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Jen Ard is a Managing Director at Intel Capital, the venture capital arm of Intel Corporation. She is responsible for leading strategic investments in innovative technology companies.
Jen Ard primarily invests in enterprise software companies, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, data management, cybersecurity, developer tools, and SaaS platforms.
Jen Ard works at Intel Capital, the corporate venture capital division of Intel Corporation, where she serves as a Managing Director.
Jen Ard is a distinguished Managing Director at Intel Capital, the global investment arm of Intel Corporation. In this pivotal role, she is instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic investments in groundbreaking technology companies that align with Intel's vision for the future. Her work directly contributes to fostering innovation across critical sectors, driving growth for both Intel and its portfolio companies.
Ard's investment focus is primarily centered on the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of enterprise software. She possesses a keen eye for disruptive technologies within artificial intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity. Her portfolio interests also extend to developer tools, SaaS platforms, and other solutions that empower businesses to operate more efficiently and securely in the digital age. Jen is particularly drawn to companies that demonstrate strong technical innovation, a clear market need, and exceptional leadership teams capable of executing ambitious visions. She seeks out startups that are not only building cutting-edge products but also have the potential for significant market impact and strategic synergy with Intel's broader ecosystem.
Before ascending to her current position as Managing Director, Jen Ard built a robust career within Intel and Intel Capital. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to technology and a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics. She has held various roles within Intel Capital, progressively taking on more responsibility and honing her expertise in venture capital. Prior to her tenure at Intel Capital, Ard gained valuable experience within Intel Corporation itself, contributing to areas such as product marketing and business development. This diverse background provides her with a unique perspective, blending technical insight with strategic business acumen, which is invaluable in her investment decisions. She holds an MBA, further solidifying her business and financial expertise.
As a Managing Director, Jen plays a hands-on role in supporting Intel Capital's portfolio companies. Beyond capital infusion, she provides strategic guidance, leverages Intel's vast network, and helps companies navigate challenges and scale their operations. Her dedication to fostering long-term relationships and contributing to the success of her investments underscores her reputation as a thoughtful and impactful investor. Through her work, Jen Ard continues to shape the future of enterprise technology, backing the innovators who are building the next generation of essential software and infrastructure solutions. Her strategic investments are key to advancing the technological frontier and ensuring Intel Capital remains at the forefront of venture capital.
Jen Ard is the Managing Director and Head of Investment Operations at Intel Capital, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before assuming her current leadership position, she spent over a decade at Intel Corporation in various corporate finance roles, including serving as a Finance Controller. In her venture capital capacity, she focuses primarily on silicon and semiconductor-related startups and was notably involved in the firm's $3.2 billion strategic investment in ASML. Ard oversees the organization's administrative functions and investment processes, maintaining a selective approach that declines up to 30 percent of deals reaching the investment committee. She also holds board director or observer roles across multiple portfolio companies, including Fabric8Labs and Metalenz. A CFA Charterholder with an MBA from Brigham Young University, her current focus centers on scaling corporate venture operations and supporting semiconductor ecosystem investments.
