Erik Blachford

Erik Blachford is a highly experienced venture partner at Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), a prominent growth equity firm. With a distinguished operational background, including serving as CEO of Expedia, Inc. and leading IAC/InterActiveCorp's travel division, Blachford brings deep industry expertise to his investment role. His tenure at TCV, which began in 2011, has seen him focus on identifying and supporting high-growth internet, software, and consumer companies, particularly those leveraging marketplace and subscription models, areas where he has significant firsthand experience.

At TCV, Blachford is instrumental in deploying substantial capital into established, scaling businesses. TCV is known for its growth-stage investments, typically writing checks ranging from $50 million to $500 million. For instance, TCV closed its twelfth fund, TCV XII, with $5.5 billion in commitments in 2022, underscoring the significant resources Blachford helps direct. His role involves strategic guidance, deal sourcing, and active participation on the boards of portfolio companies, leveraging his operational acumen to help companies navigate growth challenges and market expansion.

Blachford's influence is evident in his involvement with several well-known companies. He has served on the boards of public and private entities such as TripAdvisor, Zillow, Glassdoor, SeatGeek, and Peloton, and has been associated with investments in companies like Airbnb. His investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his operational past, favoring businesses with strong unit economics, clear market leadership potential, and innovative approaches to consumer engagement. He seeks to partner with founders who are building transformative platforms in sectors like travel, fintech, and digital media.

Beyond capital, Blachford provides invaluable strategic counsel, drawing from his experience scaling Expedia into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. This operational insight is a key differentiator, helping portfolio companies refine their strategies, optimize operations, and prepare for significant market milestones. His contributions extend beyond financial backing, offering a blend of mentorship and strategic partnership that is highly valued by the companies TCV invests in.