Managing director
NVNG Investment Advisors | Madison
Carrie Thome is managing director of NVNG Investment Advisors LLC, a firm she co-founded in 2019 as Wisconsin’s first private fund of venture funds vehicle. The firm’s first two funds have collectively received commitments of more than $50 million from Wisconsin-based investors. Previously, Thome was chief investment officer for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, where she oversaw the management of a $3 billion investment portfolio.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Highlights of the past 12 months: “NVNG created and held our first investment conference in Milwaukee, hosting over 250+ venture capitalists, corporations and other partners for a day dedicated to innovation and venture capital. Since our firm is built around building and strengthening networks and connections between all of these groups within and outside of Wisconsin, this physical manifestation of our efforts was highly rewarding and given high marks by attendees.”
Historical figure you admire: “Ruth Bader Ginsberg for her lifelong battle for equality. All that she accomplished across all aspects of her life is nothing short of inspirational.”
Your secret talent: “An ability to take the long view and weather/withstand the short-term noise that frequently knocks people off their long-term plans.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Emerging Industries | Venture Capital
Managing director
NVNG Investment Advisors
Madison
Carrie Thome leads NVNG Investment Advisors, a Madison-based firm that works to connect corporate and institutional investors with venture opportunities. Last year, the firm closed on $40 million in its first capital fund of funds. Earlier this year, NVNG created a database to increase exposure of Wisconsin companies to national and international VC communities. Thome previously oversaw the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation’s $3 billion investment portfolio.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Book recommendation: “‘Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling’ by Edgar Schein, possibly because it was just given to me and is top of mind.”
Why are you most excited for the future: “Watching my four sons continue to develop and become successful young men. I am also excited by the idea of what we can build NVNG into over time.”
What would you change about Wisconsin: “The perception of what is considered risk and to seek more acceptance of the concept that it is OK to try and to fail, versus not trying at all. To be innovative is to take risk.”
Biggest risk: “Forgoing a continuing professional career as a chief investment officer, where I had success and a network and, instead, becoming an entrepreneur to build a new organization.”
