Biography
Blair Garrou has significant experience in operating, investing and advisory roles with start-up companies, particularly in the software industry. Prior to co-founding DFJ Mercury, Blair was the CEO of Intermat, Inc., a leader in the product information management software sector, where he led the sale of the company to IHS, Inc. (NYSE: IHS). Prior to Intermat, Blair was a Principal of Genesis Park LP, a Houston-based venture capital and private equity firm, where he focused on the firm's software investments, including Intermat, FuelQuest (acquired by Saracen Energy Advisors), and SAT Corporation. Prior to Genesis Park, Blair assisted in the launch of and was the Director of Operations for the Houston Technology Center (HTC), a non-profit technology incubator that assists in the rapid commercialization of Houston-based emerging technology companies. During Blair's tenure with the HTC, he led the formation of the Houston Angel Network, Houston's first angel investment organization and now the largest and most active angel investment organization in the southewest. Blair is currently an Adjunct Professor of Management at the Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University where he teaches a course on venture capital. Previously, Blair was an investment banker with BMO Nesbitt Burns, and he provided audit and assurance services with Deloitte & Touche.
Blair currently serves on the Board of Directors of Alert Logic, Fluensee, Performix, Phurnace Software, and Podcast Ready; and on the development and/or advisory boards for the University of Texas Health Science Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center's Friends of Integrated Medicine, the Rice Alliance for Technology & Entrepreneurship, and the HTC's IT Steering Committee.
Blair is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas. He received a B.S. in Management with Special Attainments in Commerce from Washington & Lee University.
