Pete Snyder, who a dozen years ago founded New Media Strategies in Rosslyn, announced today that he is stepping down to form a new venture capital company, Disruptor Capital, to invest in technology, media, and public affairs groups in the Washington region. He says they are an underserved market. “There are a million and one media and public affairs opportunities, a whole market place of terrific companies oriented in and around Washington,” he says. “There’s no angel targeting that particular industry. I want to be that angel.” He says he’ll target startups and growing companies.
Snyder sold the company to Meredith Corp. five years ago, staying with NMS for two years past his three-year earn-out. So why is he leaving now? “It’s just time,” Snyder says. “I’m leaving the company I founded 12 years ago as the first social media marketing company in the world, but at heart I’m an entrepreneur, and I need to scratch that part of me.” He’ll remain affiliated with NMS as a senior adviser.
Snyder, 39, says he’s also been asked by the Republican National Committee chairman and Virginia governor Bob McDonnell to “head victory efforts for Virginia in 2012. Which means I’m the head of efforts for president, the Senate race, and 13 congressional races.”
The new Disruptor office will be based in Alexandria. Snyder is building the company from the ground up. The first day of business is January 1, and “yes, I’ll be hiring,” Snyder says. When asked if this indicates he feels strongly about the economic future, he says, “I absolutely do. In the region, not the nation. I feel very strong about the environment for entrepreneurs in this region.”
Update: As for rumors that he’s considering a run for Virginia lieutenant governor, Snyder says, “Yes, I’m considering it.”
Don’t Miss Another Big Story—Get Our Weekend Newsletter
Our most popular stories of the week, sent every Saturday.
Pete Snyder Steps Down From New Media Strategies to Start up Disruptor Capital
The entrepreneur plans to open his new venture capital company on the first of the year.
Pete Snyder, who a dozen years ago founded New Media Strategies in Rosslyn, announced today that he is stepping down to form a new venture capital company, Disruptor Capital, to invest in technology, media, and public affairs groups in the Washington region. He says they are an underserved market. “There are a million and one media and public affairs opportunities, a whole market place of terrific companies oriented in and around Washington,” he says. “There’s no angel targeting that particular industry. I want to be that angel.” He says he’ll target startups and growing companies.
Snyder sold the company to Meredith Corp. five years ago, staying with NMS for two years past his three-year earn-out. So why is he leaving now? “It’s just time,” Snyder says. “I’m leaving the company I founded 12 years ago as the first social media marketing company in the world, but at heart I’m an entrepreneur, and I need to scratch that part of me.” He’ll remain affiliated with NMS as a senior adviser.
Snyder, 39, says he’s also been asked by the Republican National Committee chairman and Virginia governor Bob McDonnell to “head victory efforts for Virginia in 2012. Which means I’m the head of efforts for president, the Senate race, and 13 congressional races.”
The new Disruptor office will be based in Alexandria. Snyder is building the company from the ground up. The first day of business is January 1, and “yes, I’ll be hiring,” Snyder says. When asked if this indicates he feels strongly about the economic future, he says, “I absolutely do. In the region, not the nation. I feel very strong about the environment for entrepreneurs in this region.”
Update: As for rumors that he’s considering a run for Virginia lieutenant governor, Snyder says, “Yes, I’m considering it.”
Don’t Miss Another Big Story—Get Our Weekend Newsletter
Our most popular stories of the week, sent every Saturday.
Most Popular in News & Politics
First Look: The Gathering Spot Is a Private Club for the Black Community
The Insane Highway Plan That Would Have Bulldozed DC’s Most Charming Neighborhoods
T.C. Williams High School Has a New Name: Alexandria City High School
Stephen Miller Is Selling His DC Condo. Unfortunately, He’s Not Leaving the Area.
An Explainer of 35X, the Terrible Airport Gate Where Donald Trump Jr. and Robert Mueller Were Both Spotted
Washingtonian Magazine
March 2021: The Influencers
View IssueSubscribe
Get Us on Social
Get Us on Social
Related
Video From Fall Real Estate Market Update With Local Leaders
Washingtonian Real Estate Virtual Happy Hour
Videos from Washingtonian’s Wellness Day
Washingtonian Wellness Day
More from News & Politics
Could the Cicadas Come Early?
Texas Man Planned to Blow Up a Data Center in Virginia, FBI Says
Wizards and Capitals Fans Can Now Attend Games
A $2 Flat Metro Fare? It Could Happen (Temporarily).
T.C. Williams High School Has a New Name: Alexandria City High School
First Look: The Gathering Spot Is a Private Club for the Black Community
DC Moves Up Date When All Residents Will Be Eligible for Covid Vaccine
There Will Be No July 4th Parade on the Mall This Year