Jonathan M. Nelson Biography

Jonathan Nelson (born 1956) is the founder of Providence Equity Partners, a global private equity firm based in Providence, Rhode Island, which manages funds with US$28 billion in commitments. The firm invests another US$2.5 billion in debt securities through Providence Equity Capital Markets.

Early Life and Education

Nelson grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated from Brown University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. After graduation he managed the China division of Wellman, Inc. Upon returning to the United States, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1983.

Career History

In 1983, Nelson joined Narragansett Capital, a private equity firm, where he was a managing director. At Narragansett, he specialized in the broadcasting, cable television and publishing sectors.

In 1989, he founded Providence Equity Partners, a pioneering sector-focused private equity firm. Providence Equity Partners is the world's leading private equity investment firm focused on media, communications, education, and information investments. Nelson was dubbed the "stealth mogul" by The New York Times for keeping a low profile despite his firm's substantial media holdings.

Nelson has served on the boards of numerous Providence Equity Partners' portfolio companies. He is currently on the boards of The Chernin Group, Hulu, MLS Media, Television Broadcasts Limited ("TVB"), Univision Communications, and Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network.

Philanthropy and Other Activities

Nelson currently serves as a Fellow of Brown University, and has previously been a trustee. He has donated generously to Brown University, contributing to the construction of the Nelson Fitness Center and to establish two professorships at the university. The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art named Mr. Nelson the winner of the 2013 Arthur Ross Award for Excellence In The Classical Tradition (Patronage) for his guidance of the design and construction of the Nelson Fitness Center.

Nelson has committed to the Giving Pledge, a campaign led by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates to encourage the wealthiest people in the United States to make a commitment to give most of their wealth to philanthropic causes. Nelson also serves on the board of the Newport Festivals Foundation.

He is also an avid sailor and big mountain skier.

See also

• Providence Equity Partners
• History of private equity and venture capital
• Private equity
• Leveraged buyout