Managing Partner at Cervin
Preetish Nijhawan is a distinguished managing partner at Cervin, a venture capital firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 25 years of experience in technology, business development, and strategic leadership. His career is marked by a commitment to driving innovation and growth across various sectors, including aerospace, transportation, logistics, and enterprise/SaaS software.
Professional Journey
Cervin Ventures
As managing partner at Cervin, Nijhawan plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s investment strategies and portfolio management. He focuses on identifying high-potential startups and fostering innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and enterprise solutions. Under his leadership, Cervin has successfully navigated the complexities of the tech market, helping numerous companies achieve their growth objectives.
Board Leadership
Nijhawan is actively involved in governance and advisory roles for several organizations:
- Dalrada Financial Corporation (DFCO): Serving as Chair of the Audit Committee for this healthcare, technology, and clean energy company.
- Measurabl: A global sustainability SaaS software company where he contributes as a board director.
- Slingshot Aerospace: A computer vision AI SaaS company focused on the commercial and government satellite industries.
Additionally, he holds board positions at various educational institutions, including:
- Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business: Co-chairing the Entrepreneurship committee.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Serving on the College of Business and Engineering board.
Key Achievements
Throughout his career, Nijhawan has led numerous successful initiatives:
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Facilitated buy/sell side transactions focusing on software technology, high-tech manufacturing, and logistics distribution for mid-market companies.
- Strategic Growth: Positioned companies within organizations or investment firms to accelerate revenue growth and enhance portfolio value.
- Venture Capital Success: Advised leading Venture Capital Investment Committees on investments that represented 55% of overall funds, resulting in a 30% increase in fund valuation while companies grew by 140% year-over-year.
- Entrepreneurial Success: Founded and built a global enterprise SaaS software business that was acquired by a Fortune 250 Aerospace and Defense Company for an impressive 14x return on invested capital with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 48%.
- Product Launches: Advised international clients during product launches that led to over $1 billion in new sales exposure.
Educational Background
Nijhawan earned an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management, where he developed a strong foundation in business strategy and innovation. He also holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Southern California, equipping him with technical expertise that complements his business acumen.
Leadership Philosophy
Preetish Nijhawan is known for his collaborative leadership style. He believes in harnessing the collective strengths of diverse teams to drive innovation and achieve strategic objectives. His approach emphasizes:
- Empowerment: Encouraging team members to take ownership of their projects while providing guidance and support.
- Innovation: Fostering an environment where creativity is valued, leading to groundbreaking ideas and solutions.
- Strategic Vision: Aligning organizational goals with market opportunities to ensure sustainable growth.
Community Engagement
Nijhawan is committed to giving back to the community through his involvement in educational institutions and professional organizations. He actively participates in initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students and emerging leaders.
Conclusion
Preetish Nijhawan continues to be an influential figure in venture capital and technology innovation. His extensive experience in managing strategic initiatives across multiple sectors positions him as a key player in shaping the future of businesses navigating the complexities of today's market. Through his leadership at Cervin Ventures and his board roles, he remains dedicated to driving growth, fostering innovation, and creating lasting value for stakeholders.
Citations: [1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/38804144/859bde57-ebec-4ddd-8aa9-f77d7f433cb6/paste.txt [2] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/38804144/6026c144-af33-4da9-b9b5-7b9120ca70e6/paste-2.txt