Landen
Enns
I’m a laid back, surfer-dude at heart. I think it helps me build relationships.
With an understanding of technology and a cultural understanding of enterprise purchase and what they value, Landen is super stoked to add value to the Catalyst team.
LIFE LESSONS
My Dad always said, “Don’t let school get in the way of your education”. He urged me to seek alternative routes and bring a unique perspective to problems.
FOR THE THRILL OF IT
Spending my time thinking about the future of consumers is a thrill. And there’s nothing better than working with entrepreneurs as they do the actual heavy lifting of creating the next reality.
Describe your 6th grade self.
Super curious! My mom says I followed her around all day asking questions. I was that kid reading “Guinness Book of World Records” and “Ripley’s Believe it or Not”. If it was about amazing feats and amazing people, I was in!
Any early lessons from your family come to mind?
My Dad always said, “Don’t let school get in the way of your education” He wasn’t against formal education, but urged me to seek alternative routes and bring a unique perspective to problems.
Speaking of your routes, where did you grow up?
San Diego. And it’s true -- I’m a laid back, California “surfer dude” at heart. I don’t take myself too seriously and always try to build positive partnerships.
What about working with Catalyst gets you, uh, stoked?
Spending my time thinking about the future of consumers is a thrill. And there’s nothing better than working with entrepreneurs as they do the actual heavy lifting of creating the next reality.
Amazing feats and amazing people!
Totally. Plus I get to come in and ask a ton of questions! When entrepreneurs can answer those questions and explain the answer to your next question before you even ask it … that makes my day. I genuinely love the first pitch. Watching them go from being a little bit nervous to confidently running through their presentation, nailing every detail because they so deeply believe in what they’re building.
What about the VMG culture attracted you?
No sharp elbows. I’ve always seen business and venture as a team sport. VMG has set its self up to have all parties in the process (founders, employees, and LPs) be in a position to win together. Everyone on the team brings a unique perspective and skillset, which is a large contributor to our success.
What about your style and background adds value to VMG and the Catalyst team?
As far as background, coming from Cisco, I have a different perspective -- a tech-focused, enterprise point of view. I not only understand the technology and how enterprises purchase, but also I have a cultural understanding of what they value. As for style, I’m always looking to humanize the conversation. I feel as though VCs and entrepreneurs can be so focused on the transactional aspects of the business that the human element can be unintentionally forgotten. And we’re all humans around the table.
Gotta love the "surfer dude" vibe.
Can’t let things get too gnarly.
