Molly Alter is a versatile individual with a diverse range of interests and accomplishments. Not only is she a mockumentary filmmaker currently working on a project about a world where charades is a significant industry, but she is also a caesar salad aficionado who shares her rankings of different restaurants on her blog JULIUS. Additionally, she has recently joined Northzone as a partner.
Alter’s journey into venture capital was unconventional. Growing up with journalist parents, she was heavily involved in creative pursuits such as theater and improv comedy. These formative experiences eventually led her to establish a company at Harvard that filmed live performances, paving the way for her transition into the world of venture capital.
Despite initially starting her company for financial reasons, it evolved into a successful enterprise with 27 employees. Subsequently, Insight Partners approached her to join their analyst program, propelling her into the world of venture capital. Alter reflects on her decision to join Insight straight out of Harvard, recognizing the immense learning opportunities it presented.
After a stint at Insight Partners, Alter made the move to Index as a partner in London before eventually joining Northzone in New York City. Her focus on vertical software investments aligns with Northzone’s extensive portfolio across the U.S. and Europe.
Embracing her role as a VC, Alter acknowledges that her innate curiosity and penchant for questioning things have always been ingrained in her. She attributes her success in venture capital to her ability to delve deep into subjects and understand them intricately.
Alter’s creative background has undoubtedly enriched her investment decisions. Noteworthy was her investment in Frame.io during her tenure at Insight Partners, a decision influenced by her filmmaking experiences. She believes her diverse interests help forge stronger relationships with founders, providing a more relaxed environment for collaboration.
Despite the challenges of the VC industry, Alter remains dedicated to identifying startups with real potential. Her unwavering passion for vertical software and investing in New York drives her determination to excel in her role at Northzone.
For Alter, the true litmus test of her career choice lies in her excitement for the work. She eagerly anticipates diving into a new week of meetings with founders, eschewing any Sunday scaries—an indicator of her genuine enthusiasm for the venture capital realm.