Troy Henikoff

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Managing Director at MATH Venture Partners

Greater Chicago Area, United States

Overview

Troy Henikoff is the Managing Director at MATH Venture Partners, leveraging over 30 years of experience building technology businesses. He also serves as a Lecturer at Northwesterns Kellogg School of Management and is a Senior Advisor at Techstars. Colleagues describe him as a tenacious, inventive, and passionate problem-solver.

Outside of his primary roles, Troy is deeply involved in fostering startup ecosystems, particularly in Chicago and Toronto. He actively promotes and supports emerging companies and tech communities, sharing updates and celebrating their growth and milestones with his network.

He co-founded the influential Techstars Chicago accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups.

Personality Overview

Big Picture Person

Full Of Energy

Relationship Oriented

They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt.  They excel at seeing the bigger picture, and the long-term impact of their decisions. Unlike C or D types, they are vocal with their opinions but not so much with their questions.

Topics They Care About

Early-Stage Investing
As Managing Director of MATH Venture Partners, he focuses on early to middle-stage funds, specifically targeting teams with strong customer acquisition DNA.
Entrepreneurship Education
He teaches courses on Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, shaping the next generation of founders.
Startup Acceleration
Co-founded and remains actively involved with Techstars Chicago, demonstrating a long-term commitment to helping early-stage companies succeed.

Media Appearances

Tech Scenes Unplugged with Troy Henikoff, Managing Director of MATH Venture Partners. Featured in MATH Venture Partners Blog

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Crafting a Great Pitch & Transforming Startups in 90 Days – Troy Henikoff, MATH Venture Partners. Featured in Built In Chicago

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Troy Henikoff on Startups: You Need to Make Sales a Priority. Featured in MATH Venture Partners Blog

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Work History

3-2014
Managing Director at MATH Venture Partners
11-2012
Lecturer of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Kellogg School of Management
6-2024
Senior Advisor at Techstars
Board Member at CardFlight
11-2016
Board Member at Built In

Education

Master's degree from Northwestern University
1988 - 1990
MBA Coursework from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 13 Location : Greater Chicago Area, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Managing Director at MATH Venture Partners
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Insights For Selling To Troy

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use adjectives like ‘amazing’, ‘coolest’, ‘unbelievable’ etc.
  • Speak enthusiastically with energy, maintain a clear and confident tone
  • Be friendly and entertaining in your conversation

DONT's

  • Avoid overloading them with too much detail
  • Don’t be too formal, focus on building comfort and trust
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be a storyteller

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Troy is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Troy

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Troy move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Troy take some risk or not?

  • They can accept limited risks, ones that they think will not impact them personally.

You And Troy

Personality Compatibility


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