Roger McNamee stands as a prominent figure in the landscape of technology and investment, notably recognized for his co-founding role in Elevation Partners, a private equity firm that carved a niche by blending technology, media, and entertainment investments. His career trajectory, however, extends far beyond this venture, painting a portrait of a multifaceted individual deeply engaged in various sectors from music and media to public policy and philanthropy. McNamee’s insights are frequently sought after, evidenced by his appearances on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” and MSNBC, solidifying his position as a commentator on current tech and economic trends.
Before his significant role at Elevation Partners, McNamee authored “The New Normal” in 2004, a book exploring the evolving economic paradigms, and “The Moonalice Legend: Posters and Words,” showcasing his diverse interests. His expertise in the tech world has also led to his involvement as a technical advisor for multiple seasons of HBO’s acclaimed “Silicon Valley” series, further embedding him within the cultural and industry conversations surrounding technology. Beyond the screen and page, McNamee actively contributes to the digital rights sphere as Treasurer and board member of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a leading privacy NGO in the United States, and serves as a director for Nettwerk Music, a forward-thinking music label embracing streaming technologies.
McNamee’s commitment extends to philanthropy and culture. He co-founded the Haight Street Art Center, reflecting his passion for arts and community. His past board memberships include prestigious institutions such as the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Bryn Mawr College, The GRAMMY Foundation, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum, and the National Geographic Society’s operating business. Notably, he played a crucial role in fundraising for the Wikimedia Foundation, demonstrating his impact on the accessibility of knowledge. Currently, he lends his expertise to the advisory board of the Open Markets Institute.
Adding another dimension to his persona, Roger McNamee is a performing musician in the band Moonalice, where he plays guitar. Moonalice has gained recognition for its innovative approach to fan engagement, allowing online access to their entire music catalog and concert streams. Their association with high-quality poster art has also become a hallmark, with the Moonalice series boasting over 1,400 posters. The band’s success extends to digital platforms, with their single “It’s 420 Somewhere” achieving over 4.6 million downloads. Roger McNamee’s academic foundation includes a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, underpinning his varied accomplishments. His innovative spirit is further exemplified by holding four U.S. patents related to MoonTunes and live broadcast technologies. Through Elevation Partners and his diverse engagements, Roger McNamee embodies a blend of business acumen, technological foresight, and cultural participation, marking him as a significant figure in contemporary innovation and investment.
