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Headshot of James Kelley.
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Jim Kelley

Founding Partner & Managing Director

Jim is a Managing Director and Founding Partner of the Firm. Jim is also Founder and Managing Partner of the Colorado Impact Fund (“CIF”), a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting local companies that generate consistent investment returns in addition to positive community outcomes. CIF is managed by an affiliate of Vestar on a pro bono basis.

Previously, Jim was a member of the Management Buyout Group of The First Boston Corporation, where he worked with other members of Vestar’s founding team before leaving in 1988 to launch Vestar. Prior to joining First Boston, he practiced law with a leading Colorado law firm.

Jim received an M.B.A. from Yale University School of Management, a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.S. from the University of Northern Colorado.

Jim is a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy Argentina and the Piton Foundation.

Current Portfolio Company Involvement
Logo for Presence Marketing.
Prior Portfolio Company Involvement
Logo for healthgrades.
Logo for Sun Products Corporation.
Logo for St. John.
Logo for Michael Foods.
Logo for La Petite Academy.
Logo for Consolidated Cigar Company.
Logos for Delmonte and Big Heart pet brands.
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