Venture Capitalist Jim Swartz Joins President Jahanian for Fireside Chat on Entrepreneurship and Innovation
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Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window) hosted a conversation on Wednesday, Oct. 29, with Tepper School of Business(opens in new window) alumnus and Accel Partners co-founder Jim Swartz. The pair discussed entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership as part of the Founders and Funders Leadership Series(opens in new window).
The event, part of CMU's broader efforts to nurture entrepreneurship across campus, highlighted the impact of the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship(opens in new window), which connects students, faculty, alumni and researchers with resources, mentorship and opportunities to turn ideas into successful business ventures.
“We like doing things where some of our energy, some of our funding, can make a transformational difference in a situation,” Swartz said. “ You don't pick them from the sky, they sort of happen. You go through life and you're presented with these things, and you're involved, and you see opportunities. And when we see an opportunity to make a difference, and that's why all that came about.”
Championing innovation at CMU and beyond
Swartz has built technology companies that have become household names, including Dropbox, Etsy, Facebook and Veritas Software. Since founding Accel Partners, he has served as lead director for more than 50 successful companies.
Swartz and his wife, Susan Swartz, have made significant investments in CMU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Swartz Center, launched in 2015, now anchors CMU’s startup community, supporting hundreds of student ventures, alumni founders and innovation-focused programs each year.
Jahanian described Swartz as a Renaissance man, noting his broad philanthropic interests and commitment to the arts and education.
“Beyond the world of business, he's deeply committed to elevating the arts and humanities. He and Susan co-founded Impact Partners to advance the independent films that illuminate important societal issues. And, as is the case, always with them, they aim very high. In fact, to date, Impact Films have earned some impressive honors, including Oscars, Emmy and Peabody awards,” Jahanian said.
Advice to entrepreneurs
When Jahanian asked what Swartz looks for in a founder, Swartz joked that his first question is whether he’d like to “share a meal” with the person — but said what really matters is intellectual honesty.
“There's a fine line between being committed and focused and stubborn — which entrepreneurs have to be — and openness,” he said. “The very, very best entrepreneurs are able to transition on that spectrum every day. They can stand up and be dogmatic and driven, but at the same time, they're listening to what people are telling them. They're listening to what the market's telling them. They're listening to what is working and what isn't working, and they're taking that into account. And they have the ability to adjust their focus.”
Swartz also emphasized the value of experience and adaptability.
“I personally am a big believer in resumes and resume building. I've seen it again and again and again — there are certain individuals that rise to the top, no matter what situation you put them in, they're able to figure it out,” Swartz said. “I'm looking for a resume which shows continued ability to succeed, and I'm looking for an absolute mastery of their subject. Whatever widget they're building, whatever business they want to go after, they know it's inside and out. They know who their competitors are and will be. They're out and about in the ecosystem and make lots of connections with people in their particular world. They know who the major players are. That's what you're looking for.”
He closed with a piece of self-effacing advice that drew laughter from the audience.
“A classic line is ‘follow your dream.’ Well, I didn't have any dreams. I think you want to land in a place where you're with smart people who know what they're doing and learn. Just learn, learn, learn. Don't get locked into any particular thing and look for opportunities, because they'll come your way. They always come your way. You just have to be open to them and aware of them.”
Celebrating a leader
The university community later honored Dave Mawhinney(opens in new window), founding executive director of the Swartz Center, for a decade of leadership and his lasting impact as a faculty member. During the community celebration event, the Swartz Center announced the Dave Mawhinney Founders First Legacy Fund, which will provide pre-seed and seed grants to CMU startups, supporting future generations of entrepreneurs here and around the world.
The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship
The Swartz Center works with its partners to serve the entire CMU community to bring research innovations and promising ideas to the global marketplace and help entrepreneurial students, faculty, staff and alumni tap into the innovation ecosystem.
From life-saving medical devices to next-gen AI to performances that encapsulate the human experience, Carnegie Mellon University’s legacy can be found in every corner of the globe and in every part of our daily lives. Made possible by a longstanding commitment to innovation, collaboration and creativity and a willingness to embrace the power of possibilities, CMU’s milestones have brought the world to where it is today.
