Molly Alter has always worn many hats. Known as a mockumentary filmmaker and a Caesar salad aficionado with her own blog, she is now Northzone’s newest partner. Alter’s path to venture capital was anything but typical, founded on her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
A Creative Start
Growing up with journalist parents, Alter was deeply immersed in the creative world. Her love for theater and improv comedy led her to launch a company at Harvard that specialized in filming a capella concerts and dance recitals. This venture grew significantly, eventually employing 27 people and showcasing her knack for entrepreneurship.
The Leap to Venture Capital
Alter’s entry into the venture capital world came unexpectedly. Insight Partners contacted her via Facebook Messenger, inviting her to their analyst program. Although she initially planned to learn and then launch another business, Alter thrived in venture capital. After nearly five years at Insight, she joined Index Ventures in London and later moved to Northzone in New York City in 2023.
Specializing in Vertical Software
As Northzone’s newest partner, Alter is focused on vertical software. The multi-stage firm supports startups across the U.S. and Europe with its €1.1 billion 10th fund. While Alter once thought she would return to entrepreneurship, she realized that venture capital was her true calling.
An Inquisitive Mind
Alter’s curiosity has always driven her to understand how things work, a trait that enhances her capabilities as a VC. Her investment in GovDash, a company specializing in government contract software, exemplifies her deep interest in various fields.
“Investing in innovation is about discovering how things work now and how they can improve,” Alter said.
Creative Influence on Investments
Alter’s background in filmmaking has influenced her investment decisions. Her interest led her to invest in Frame.io, a cloud-based video collaboration platform that Adobe acquired for $1.3 billion in 2021. She believes her diverse interests enable her to build strong relationships with founders, fostering trust and facilitating smoother investment processes.
“Having a wide range of interests helps me connect with founders and build trust,” Alter stated.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, Alter is excited about her new role at Northzone. She aims to identify startups with real potential, especially in the vertical software sector, while cutting through the prevalent AI noise. Her enthusiasm for the job is evident as she eagerly anticipates meeting founders and exploring innovative solutions.
“It hasn’t been easy, but I feel this is the right industry for me. My test is whether I’m excited on Sunday nights to start the week. At Northzone, I’m eager to begin,” Alter concluded.
