Meet Domenic Perri, Vertex US’s Newest Partner!

What led you to join the Vertex US team?

When I first met Vertex US partners Jonathan Heiliger, In Sik Rhee, and Sandeep Bhadra, I knew right away this was a tremendous opportunity to work alongside a phenomenal team of experienced enterprise investors. Vertex US is building an incredible brand as investors who partner closely with enterprising founders seeking to disrupt large markets. I’m honored and grateful to be a part of this amazing journey.

What’s the first piece of technology that you remember being excited about?

I remember watching Steve Jobs announce the launch of the first iPhone in his keynote address to the world in 2007. He was incredibly bold and I’ll never forget how seeing his passion come to life inspired a culture of innovation that we continue to benefit from today.

What [markets, ideas, technology] get you excited now?

These are exciting times. Practically speaking, technology that I’m excited about today is IoT connected devices combined with AI and self-driving cars because both are already here and will continue to get better over time. I’m also very active in the cybersecurity space because I started my career in this area and like to stay on top of trends that are driving the future of security innovation, such as cloud architecture shifts. Bigger picture, technology that can bring clean water to every person on Earth as an economic means to prosperity is a really important global problem to solve.

What is the most pressing obstacle venture capitalists face today?

Understanding the immeasurable value of building meaningful, authentic and long-lasting relationships.

What issue do you hope the next generation of enterprise founders solve?

Founders working in technology have a responsibility to tackle global issues beyond providing technology itself. The only way we are going to make a dent in significant issues, like climate change or food and water security, for everyone on the planet is through systemic business-to-business changes. The best enterprise founders can navigate these challenges.

You get to travel back in time — A) What career “mistake” do you repeat? B) What advice do you ignore a second time?

After graduating from college, I was lucky to land my first tech job at an exciting early-stage security startup in my hometown of Toronto. After we got acquired, I accepted a great opportunity in New York City to work in cybersecurity on Wall Street. This was early 2000, just months before the historic dot-com bubble burst, then 9/11 happened shortly after that. I lived 500 feet from the Word Trade Center. It was a very difficult time for everyone. My family and friends urged me to leave NYC and move back home. I was determined to forge ahead and was very resourceful during a very unprecedented moment in our history. I never quit. That experience taught me so much, not least of which is to expect the unexpected.

If working in tech is no longer an option and money isn’t a factor, where would you start over?

As a chef and restaurateur because of the joy cooking can bring to people and relationships. I love seeing people happy while breaking bread together. I feel so fortunate to have experienced this growing up in a traditional Italian household with a loving family. (My entire family is from Italy, and I’m first-generation Canadian.) And what better way to share experiences than through food (and wine, of course!).

The zombie apocalypse finally comes, where do you run?

Canada, it’s safe there. 😊

What is one of the most worthwhile investments (time, money, or energy) you’ve ever made?

Investing in my relationships (family, friends, colleagues) and my home in San Francisco.

What is an unusual habit or absurd thing you love and haven’t admitted….until now?

I’m always on the go, so I tend to jaywalk a lot. (But responsibly…I always look both ways before crossing!) I also look for the expiration date on absolutely everything! And somewhat related, I’m often tempted to get the latest model or newest version of anything and everything.

What is your most frequently used emoji?

🤷🏻‍♂️

Spirit gif?

What Billions character would you play, and why?

I’m really behind on watching popular TV series like Billions, BUT I recently became friends with Zina Wilde if that counts! (Sorry Zina, promise I’ll binge-watch soon!)

What keeps you awake at night?

The fear of getting pummeled by an electric scooter in SF.

Being from Canada and spending an early part of your career in New York and then later San Francisco, what advice would you give for people who want to move to Silicon Valley to find their dream opportunity?

Picking up and relocating to a new city is no easy endeavor, no matter how great of an opportunity awaits you. Your ability to quickly establish yourself in Silicon Valley (‘The Valley’), build a strong network of people and put yourself within proximity of those you can learn from and who will nourish your growth will be imperative to accelerate your success.

The Valley started with an idea and a dream, but it’s the people who bought into that idea and dream that built the foundation that continues to attract people from all walks of life to come here and build something new. You must be ready to contribute, and with a growth mindset, you’ll find plenty of opportunities that can challenge you and utilize your strengths.