Kirk Nielsen
InvestorCo-founder and Managing Partner at Vensana Capital · Board director at VI1 · Board director at Artelon · Board director at Iveacare
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
About
Kirk Nielsen, a former pro hockey player with operating roles at Medtronic and Fluidigm, co-founded medtech firm and has a record in cardiovascular devices, often re‑partnering with the same operator‑CEOs.
Contact· published on Kirk's own website
Invests in
AI & Machine LearningBiotechData & InfrastructureHealthtechMedical Devices
Board director at VI1
Intro paths
→
In turn, Kirk can intro founders to VI1's investors below.
VI1's investors · 1
Board director at Artelon
Intro paths
→
In turn, Kirk can intro founders to Artelon's investors below.
Artelon's investors · 1
Co-founders at Artelon
LP
Lars PetersonFounder
Board director at Iveacare
Intro paths
→
In turn, Kirk can intro founders to Iveacare's investors below.
Iveacare's investors · 3
Co-founders at Iveacare
TK
Todd KerkowCo-Founder, President and CEO
MJ
Mudit JainCo-Founder and Chairman of the Board
L
LynnCo-Founder and Board Member
Experience
- Vensana CapitalCo-Founder & Managing Partnercurrent2018 — presentMinneapolis/St. Paul
- Versant VenturesManaging Directorcurrent2006 — presentMinneapolis/St. Paul
- National Venture Capital AssociationBoard Member2020 — 2024
- MedtronicSales & Marketing2003 — 2006Minneapolis/St. Paul
- Bain & CompanyConsultant1999 — 2002San Francisco
- AHL/IHL/NHLProfessional Hockey Player1996 — 1999
Deals · 1
Alleviant Medical IncBoard seat
via Vensana Capital · filed Jan 2025 · $91.4M raise
Attribution from SEC filings, press coverage, and firm rosters.
Colleagues at Vensana Capital
Allison King
Investment Professional at Vensana Capital
Amrinder Singh
Partner at Vensana Capital
Bill Hoffman
Venture Partner at Vensana Capital
Greg Banker
Partner at Vensana Capital
Justin Klein
Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Vensana Capital
Kevin Hykes
Venture Partner at Vensana Capital
Maria Berkman
Partner at Vensana Capital
Mike Kramer
Partner at Vensana Capital
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Kirk Nielsen?
- Kirk Nielsen, a former pro hockey player with operating roles at Medtronic and Fluidigm, co-founded medtech firm and has a record in cardiovascular devices, often re‑partnering with the same operator‑CEOs.
- Where does Kirk Nielsen work?
- Kirk Nielsen is Co-founder and Managing Partner at Vensana Capital and Board director at VI1 and Board director at Artelon and Board director at Iveacare.
- What does Kirk Nielsen invest in?
- Kirk Nielsen invests in AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Data & Infrastructure, Healthtech, Medical Devices.
- What boards does Kirk Nielsen sit on?
- Kirk Nielsen holds tracked board seats at Alleviant Medical Inc.
- Where did Kirk Nielsen go to school?
- Kirk Nielsen studied at Harvard Business School (MBA); Harvard University (BA, Biology).
Same school
Also attended Harvard Business School2,000
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Also attended Harvard University1,558
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Shared employers
Also worked at National Venture Capital Association71
Jeremy LiewPartner at Lightspeed Venture PartnersByron DeeterPartner at Bessemer Venture PartnersNick WashburnSenior Managing Director, Intel Capital (North America)Tiffany SpencerHead of Marketing at Menlo VenturesKate MitchellFounder at Scale Venture PartnersAdam D'AugelliInvestor at True Ventures
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Also worked at Medtronic73
Paul SlosarInvestor at FortySix Venture CapitalJay W. SchmelterCo-founder of RiverVest Venture Partners, funding and founding life science companiesAshley ArchibequeExecutive Assistant at Two Bear CapitalDavid RodriguezInvestor at Draft Ventures LlcEvan PritchardSenior Managing Director & Co-Founder at JStar Capital InvestmentsAzin ParhizgarManaging Director, US at 415 Capital
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Also worked at Bain & Company751
Steve JurvetsonCo-founder of Future VenturesLaela SturdyManaging Partner at CapitalGTheresia GouwFounding Partner at Acrew CapitalZach PerretCo-founder & CEO of Plaid; co-founder of MischiefWilliam HockeyCo-founder of Plaid; founder & CEO of ColumnJulie YangVice President at Investcorp
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