Stuart Ellman
Chairperson at Staircase
New York, New York
Overview
Work Experience
Co-Founder and General Partner
1994 - Current
RRE Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in New York City. Our operation is structured to enable us to invest in early stage companies while remaining active and participatory throughout the financing life of a venture. We are long-term lead investors. RRE is an active strategic, operational and financial partner with our companies. We also bring to bear a highly distinctive network of relationships across multiple industries and countries, proactively assist in recruiting top-tier talent, and provide innovative PR and marketing support. We have invested in over 400 companies across eight funds and manage $2bn in assets. With over one hundred portfolio companies based in the New York Metro region, we are among the area’s most active investors. We define the scope of our investment horizon as products or services enabled by information technology. This has historically included virtually all expressions of software and internet technology as well as hardware and technology-enabled services. Since founding RRE, I have been responsible for over forty technology investments, ranging from incubation-stage to post-revenue companies. I have invested in sectors across information technology, security, green IT, consumer-facing web companies, and enterprise software. I am not a technologist, but rather a business person who utilizes technology to drive competitive advantage. I look for big markets and superior management.
Chairperson
2020
Staircase develops modern mortgage infrastructure with developer-friendly APIs
Board Member, Former Chairman (2015-2018) and President (2012-2015) of the Board
2003 - 2023
92nd Street Y is a world-class nonprofit community and cultural center that connects people at every stage of life to the worlds of education, the arts, health and wellness, and Jewish life. Through the breadth and depth of 92Y's extraordinary programs, we enrich lives, create community and elevate humanity. More than 300,000 people visit 92Y’s New York City venues annually, and millions more join us through the Internet, satellite broadcasts and other digital media. A proudly Jewish organization since its founding in 1874, 92Y embraces its heritage and enthusiastically welcomes people of all backgrounds and perspectives.
92nd Street Y facilitates a cultural and community center that focuses on culture, art, entertainment, and conversation.
Adjunct Associate Professor
2003 - 2018
I teach a course that provides a practical approach to the fundamentals of venture capital investing and the venture capital industry. The course has been designed to offer students exposure to the day-to-day activities of the venture capital business, including strategies for managing investments, investment portfolios, venture capital firms, and how to start a career in venture capital. Many of my students have gone on to be successful venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Summer Associate
1991 - 1991
Worked in Debt Capital Markets
Morgan Stanley Venture Partners is a private equity firm that invests in high-growth companies in the technology and healthcare industries.
Financial Analyst
1988 - 1990
Worked in M&A, LBO and Restructurings
Clee Scholar
1987 - 1987
Through the Clee Scholarship at Wesleyan, worked for McKinsey & Co. for the summer between junior and senior years.
McKinsey Growth Tech serves leading growth stage tech players, venture capital, and growth private equity