Clare Fairfield is a seasoned venture capital leader, entrepreneur and educator with more than three decades of experience building companies, managing investment funds and developing innovation ecosystems. Throughout his career, he has operated at the intersection of venture capital, entrepreneurial growth and higher education, helping founders, investors and institutions navigate the complexities of innovation and long-term value creation.

As Chairman of the Venture Capital Institute, a global venture capital education and innovation development organization founded in 1974, Clare has played a significant role in advancing venture capital education and supporting the development of future investors, entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders. His experience spans fund management, company building, strategic advisory and the design of entrepreneurial programs within leading research universities, providing him with a unique perspective on how innovation ecosystems evolve and scale.

At Blackrail Group, Clare helps shape investment strategy with a focus on early-stage innovation, ecosystem development and sustainable growth. His expertise in connecting startups, investors, academic institutions and industry stakeholders enables the firm to identify emerging opportunities and support companies through critical stages of growth. Combining deep investment experience with a lifelong commitment to entrepreneurship and education, Clare brings a long-term perspective on innovation, talent development and value creation across global markets. His network across venture capital, academia and entrepreneurship gives Blackrail unique access to emerging talent, breakthrough technologies and innovation ecosystems. He is recognized for connecting capital and innovation to accelerate long-term growth.