We are honored to have a fantastic LDV team and community of experts that help us filter, review and advise our portfolio teams that are building valuable businesses powered by visual technologies and AI.

Since 2017, we have had summer associates or analysts. Ash Cleary, first joined as an analyst and has since been promoted to Associate. This year, we announced our 4th Fund and recently completed our interview process to increase our team.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Max Blacker to our LDV team. Our team was impressed with his communication style, thoughtful approach and problem-solving skills.

Max earned his BA in Business from Brandeis University, where he was also a goalkeeper for the soccer team. During his time at Brandeis, Max took a leave of absence to play professional soccer in Belfast, Northern Ireland. While in Belfast, Max launched SETGK, a goalkeeper glove company that has quickly become one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry. Max then graduated with a Master of Science in Finance degree from the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business. While at Hopkins, he was a place kicker for the football team, a member of the Student-Managed Investment Fund and a Global Finalist in the 2024 Venture Capital Investment Competition. Outside of work, Max enjoys playing pickleball, spending time with family, and trying new restaurants.

**Before joining our team full-time, Max had the opportunity to attend** **our Annual General Meeting** **– LDV Capital’s exclusive, invite-only event for our LPs/investors, portfolio companies, LDV experts and special guests.**

**Max playing in a league match against Hanover FC in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2021 with Crewe United of the Northern Irish 4th Division, securing a 3-1 victory.**

When we asked Max, what company or product inspires him the most, he said, “I find CIONIC incredibly inspiring because it merges technology with groundbreaking health solutions. As someone passionate about innovation in health and wellness, CIONIC exemplifies how technology can revolutionize mobility and enhance quality of life. It’s fascinating to see how CIONIC's platform for human augmentation empowers individuals to transcend physical limitations and move with greater ease and confidence. The way it improves the lives of those with mobility challenges is both motivating and transformative.”

He is particularly intrigued by the intersection between sports and visual tech, as well as nutrition and visual tech. According to Max, “The potential for technology to revolutionize how we approach fitness, training, and health management is immense. For instance, using visual tech to analyze athletic performance or track nutritional intake can lead to more personalized and effective health strategies. Additionally, I look forward to seeing how visual tech will change the way we consume live sporting events, making them more immersive and interactive.”

Here’s what he said about joining our team, “I chose to join LDV Capital because they have consistently been ahead of visual technology trends and will continue to be a leader in this space. The firm's vision and commitment to investing in people building businesses powered by visual technology align perfectly with my passion for this field. I am excited to join the team and look forward to unparalleled mentorship from the team and extended LDV community.”