Jeffrey J. Bussgang is a name synonymous with startup success, venture capital expertise, and thought leadership in entrepreneurship. As a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School (HBS), co-founder and General Partner at Flybridge Capital Partners, and author of three influential books, Bussgang has left an indelible mark on the startup ecosystem. His unique perspective, shaped by his experience as both an entrepreneur and investor, has made him a trusted guide for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the fast-evolving world of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
From Entrepreneur to Venture Capitalist
Bussgang’s journey began in the entrepreneurial trenches. Before becoming a venture capitalist, he co-founded Upromise, a loyalty marketing and financial services firm that became the most significant private source of college funding contributions in the U.S., later acquired by Sallie Mae. He also served as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Open Market, a company that went public in 1996. These experiences gave Bussgang a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs of building startups, insights he now shares with the next generation of founders.
In 2003, Bussgang transitioned to venture capital, co-founding Flybridge Capital Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm with over $1 billion in assets under management. Flybridge has backed over 300 technology-focused startups, including unicorns like MongoDB, BitSight, and Codecademy. Bussgang’s investment focus spans blockchain, consumer, e-commerce, machine learning, and mobile startups, with a recent emphasis on AI-driven companies, reflecting his belief in AI’s transformative potential for entrepreneurship.
Educating the Next Generation at Harvard
At HBS, Bussgang is a Senior Lecturer in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit, where he teaches Launching Technology Ventures (LTV). This popular MBA elective has enrolled over 2,000 students in its 13-year history. The course equips students with frameworks to launch or join tech startups, emphasizing lean startup principles and strategies for scaling. He also teaches Venture Capital Journey, a field course that prepares students for careers in venture capital. Bussgang’s teaching extends beyond the classroom; in 2023, he created an AI chatbot, “HBS LTV Feedback,” to provide personalized feedback on student projects, showcasing his innovative approach to education.
Author and Thought Leader
Bussgang is the author of three books that have become essential reading for entrepreneurs and startup professionals. His first book, Mastering the VC Game (2010), offers an insider’s guide to raising capital and building successful partnerships with venture capitalists, drawing on interviews with industry giants like Twitter’s Jack Dorsey and LinkedIn’s Reid Hoffman. Entering StartUpLand (2017) serves as a roadmap for those seeking to join startups, detailing key roles and responsibilities. His latest work, The Experimentation Machine: Finding Product-Market Fit in the Age of AI (2025), examines how AI can accelerate startup experimentation, enabling founders to achieve product-market fit more quickly and scale efficiently.
In The Experimentation Machine, Bussgang argues that AI is reshaping how startups operate, allowing “10x Founders” to leverage data-driven experimentation to outpace competitors. He emphasizes the balance between timeless entrepreneurial principles—like strategic judgment—and cutting-edge tools like AI, a theme echoed in his popular blog, Seeing Both Sides (www.seeingbothsides.com) (www.seeingbothsides.com), and LinkedIn newsletter, Bussgang’s Bullets.
A Voice for Strategic Entrepreneurship
Bussgang’s thought leadership extends to his contributions to Harvard Business Review, where he has co-authored articles on topics such as community-driven competitive advantage, the risks of initial coin offerings, and attracting startups to cities without tax incentives. His 2022 article, “6 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Still Make The Most Of Market Downturn,” advised founders to “play offense” during economic uncertainty. This perspective resonated with his portfolio companies and the broader startup community.
On social media, Bussgang is an active voice, sharing insights on AI, entrepreneurship, and VC trends. A recent post on X highlighted his upcoming Walker Webcast appearance, during which he discussed the role of AI in venture capital, underscoring his influence in shaping contemporary startup strategies.
A Legacy of Impact
Bussgang’s multifaceted career—as a founder, investor, educator, and author—positions him as a bridge between traditional entrepreneurship and the AI-driven future. His work empowers founders to navigate the complexities of startup growth while embracing emerging technologies. As he writes in The Experimentation Machine, “AI is reshaping business, and founders must adapt or be left behind.” With his deep expertise and commitment to mentorship, Jeffrey Bussgang continues to inspire and guide those aiming to leave their “dent in the universe.”
