Senior Manager of Platform and Community

Rachel Leigh Gross

Rachel Leigh Gross is the Platform & Community Manager of the New England Venture Capital Association, in which she focuses on supporting and connecting the region’s venture capital leaders. Rachel has operated in the innovation ecosystem for five years, working as program manager for accelerator MassChallenge and as community & events lead for a New York-based startup. She is an active member of the New England business community as a contributing member of Founders & Friends (RI), occasional speaker, and startup cheerleader.

Outside of the NEVCA, Rachel publishes content to The Balance and HomeLight on topics from entrepreneurship and finance to lifestyle and real estate. She swears to get her business (RLG Home) off the ground one day. Rachel is a graduate of Brown University and considers Rhode Island her home.

Ari Fine Glantz is the Executive Director of the New England Venture Capital Association, where he works with the region’s venture capital leaders to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and prosperous innovation ecosystem. In Ari’s seven years with the NEVCA, the organization has grown its membership, expanded its legislative impact, and launched successful programs and initiatives in diversity, workforce development, and regional brand. Ari serves as a coach, judge, and mentor for a variety of accelerators and pitch competitions around Boston, and is an infrequent contributor to TechCrunch, BostInno, and TEDx. Outside of the NEVCA, Ari operates a custom woodworking and furniture business, plays in too many amateur baseball leagues, and spends as much time as possible in his conversion van. He is a graduate of Vassar College and a native Cantabrigian.