Narya was a Thiel investment vehicle; Vance is a Thiel employee.

> James J.D. Vance and Colin Greenspon have co-founded a new venture firm called Narya Capital and have already raised $93 million toward a target of $125 million.

That's not employee status.

Officially he's an employee of the US government now, of course.

Thiel gave Vance his first real job. Thiel introduced Vance to Colin Greenspon (who was the managing director at Thiel's VC firm and now runs Narya with Vance). Thiel supported Vance's book. Thiel supported Vance's governor run. Thiel introduced Vance to Donald Trump. Thiel supported Vance's VP run.

It's not an employer/employee relationship, so maybe patronage is a better word.

Maybe 'in his pocket' is the better term.

Maybe "minion", "mole", or "henchman".

Minion is somehow very applicable.