One of the World’s Most Accomplished Extreme Endurance Athletes Joins Venture Capital Firm Endurance28
Jared Campbell — the only person to finish the Barkley Marathons four times — bringing a rare blend of resilience, systems thinking, and a human element focus to the world of venture capital
San Francisco, CA – May 2025 – Jared Campbell, a globally-recognized extreme endurance athlete and seasoned engineering leader, has joined Endurance28 as Senior Partner.
Campbell, the only person to finish the Barkley Marathons1 four times—a race so grueling that since its inception in 1986, only 20 individuals have ever completed it within the 60-hour limit. While thousands apply each year, the ever-changing race maintains a sub 1% finishing rate —a success rate that mirrors the outlier outcomes that define venture capital. Campbell is also a 10-time finisher of the Hardrock 100 and a veteran of countless mountain adventures and desert link-ups across the globe.
Consuelo Valverde, Founder & Managing Partner of Endurance28, said: “At Endurance28, we back ambitious rebels early on—entrepreneurs like me, who resist being put in a box and who target solving some of the world’s biggest challenges in climate, health and the digital economy. We believe that the world needs these entrepreneurs more than ever. The next decade and beyond will demand resilient, clear-minded builders who challenge the status quo, are driven by a greater cause, and combine relentless commitment with grounded confidence. That’s who we back. And our support is deep and enduring.”
Valverde continues: “Bringing Jared on board is a natural extension of that vision. His life’s work—both on the mountain and in the office—has been a study in clarity under pressure, principled decision-making, and sustainable endurance. At Endurance28, he will apply those same traits to help founders navigate uncertainty, scale with discipline, and build companies that endure.”
Jared’s expertise extends well beyond the trail. With more than 20 years of engineering experience, he has designed critical wireless communication systems for land, air, sea and space—and led technical teams through some of the most demanding challenges. As Chief Technologist, he coordinated a portfolio of advanced R&D projects, including multiple DARPA-funded programs. Later, as Engineering Director, he built and led a large cross-functional team of hardware and software engineers focused on developing novel datalink systems and technologies.
Jared’s commitment to building a better future also runs deep. Rooted in a long-standing passion for climate solutions, Jared has pioneered net-positive home construction using innovative building techniques and material science. He is also the founder of Running Up For Air, a global endurance race series that raises awareness and funding for air quality. What began as a grassroots effort has become a powerful community, where thousands of athletes around the world contribute to advancing clean-air initiatives.
Jared Campbell states: “I’m incredibly excited to bring the lessons I’ve learned from over two decades of competing in endurance athletics into the start-up world. The mental frameworks that fuel performance in extreme conditions—resilience, adaptability, disciplined focus—translate powerfully to entrepreneurship. This next chapter has been intentional—driven by purpose, curiosity, and a desire to explore what’s possible.”
Campbell concludes: “There has never been a more urgent time to support those who have the passion and clarity to want to change the world for the better. I want to do all I can to ensure their success, for them and for us all.”
About Endurance28
Endurance28 is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs ‘ambitious rebels’ solving the world’s hardest problems in climate, health and the digital economy. With a concentrated portfolio, deep founder partnership, and a decision-analysis framework at its core, Endurance28 equips founders not just to endure—but to redefine what’s possible.
www.endurance28.com
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press@endurance28.com