Ex-Joost Chief Joins Investment Firm

LONDON: Mike Volpi, who left the CEO post at Joost last week, has joined the private-equity firm Index Partners as a partner.

Based in the London office, Volpi will lead early stage investments in the Internet, telecom/networking and media sectors and contribute to the firm’s later-stage growth fund. Joost, Volpi’s former employer, is among Index Ventures’ investments, alongside Skype, TrialPay FON and Telegent, among others. Prior to taking on the top role at Joost two years ago, Volpi spent 13 years at Cisco, including a stint as chief strategy officer.

“Mike has been a close advisor to the Index family for more than 10 years," said Giuseppe Zocco, a partner and co-founder of Index Ventures. "He has worked closely with several of our portfolio companies…even serving on some of their boards, so it’s a natural progression to have him officially join our team. Mike’s world-class leadership qualities, transaction experience, and network make him a great addition to our partnership and will enhance our ability to serve our portfolio companies.”