Jeffrey Black is a director of corporate development at Verizon Ventures, US-based telecoms firm Verizon’s corporate venturing arm. He joined Verizon initially as a member of the M&A group, where he oversaw numerous transactions and strategic investments before being appointed to his current role in 2012.
Before joining Verizon in 2009, Black worked in investment banking at financial services firm JPMorgan, carrying out transactions involving venture-backed companies, and he realised his interest lay in the “amazing innovations being driven by entrepreneurs”. Consequently, when he learned Verizon was expanding its venture team, he said he had seized that chance. “I am so thankful for this alignment in timing for such a great opportunity.”
Michelle Russey McCarthy, a 20-year veteran and director at Verizon Ventures, said in her nomination of Black: “During Jeff’s 10-year career in Verizon, he has taken on increasingly complex roles and is currently responsible for handling 12 portfolio companies with a valuation in excess of $100m.
“Jeff’s companies cover a wide range of technologies, including data analytics and artificial intelligence, infrastructure and networking and identity. However, his primary focus lies in connected transportation solutions. His knowledge of the industry has been critical to highlighting new technologies to Verizon Connect, Verizon’s connected vehicle and fleet-tracking business unit.”
Some notable deals by Black last year included leading a $10.2m series B1 for US-based on-demand car maintenance platform YourMechanic and a $37m private equity-growth and expansion-stage round for US-based software automation technology provider CloudBees.
