About Ajay Chopra
A successful entrepreneur-turned-investor, Ajay co-founded Pinnacle Systems, which he grew from his living room into a global, multibillion-dollar company that won an Emmy award and traded on NASDAQ. He joined Trinity in 2006 and invests in consumer and business applications and services.
I have walked in entrepreneurs’ shoes, so I empathize with the roller coaster of emotions and experiences they face while pouring their souls into their companies. I think of myself as a VC with an entrepreneur’s heart.
What is your investment focus and why?
I’m diversified in my interests, spending time in consumer and business applications and services that enable people to focus on the innovations that matter by removing drudgery and improving lives. Each year I also spend time diving into a new sector so I can make informed bets, either then or in the future. My current deep dives involve autonomy, mobility and digital health.
What value should a VC add to a portfolio company?
Some entrepreneurs think that “VC value-add” is an oxymoron. While I disagree, I do believe that VCs should adhere to the principle of “First, do no harm." I'll never profess to know my portfolio companies’ businesses better than the CEOs, nor will I get on a high horse and pontificate. However, having been a founder and CEO myself, I know it's a lonely job and can relate to the daily struggles and triumphs of building a startup. It's my goal to be the trusted confidant and board member that CEOs want to call first, whether to celebrate victories, discuss a nagging thought at an odd hour, or help close a key hire -- whatever it takes to help them win.
What do you do when not working?
When the weather is right and time allows, you’ll find me on the ski slopes with my family, boating in the San Francisco Bay, or tandem biking with my wife -- our ultimate quality time activity. We can't get too far from each other on that tandem!
