Darren Herman

Darren Herman is one of the most recognized operator-turned-investors in the advertising technology industry, known for bridging the gap between building AdTech companies and funding them. He founded Varick Media Management, a pioneering programmatic media buying firm, which was later acquired by MDC Partners, establishing him as an early architect of the data-driven media buying movement before programmatic became mainstream vernacular. After his operating career, Herman transitioned into venture capital, joining Bain Capital Ventures where he focuses on investments in AdTech, MarTech, and the broader media technology ecosystem. His hands-on experience building and scaling an AdTech company gives him a distinctive edge as an investor, allowing him to evaluate startups with the lens of someone who has navigated the complexities of ad operations, publisher relationships, and agency dynamics firsthand. Herman has been an active voice in the AdTech community through writing, speaking, and advising, and has served on boards and in advisory capacities for numerous technology companies. His career arc — from entrepreneur to acquiree to venture capitalist — makes him a rare figure who has experienced the AdTech ecosystem from multiple vantage points, lending credibility and depth to his perspective on where the industry is headed.

• BS, Bentley University

• Founded Varick Media Management, one of the earliest programmatic media buying agencies, later acquired by MDC Partners
• Joined Bain Capital Ventures as a Partner focused on AdTech and MarTech investments
• Named to multiple AdTech industry power lists and recognized as an early programmatic pioneer

• Regular contributor to industry blogs and thought leadership on AdTech trends at darrenherman.com