We invest in high-margin, fast-growing financial technology companies across the globe.

Alison is the firm's Chief Financial Officer, responsible for all financial and tax reporting matters. Prior to joining Valar, she worked at Revlon Canada and Molson Coors Brewing Company in various corporate accounting and finance roles. Before joining Molson Coors, Alison worked as an accountant in the Montreal office of Richter LLP. Alison received an undergraduate degree in Accounting and Strategic Management from McGill University and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.

Andrew is a founder and Managing Partner at Valar Ventures. Andrew’s career in technology has included business and corporate development roles at eCount (acquired by Citicorp) and Yahoo! He joined PayPal in 2001, where he worked closely with Peter in preparing for the company’s IPO. After PayPal’s sale to eBay, Andrew helped launch Clarium Capital and later founded a restaurant group in San Francisco. In 2008, Andrew rejoined Peter at Thiel Capital, where he led various international initiatives for Thiel Capital and Peter personally. Andrew received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

As Valar’s first employee, Erin has worked closely with James and Andrew since the firm’s founding. Prior to joining Valar, Erin worked with James at Thiel Capital as his executive assistant from 2011-2013. Erin received her Bachelor of Science, Broadcast Journalism degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Giff joined Valar in 2022 to help with portfolio company performance and investor communications. Prior to joining Valar, Giff co-founded a marketplace startup, served as Stash’s chief commercial officer, and spent a decade at ING/Voya. Prior to ING, Giff practiced M&A law for five years in the New York office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Prior to attending law school, Giff was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Giff received his J.D. and B.A. from Boston University.

Sahar Shirazi joined Valar in 2022 to assist with legal and operational issues for the firm and its portfolio companies. Prior to joining Valar, Sahar practiced venture and technology law with Holland & Knight and Dentons. Sahar received her J.D. from the University of Virginia and her B.S. from Cornell University.

James is a founder and Managing Partner at Valar Ventures. Prior to Valar, he was COO and General Counsel of Peter Thiel’s global parent company, Thiel Capital, where he helped manage Peter’s global network of investments and businesses, including Founders Fund and Clarium. Prior to joining Thiel Capital, James practiced law for seven years in the New York office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. He received his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles and his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University.

Reuben, who has been with the firm since 2014, is the firm’s Operating Partner, responsible for all operational, financial reporting and legal matters. Prior to joining Valar, Reuben was Counsel at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he practiced M&A, private equity and general corporate law for nine years. Before joining Skadden, Reuben clerked for Justice Morris J. Fish of the Supreme Court of Canada. Reuben received his law degree as well as an undergraduate degree in Finance and Strategy from McGill University.

Rachel joined Valar in 2021 to assist Alison with all financial and tax reporting matters. Prior to joining Valar formally, Rachel advised Valar as a senior associate in Standish Management’s private fund administration practice. Rachel received her B.B.A from Loyola University Chicago.