New Members from Microsoft, Constant Contact, Apoddo, Benchmark and Pluralsight Deepen the Strategic Reach of the Myriad Model

New York, May 5, 2025 — Myriad Venture Partners (“Myriad”)—an early-stage venture firm focused on defining the future of business solutions in AI, B2B software, and industrial transformation—today announced the expansion of its Executive Advisory Board with the addition of five senior executives from Microsoft, Constant Contact, Apoddo, Benchmark, and Recurring Revenue Consulting.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this group of seasoned operators to our Executive Advisory Board,” said Chris Fisher, Founder and Managing Partner of Myriad Venture Partners. “Their collective experience across cloud, enterprise software, and customer success will be invaluable as we continue to deliver strategic value to our founders and corporate partners alike.”

New Executive Advisory Board members include:

• Kris Pennella, Head of Portfolio Innovation Solutions at Microsoft
• Matt Collier, Founder and CEO of Recurring Revenue Consulting, Former Chief Customer Officer at Pluralsight
• Ninad Narkhede, Chief Technology Officer at Apoddo, Former Global Head of Cloud Engineering at Visa
• Michael Geller, Chief Revenue Officer at Constant Contact, Former Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Operating Officer at ZenGRC
• Jerry Liang, Chief Financial Officer at Benchmark, Former Senior VP of Investments and Development at Sunrise Senior Living

These professionals join an esteemed group of existing members, including:

• Jimmy Cheng, Head of TIC at the Office of the CEO, Former Chief of Staff at Synopsys
• Brandon Batt, Chief People and Transformation Officer at Quadient
• Louie Pastor, Chief Administrative Officer & Global Head of Operations at Xerox
• Paul Holland, General Partner (emeritus) at Foundation Capital
• Tolga Kurtoglu, PhD, Chief Technology Officer at Lenovo, Former Chief Technology Officer of HP Inc. and CEO at PARC
• Kris Meulen, Chief Development Officer at Hershey Co
• Linda Yates, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Mach49
• Kshitij Kumar (KK), Former Chief Data Officer at Haleon PLC
• Yuka Yu, Vice President of Global Business Operations, Devices and Services at Google
• Darryl Cromer, PCSD Chief Technology Officer and Chief Product Security Officer at Lenovo
• Neeraj Kumar, Chief Data Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

The Executive Advisory Board is central to Myriad’s investment philosophy, The Myriad Model. By fostering connections and next-generation business intelligence between startups, founders, and corporate partners, Myriad is driving enterprise adoption and partnerships for startups and founders in our network, while also supporting growth and long-term value for corporate leaders. Comprised of experts across product development and engineering, customer success, go-to-market strategy, technology infusion, and enterprise innovation, Myriad’s Executive Advisory Board is helping drive the future of business solutions.

The Board’s expansion builds on the momentum of a breakout year for Myriad’s inaugural Fund I. During this time, Myriad-backed companies continued to grow, raise capital, and close commercial enterprise deals. Anchored in deep sector expertise, corporate connectivity, and a commitment to practical traction, in just the last nine months of 2024 the Myriad Model delivered tangible results across its portfolio:

• 460 curated connections between 124 startups and 217 corporations
• 50 proof-of-concepts (POCs) and 16 commercial contracts facilitated
• Portfolio companies raised $433.8 million in follow-on capital, including $182.2 million in 2024 alone
• 31 Fortune 500 companies are now customers of Myriad-backed startups
• 106 new jobs created across the portfolio in Q4 2024 alone
  

“I am thrilled to join Myriad Venture Partners’ Advisory Board and contribute to a model that is truly redefining how combining deep industry expertise with collaborative operators empowers start-ups to scale faster and helps enterprises stay ahead of emerging trends,” said Kris Pennella. “The Myriad Model’s integration of operator viewpoints ensures that start-ups receive not just capital, but also the operational wisdom needed to accelerate their trajectory and build enduring companies. I’ve been impressed with the caliber of start-ups the Myriad team has introduced me to, as well as receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from the introductions I’ve made in my network on their behalf.”

‍About Myriad Venture Partners Myriad Venture Partners is an early-stage venture firm defining the future of business solutions. Investing in visionary AI, B2B software, and industrial transformation leaders, Myriad brings decades of expertise and a robust corporate and financial partnership network. By connecting entrepreneurs, corporate partners, industry leaders, and co-investors, Myriad is changing the ways businesses operate, compete, and create value.