An independent product director placed well adds governance credibility, functional depth, and a perspective neither the sponsor nor the management team can give themselves. Placed badly, it's a wasted seat. We place the right people.
A product-focused director assessed against your governance needs and the specific stage of ownership — not a standard NED profile.
Access to a curated network of independent directors with verified VC and PE board experience in product and your sector.
A placement that contributes from day one — not one that takes six months to understand the business.
The pool of genuinely qualified independent directors with VC and PE board experience in product and your sector is smaller than it looks. We know it well.
We start by understanding the board's current composition and the gap. Is this a product, digital, or customer appointment? A sector credibility play? Exit preparation? The answer shapes the profile entirely.
We define the director profile together — the product background required, the VC and PE governance experience expected, the sector depth needed, and the commitment level the role demands. We also discuss fit with the existing board dynamic.
We map independent directors with verified VC and PE board experience in your relevant product and sector areas. We look beyond the obvious names and beyond the standard NED databases. The best directors are rarely available — they're in our network.
We assess every candidate for functional credibility, board-level conduct, and genuine independence. We look for directors who'll challenge the management team constructively — not ones who'll simply endorse the sponsor's view.
A focused shortlist with written profiles. We conduct structured reference calls with people who've sat on boards with these candidates — not character references.
We support the director through the appointment process and, where needed, provide context on the specific governance dynamics of the portfolio company and sponsor relationship.
Whether you're making an appointment for governance, functional expertise, or exit preparation — we welcome a confidential conversation about what the right director looks like for your portfolio company.