Entrepreneur and Investor. Operator and Advisor. East coast polish and West coast ingenuity.

We help investors and operators scale.

We are lifelong learners and believe today's successful companies and investors need to be as well.  We've lived the dynamic application of learnings from varied experiences.  We believe unique solutions are unlocked by operating in the blank space between siloed disciplines.  This is where we add value.

wall street <> technology

investors <> operators

venture backed startups <> profitable small business

east coast financial rigor <> west coast tech optimism

advising <> executing

Who we help

- Small business lending
- Insurance distribution
- Banking
- Payments & Billing
- Microgrids & owned power solutions
- Solar
- Anaerobic digestion & landfills
- Renewable fuel sources
- Venture Capital
- Growth Equity
- Private Credit
- Family Offices

What we do

- GTM playbook: customer segmentation, unit economics, operating metrics
- Strategic review & financial planning
- Team building and scaling; interim C-suite execution
- Financing strategy & fundraise process
- Capitalization across capital stack: equity, credit, tax equity
- Introductions

“My experience with Nick over the years has been overwhelmingly positive; he’s able to navigate complex team building issues while consistently demonstrating the analytical rigor and sound judgement that you want from a seasoned executive. Put simply, Nick is loyal, smart, engaging, and has no-ego. Couldn’t recommend working with him enough.”

— Sam Hodges, CEO & Co-founder, Vouch Insurance

“Nick is that rare leader who in a single day can skillfully transition from leading a board presentation, to calling prospects for business, to whiteboarding our next strategic move, to pulling supporting analysis for team metrics, to mentoring junior employees ... and all with the level of competence, respect, and judgement that you want out of any teammate. He is poised, not afraid to get his hands dirty, all while staying strategic. I’d build any company at any stage with Nick.”

— Mike Rabil, CEO & Co-founder, Premier Lacrosse League

“Nick has the right mix of lived experience, expertise across sectors and hustle that makes him one of my first calls when founders ask for operational support.”

— Chauncey Hamilton, Partner, XYZ Ventures

“Nick is one of the best leaders I’ve worked with. He understands deeply how marketing, sales, partnerships, and product must align to truly serve the customer. He is extremely analytical and recognizes that go-to-market success depends on shared metrics that cut across departments. Nick’s leadership style fosters genuine connection and trust, allowing him to effortlessly break down department silos. During our years working together, I saw him repeatedly empower his team with responsibility, which ultimately created new leaders and leverage for the entire company. I absolutely loved working with Nick and continue to admire his leadership and ability to drive impact.”

— Evelyn Ju, VP of Marketing, Persona

“Nick’s deep operational experience and steady hand enhances our sourcing, diligence and insights on new investments, particularly in the insurtech arena. In addition, he’s extremely well-networked and has bridged real introductions to capital partners for our fund — Nick is truly a holistic partner for me and the Optimist Ventures team.”

— Teddy Himler, Founder & Managing Partner, Optimist Ventures

“I was fortunate to work with Nick for five formative years early in my career. His leadership and mentorship were instrumental in shaping how I approach team building, strategic thinking, and operating effectively in high-growth environments. To this day, Nick is one of the first people I turn to for advice when navigating complex challenges or making high-stakes decisions. I’m deeply grateful for the time I spent working with him and the lasting impact he’s had on my career.”

— Teddy Augustine, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Upstart (Nasdaq: UPST)

nick@ridgewayholt.com

617 312 0910

Nick has spent his entire career in a variety of growth businesses including the last 12 as an operator and executive in financial technology, insurance, and renewable energy endeavors. He started his professional career in New York in 2008 at Canaccord Genuity, a middle-market Canadian investment bank with a significant US operation.

In 2013 he joined small business lending marketplace pioneer Funding Circle and relocated to San Francisco. He led all partnerships and sales and was a key member of the leadership team during the IPO in 2018 – Funding Circle has lent over $20B to main street small businesses since its inception in 2010.

After Funding Circle, Nick joined CircleUp as a General Partner of the $200M credit fund, which lent and invested in high growth consumer brands. Later he joined the founding team of insurance payments and lending startup Ascend, where he spearheaded a $250M credit facility raise and built all early go-to-market customer motions. Nick has most recently worked and advised in the renewable energy sector at early stage software startups, later stage / scaled operations, and with family offices and investors. He maintains a selection of venture backed fintech and insurtech clients as well.

Nick holds a BA in Economics and English Literature from Hamilton College and currently lives outside NYC with his family.

“Ridgeway” and “Holt” are the middle names of Nick’s two children.

Entrepreneur and Investor. Operator and Advisor. East coast polish and West coast ingenuity.

We help investors and operators scale.

Who we help

Fintech & Insurtech Operators

Renewable Energy Operators

Investors

What we do

Operating Expertise

Capital Raising

nick@ridgewayholt.com