Jason Pontin

Inspirer
DISC Type : di

Board Member at Proxima

Palo Alto, California, United States

Overview

Jason Pontin is a General Partner at DCVC, focusing on early-stage deep tech and life sciences companies. A University of Oxford graduate, he previously had a 20-year career in journalism, notably as editor-in-chief of MIT Technology Review and Red Herring. People who have worked with him describe him as eloquent, witty, and daring.

As a prolific science and technology writer, his work has appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, and Wired. He is passionate about storytellings role in explaining complex scientific concepts and believes in technologys power to solve significant global problems, a topic he explored in his TED Talk.

Before becoming a venture capitalist, he was the editor of Red Herring, a publication the Wall Street Journal called the "bible of the dot-com boom. "

Personality Overview

Generous

Decisive

Achievment Oriented

They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships.  They measure a product on its merit but can be influenced by strong testimonials. They usually prefer to drive the conversation.

Topics They Care About

Deep Tech Investing
As a General Partner at DCVC, he funds startups using deep tech to solve problems in sustainability, health, and industrial transformation.
Computational Biology
He focuses on investing in startups that use computational biology and chemistry to treat previously intractable diseases and automate scientific discovery.
Science Storytelling
With a long career as a journalist and editor for outlets like MIT Technology Review and Wired, he helps portfolio companies tell their stories.

Media Appearances

DCVC promotes four Partners to General Partner. Featured in DCVC

See Now

Work History

1-2026
Board Member at Proxima
3-2025
Board Member at Dayhoff Labs
6-2023
General Partner at DCVC
2-2023
Board Chair at Kanvas Biosciences
1-2023
Board Member at Recycleye

Education

1986 - 1989
BA from University of Oxford
1980 - 1985
Education details unavailable from Harrow School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Palo Alto, California, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Board Member at Proxima
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Insights For Selling To Jason

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but insert some anecdotes into it
  • Refer to testimonials from well known people to highlight the value of your product
  • Focus on the big picture and the strategic value of your product

DONT's

  • Don’t keep repeating the same information, it could make them impatient
  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly
  • Don't be unorganized, be prepared for the pitch

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Jason is

  • Product value plays a big role, followed by relationship and a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Jason

  • If they do not firmly believe in you, they will refuse without hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Jason move?

  • They can take fast decisions if they develop conviction in the product and find you trustworthy.
  • Can Jason take some risk or not?

  • They have the capability of taking risky decisions if necessary.

You And Jason

Personality Compatibility


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