Investing in K–12 and mission-driven markets

Larry outlines K–12 buying dynamics, mission-driven team benefits, and why districts adopt effective products.

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In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ Gustafson sits down with Larry Contrella, General Partner at JMI Equity, to unpack how JMI invests in software without financial engineering or roll-up strategies. Larry explains how the firm builds conviction through founder relationships, long-term partnership, and a product-and-brand-first view of durable growth. They discuss how JMI supports companies through scaling, why operating partners keep returning, and how underwriting looks different in mission-driven sectors like K–12 and nonprofit tech where customers are schools and communities, not Fortune 500s. Larry’s background as a competitive runner at Penn ties the conversation together with a clear ethos: patience, discipline, and playing the long game.

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LINKS:

Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-contrella-160a8a25/

JMI Equity: https://www.jmi.com/

CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/

Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com

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