Loading people...
Alexandre (Alex) Lazarow is a Partner at Cathay Innovation, a global venture capital firm. He is also a recognized author and thought leader on global innovation and venture capital, known for his book "Out-Innovate."
Alex Lazarow primarily invests in companies within the fintech, future of work, and enterprise software sectors, including B2B SaaS. He has a strong interest in companies with global expansion potential, particularly those operating in or targeting emerging markets.
Alexandre (Alex) Lazarow works as a Partner at Cathay Innovation, a global venture capital firm with offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Alexandre (Alex) Lazarow is the Head of North America and a Partner at Cathay Innovation, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. At Cathay Innovation, a global venture capital firm managing over $4 billion in total assets, he leads investments across the financial technology and insurance technology sectors. Previously, Lazarow served as an Investment Director at Omidyar Network, worked as a strategy consultant at Strategy&, and began his professional career as a financial analyst at the Bank of Canada. The Harvard Business School graduate is also the author of the 2020 Harvard Business Review Press book Out-Innovate, which examines resilient startup models and global entrepreneurial ecosystems outside of traditional tech hubs. His current professional focus remains on identifying and scaling sustainable technology companies operating within emerging markets, financial inclusion, and global impact investing sectors.
Alexandre (Alex) Lazarow stands as a distinguished Partner at Cathay Innovation, a leading global venture capital firm renowned for its unique platform connecting startups across continents. In his pivotal role, Alex is instrumental in identifying and nurturing innovative companies poised for significant global impact. His expertise spans a critical range of sectors, aligning perfectly with Cathay Innovation's mission to back transformative technologies and business models.
Alex Lazarow's investment thesis is deeply rooted in the belief that the next wave of innovation will emerge from a blend of technological advancement and global market understanding. He primarily focuses on groundbreaking ventures within fintech, the future of work, and enterprise software, including B2B SaaS solutions. His keen eye for companies that can scale internationally is a hallmark of his approach, particularly those addressing opportunities in emerging markets and leveraging Cathay's extensive global ecosystem. He seeks out founders who are not just building products but are creating resilient, globally minded businesses designed for long term success.
Before joining Cathay Innovation, Alex built a robust career marked by a commitment to innovation and global development. He previously served at the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm, where he focused on financial inclusion and entrepreneurship in emerging economies. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the unique challenges and vast potential of these markets. His foundational experience also includes a tenure at McKinsey & Company, where he advised clients on strategy and operations across various industries. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both the strategic and operational facets of scaling businesses globally.
Beyond his investment activities, Alex Lazarow is a recognized thought leader and prolific author. He is the acclaimed author of "Out-Innovate: How Global Entrepreneurs are Changing the Way We Build Companies," a seminal work that explores how entrepreneurs outside of traditional tech hubs are pioneering new models of innovation. Through his writing and frequent contributions to publications like Harvard Business Review and Forbes, Alex shares his perspectives on the evolving landscape of venture capital, global innovation trends, and the strategies for building enduring companies in diverse environments. He advocates for a more inclusive and globally distributed approach to venture capital, challenging conventional wisdom and highlighting the strengths of "frontier innovators."
At Cathay Innovation, Alex leverages his deep sector knowledge, global perspective, and extensive network to empower portfolio companies. He embodies Cathay's collaborative investment philosophy, working closely with founders to navigate market complexities, access new geographies, and accelerate growth. His contributions are vital in shaping Cathay Innovation's strategy, particularly in identifying and supporting the next generation of global champions across his focus areas. Alexandre (Alex) Lazarow is more than an investor; he is a strategic partner and a visionary shaping the future of venture capital. His dedication to fostering innovation, coupled with his global outlook and intellectual contributions, makes him a pivotal figure at Cathay Innovation and within the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
