Blair Garrou has significant experience in operating, investing and advisory roles with start-up companies, particularly in the software industry. Prior to co-founding DFJ Mercury, Mr. Garrou was the CEO of Intermat, Inc., a leader in the product information management software sector, where he led the sale of the company to IHS, Inc. (NYSE: IHS).  Prior to Intermat, Mr. Garrou was a Principal of Genesis Park LP, a Houston-based venture capital and private equity firm, where he focused on the firm’s software investments, including Intermat, FuelQuest (acquired by Saracen Energy Advisors), and SAT Corporation (acquired by Invensys).  Prior to Genesis Park, Mr. Garrou assisted in the launch of and was the Director of Operations for the Houston Technology Center, a non-profit business accelerator and incubator that assists in the rapid commercialization of Houston-based emerging technology companies. During Mr. Garrou’s tenure with the Houston Technology Center, he led the formation of the Houston Angel Network, Houston's first angel investment organization.  Mr. Garrou is currently an Adjunct Professor of Management at the Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University where he teaches a course on venture capital, and he is a frequent lecturer at Texas A&M and the University of Houston.  Previously, Mr. Garrou was an investment banker with BMO Nesbitt Burns, and he provided audit and assurance services with Deloitte & Touche.

Mr. Garrou currently serves on the Board of Directors of Alert Logic, Fluensee, Performix and Phurnace Software; and on the advisory and/or development boards for the University of Texas Health Science Center, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Friends of Integrated Medicine, Rice Alliance for Technology & Entrepreneurship, and the Houston Technology Center’s Information Technology Steering Committee.

Mr. Garrou received a B.S. in Management with Special Attainments in Commerce from Washington & Lee University.  He is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.