Jason Andris, head of Venture Investment Associates funds, dies

Jason Andris, a managing director at fund-of-fund manager Venture Investment Associates, passed away. He was 44, according to an online search.

Details of his death were unavailable. But the Peapack, New Jersey, firm posted a tribute page to Andris on its website.

Andris joined the firm in 2001, and after more than 10 years working on the investment team, he assumed leadership of the firm, succeeding his father, VIA Founder and Chairman Stathis Andris.

The elder Andris founded the firm in 1993. It invests in venture, growth equity, buyouts and energy funds.

The younger Andris began his career at Robertson Stephens & Co, where he held multiple positions in the investment-banking group, according to his bio.

Following that, he led financial strategy and planning at one of his investment-banking clients, Global Vacation Group, a consolidator of travel-services companies.

Andris received a BA in history with a minor in economics from Hamilton College, where he was elected to the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society.

He received his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. While at Tuck, he worked with the Center for Private Equity in performing a survey and analysis of valuation practices in the private equity industry.

His bio also said he served on the board of trustees of the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, the Lamington Conservancy, and the Willowwood Foundation, and held various positions with these nonprofits, including vice chair and treasurer. In addition, he served on the investment committee of the Peck School.