Enrique Allen
1986 - 2024
Remembering Enrique Allen
From Ben Blumenrose, Designer Fund Cofounder and Managing Partner
It is with a heavy heart that I share that Enrique Allen passed away this week after a crushing battle with cancer.
Enrique was a force of nature. A man who infused all those around him with joy, vitality, and positivity. If you were lucky enough to be in his orbit, he left an indelible impression.
We met seventeen years ago as young designers while I was at Facebook. Enrique was one of the first people to be interested in the idea of elevating design in the startup ecosystem. He spoke about it to anyone who would listen and we became quick friends.
Over the years we continued to explore the idea when finally, in 2012, we began to spend nights and weekends collaborating on it. We'd sit together, sticky notes and sharpies in hand, dreaming of how we might influence venture capital to care about design.
Our belief was that companies and founders who cared about design would not only outperform their peers, but would better serve people and the planet while doing so. It was this win-win dynamic, this mutual benefit that we believed in so deeply and knew we could execute against if given a chance.
While many wanted nothing to do with a fund managed by two designers, a select few believed. They helped us sow the seeds. Over the past 10 years and across 3 funds we've now backed over 140 founders building some of the most iconic, design-forward companies in Silicon Valley. This dream that started over a decade ago, this idea that Enrique and I poured our hearts and souls into building, is now a reality.
But if you knew Enrique, you knew his ambition was boundless. What other industries can we bring great design to? How might we get more designers to become investors? How might we use design + AI to better serve humanity? Dreams beget dreams beget dreams.
Enrique and I designed this firm to be resilient and collaborative. The outpouring of support and love over the last few weeks leave me with two clear truths: 1) We will find our way through this with the collective strength of our community of founders, investors and colleagues and 2) We will carry on Enrique's legacy in everything we do going forward.
The coming months will be particularly difficult. We will grieve. We will reflect. We will show up for his family and celebrate a life well lived. And then we will move forward, with greater purpose and focus to build a better world for our children, Enrique's everlasting presence the wind at our backs.
— Ben
We would love your help supporting Enrique's family in two ways -
- Donate to a 529 for his son's education. Enrique had a love of learning and teaching and we want to give his kid that gift.
- Share a memory, story, or message about Enrique. We want his family to remember the incredible person he was for years to come.