Jason Varney

Based In:

Knoxville, TN

Jason Varney is an Operating Executive at GSV and currently serves as President of Shaper MMS, a GSV portfolio company.

About

Jason Varney is an Operating Executive at GSV and currently serves as President of Shaper MMS, a GSV portfolio company. A five-time founder with more than 20 years of operating experience, Jason brings a builder’s mindset and a deep appreciation for customer-driven solutions to every organization he leads.

Throughout his career, Jason has founded businesses across a wide range of industries—including marine construction, outdoor construction, pool construction, boat manufacturing, equipment leasing, and entertainment and video production. That diverse entrepreneurial background has shaped his core operating strength: the ability to communicate clearly, build lasting relationships, and develop solutions that solve real customer problems.

Jason’s operating superpower lies in relationship-building—finding personal connection, earning trust, and aligning teams around the best possible product or outcome. He is especially energized by working with founders who are committed to building the best solution first, believing that long-term success naturally follows when products genuinely serve their customers.

At GSV, Jason applies this philosophy hands-on within portfolio companies, helping translate vision into execution and driving sustainable growth through strong leadership and customer focus.

Q&A

What’s a moment in your career or life that shaped how you lead or work today?

The day I realized that I had no back up plan. I had one chance/opportunity to make it happen and failure was not an option.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

“The path to success is simple. Bite off more than you can chew, then figure out how to chew it.”

This is one thing that I have learned over the years. We don’t always a have a map or directions. Sometimes you just have to take action, learn if you make a mistake, and put forth relentless effort until you achieve the goal.

What do you wish more founders knew before taking on capital?

Not all private equity, capital partners, and venture capital firms are the same. Treat it like a marriage, who you pick is more than just cash to help grow. It is a partnership, and the decision can make or break the success of the business.