Rick Grinnell

Rick Grinnell is Founder and Managing Partner of Glasswing Ventures, focused on AI-enabled security and enterprise infrastructure investments. Over his 24-year career in venture capital, Rick has built an exceptional track record of investing in transformative companies across security, storage, analytics, and SaaS applications. Rick’s portfolio achievements include leading investments in multiple successful exits: Digital Guardian (acquired by HelpSystems), EqualLogic (acquired by Dell), Prelert (acquired by Elastic), Resilient Systems (acquired by IBM), TrackVia (acquired by Primus Capital), and VeloBit (acquired by Western Digital). He currently serves on boards of cutting-edge companies including Allure Security, Black Kite, Lambent, Nametag, Realm.Security, Trustle, and Narrative. Beyond investing, Rick brings valuable operating experience from senior marketing and engineering roles at Adero (acquired by Inktomi), ClearOne Communications, and PictureTel (acquired by Polycom). Rick’s influence extends throughout the innovation ecosystem. He serves on MIT’s Educational Council, advises at Harvard Business School’s Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, and mentors at MIT iHQ and Sandbox. He frequently judges at MassChallenge and sits on the Advanced Cyber Security Center board, leading New England’s public/private security collaboration. Recognized as one of Boston’s most important VCs by Business Insider, Rick received the Community Leadership Award from New England Venture Network. His community involvement includes the Museum of Science Boston Board of Advisors and ongoing work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. Rick holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School.