Getting to Know Nick Petri

Meet Nick Petri.  Nick joined OpenView Labs last month as a Market Research Analyst on our Research and Analytics team, where he is responsible for analyzing portfolio companies and their target markets to help them focus on opportunities for profitable growth.

Prior to joining the OpenView team, Nick was an Equity Analyst for Echo Bridge Capital, a startup hedge fund in Boston. Nick has a BA in Economics and Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, and has completed Level I of the CFA program. Now, on to our Q&A!

10 Questions with Nick Petri – OpenView Labs, Market Research Analyst

1. Tell us about yourself—Twitter style (in 140 characters or less).

NP: Recently crowned by Diana as OpenView Labs’ biggest Red Sox fan. I’m new to VC but have worked with startups before and loved every minute.

[Editor’s notes: Congratulations, Nick! It is quite an honor, I’m sure. Nick is new to Twitter, as well — start following him as he explores venture capital @NCPetri!]

2. What are you most looking forward to about working at OpenView?

NP: I’m really looking forward to working directly with the decision makers at our portfolio companies, and giving them actionable insight into how to take their business to the next level. I love that entrepreneurs are willing and able to pivot and take risks in order to be disruptive. That’s the biggest difference from my previous role as an equity analyst, because big public companies don’t give you much access to data, and are usually pretty resistant to change.

3. What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

NP: Some of the analysis I’ll be doing in the Research and Analytics group requires pretty detailed knowledge of our companies’ technologies and how they’re applied. Since I don’t have a tech background, I think it’ll be a bit of a challenge to get up to speed. Luckily I find the companies really interesting, so I’ll enjoy learning about them.

4. What is your favorite type of analysis?

NP: I find sizing new markets—where there isn’t already a powerful incumbent—both extremely challenging and extremely rewarding. Looking at a promising new business frontier and trying to estimate how big it will be really embodies the spirit of Venture Capital.

5. What is the last book you read?

NP: Black Mass – It’s a fascinating book about Whitey Bulger and his illicit ties to the FBI, plus it all took place in South Boston about a mile away from our offices. I almost always read non-fiction because I think a story is much more captivating when you know it actually happened.

6. If you had to eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

NP: Definitely the sandwiches from Viga. I can’t get enough.

7. What is your favorite neighborhood in Boston?

NP: I grew up on Beacon Hill, and I think it’s one of the coolest historic neighborhoods in the country. But Cambridge, where I live now, is way more fun.

8. What are your hobbies outside of work?

NP: I love being outside and will jump on pretty much any excuse to get out of the house, whether it’s golf, basketball, skiing, the beach, or just about anything else. I also really enjoy cooking.

9. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, which actor would play you in the lead role?

NP: I don’t think Brad Pitt could properly capture my awkward mannerisms, so I’d have to go with Keanu Reeves.

10. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

NP: At first I wanted to be Mo Vaughn, but I realized that was unrealistic because I was right-handed, so I decided to be Nomar Garciaparra instead. There was no question I was going to be on the Red Sox.

For past Q&As with other members of the OpenView team, check out my previous posts here.