Aaron Pollock

Aaron Pollock is a Partner at SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, a consumer-focused venture capital firm based in Leesburg, Virginia. He joined the firm in 2013 and has been instrumental in building the firm's investment portfolio across consumer brands, technology-enabled commerce, and hospitality sectors.

Pollock received dual Bachelor's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006-2010), earning both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Rhetoric. This dual-discipline education has served him well in his career, combining analytical financial skills with strong communication capabilities essential for venture capital.

Before joining SWaN & Legend, Aaron worked as an Analyst at Grace Matthews, a prominent middle-market investment bank based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At Grace Matthews, he served as a primary team member on numerous M&A advisory engagements, participating in transactions totaling over $600 million in aggregate transaction value. This investment banking experience provided him with deep expertise in financial modeling, deal structuring, and due diligence that he now applies to venture investing.

Since joining SWaN & Legend in 2013, Pollock has become a key member of the partnership team, working alongside co-founders Fred Schaufeld and Tony Nader. He has helped grow the firm from its 2012 formation (when SWaN Investors merged with Legend Ventures) into one of the leading consumer-focused venture capital firms in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Aaron Pollock focuses on sourcing and structuring investment opportunities across all core consumer verticals. His role at SWaN & Legend encompasses deal origination, financial analysis, and ongoing portfolio management. He is responsible for KPI reporting for active portfolio companies and oversees fund valuations, bringing his investment banking background to bear on portfolio performance tracking and optimization.

SWaN & Legend's investment philosophy centers on backing companies that are "building engaging brands worthy of consumers' passions." The firm invests in:

The firm typically makes initial non-controlling minority stake investments, with an emphasis on post-investment value creation through mentorship and hands-on operational support. As of January 2024, the firm has invested in 38 companies, primarily focusing on Series A rounds in United States-based startups. Pollock's role involves close collaboration with portfolio company management teams to drive growth and prepare companies for successful exits.

• Consumer Brands & Retail: Products and services that create strong consumer connections
• Technology-Enabled Commerce: E-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces
• Education Technology: Innovative learning platforms and educational services
• Food & Hospitality: Restaurant concepts, food brands, and hospitality businesses
• Sports & Entertainment: Media, content, and sports-related ventures