venture capital asset class. Our investors own portfolios of 20 to 30 venture investments diversified by sector, stage, and geography. The fund co-invests alongside other established lead investors. Triphammer Ventures operates under the Alumni Ventures umbrella.

Lead Mentor

2011

Provide advice and guidance to start-up companies in the areas of business strategy and fund raising

Board Observer

2015 - 2019

Managing Director - New York Ventures

2014 - 2019

Led New York Ventures, the venture capital investment arm of the State of New York. Responsible for managing a $150 million venture capital program. Developed and implemented investment strategy and operating process for a newly formed direct investment fund. Completed 22 investments during tenure across a range of industries. Architected the combination of direct investment and legacy fund-of-funds under a single organization to consolidate decision making and ensure better coordination.

Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development

2012 - 2014

Responsible for the developing and executing the company’s growth strategy in the digital audio and automotive sectors. Evaluated potential acquisition opportunities and led due diligence efforts on transactions in the digital audio and content tracking markets. Performed competitive analysis and identified market entry opportunities to expand Arbitron’s product offering and client base into the connected car market.

Managing Director

2007 - 2011

Sourcing, underwriting and managing investments in the digital media sector for Peacock Equity, a $250 million venture capital fund sponsored by NBC Universal and GE Capital. Completed 8 investments representing $45 million of invested capital.

Senior Vice President

1999 - 2007

Originating, executing and managing private equity investments in the technology, media and communications sectors for GE Equity, the principal investment arm of the General Electric Company.

Vice President

1997 - 1999

Led screening and execution for new investments. Conducted due diligence activities and directed the efforts of accountants, lawyers, consultants and other advisory groups. Managed performance of a portfolio of 6 investments.