Tim Krysiek

"I'm inspired by the opportunity to work with founders and leaders who are developing the climate solutions we desperately need."

What strengths do you bring to the companies you partner with?

I spent 15 years in the global energy industry, working across the value chain with a variety of assets in different markets. I use my experiences and industry network to help my portfolio companies analyze issues from multiple perspectives. Prior to venture investing, I held positions in strategy and business development, so I enjoy working with executives to sharpen their business models and evaluate major commercial decisions.

What inspires you about venture capital?

I'm inspired by the opportunity to work with founders and leaders who are developing the climate solutions we desperately need. For me, venture capital is the ideal blend of thoughtful analysis and practical action. I enjoy studying market and technology trends, distilling them into strategic beliefs, and then rolling up my sleeves to work with management teams to achieve specific milestones.

In another life, if you weren't in venture capital, what would you be?

I'd be an urban planner. I've always been fascinated by how geography, economics, infrastructure, and technology have shaped cities and the lives of people in them. When I travel to a new city, I try to understand why it has developed in the way that it has and appreciate the architecture, art, and neighborhoods that make it unique. As the world continues to urbanize and the climate crisis intensifies, developing smart, green, resilient cities will be more important than ever.

Podcast or Publication?

Both. My podcast subscriptions are out of control. I'm much better at adding new podcasts than I am at deleting old ones! My two favorite books about venture capital (for very different reasons) are The Power Law, by Sebastian Mallaby, and Disrupted, by Dan Lyons. If you are seeking an insightful history of the venture industry and its place in the broader economy, I recommend the former. If you are in the mood for an irreverent, funny take on the innovation ecosystem, I suggest the latter, particularly the Audible version read by the author!

It's Saturday afternoon, where can we find you and what are you up to?

In the winter, you can find me with my kids on skates, skis, or sleds. In the summer, I'll be gardening with my daughter or playing t-ball with my son. A few years ago, my wife gave me an Eastern European cookbook and I'm on a quest to try each recipe at least once. So you might also find me in the kitchen making pierogies, pelmeni, or potica.

Tim joined MassMutual Ventures as Managing Partner in 2023 and leads the Climate Technology Fund. Prior to MMV, he was a Managing Director at Equinor Ventures and served on the boards of several portfolio companies, including Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Mainspring, SkySpecs, and Sunverge. His previous positions at Equinor included CEO Advisor, Corporate Strategy Manager, and Business Development Manager. Earlier in his career, Tim held research and consulting roles at Cambridge Energy Research Associates (now part of S&P Global), the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, and Google.

Tim received an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He studied international affairs in the UK as a Marshall Scholar, earning degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of St Andrews. Tim holds a BA in intelligence studies from Mercyhurst University.