Hunter Hartwell founded Ellirock in 2024 after spending a decade investing in and acquiring high-growth technology companies as both a venture capitalist and M&A professional. Hunter recognized first-hand that traditional VC/PE firms and strategic acquirers are great partners to some entrepreneurs, but they overlook or have misaligned incentives with a large number of fantastic business owners, particularly those seeking sustainable growth. He created Ellirock to provide both capital and his full-time operating energy to those owners who want a different kind of partner. 

Prior to founding Ellirock, Hunter was a Partner at Glasswing Ventures, an AI-focused VC firm in Boston. Before joining Glasswing, he served as a Principal at Forté Ventures and a Consultant in Deloitte Consulting’s strategy practice focusing on M&A. He has invested in and served on the Boards of over ten SMBs and startups bringing cutting edge technology to legacy industries, such as real estate, insurance, energy, and manufacturing. Hunter holds a MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Vanderbilt University. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, playing guitar, skiing, and cheering for (aka being disappointed by) the Atlanta Braves, Carolina Panthers, and Chelsea FC.