Biography
I help startups with strategy, finance, business development and venture / exit issues. I’ve been described as “wingman to startup CEOs” and as “Biz Dev / CFO to go.” I like pitching deals, solving problems and getting things done.
I work with early stage companies in the Internet, B2B software, mobile, and consumer product sectors. I have a particular interest in platforms, markets, and networks. I've also worked with several crowdfunding companies, such as Kickstarter and Appbackr.
Other notable clients include Clicker, Social Rewards, and Autonet Mobile. I’m currently on the Advisory Boards of five startups, where I help shape strategy and make introductions to investors, partners, and (future) acquirers.
Earlier in my career, I started two companies, an early web catalog provider and a clinical trial software company. I also worked in finance and investment banking, and was involved in three technology IPOs and nearly 40 acquisitions.
I put together various startup events; my current project is called StartupExits.com. Previously, with Pivotal Labs, I produced the ProjectStartup series. I’ve also been a judge at the Venture Labs Investment Competition in Austin, Texas.
On the content side, I author the blog SeedStageCapital.com and maintain the facebook.com/VentureArchetypes page. I am an advisor at Founders Space and I’m working on a founder-focused book. I have an MBA in Entrepreneurship, a BSC in Finance, and I am a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Aside from startups, my passion is sailing, and I've logged more than 10,000 coastal and offshore nautical miles. My longest sail was a 22-day non-stop Pacific Ocean crossing to French Polynesia. Currently, I race on a team in the SF Bay.
Other adventures include climbing 19,340-ft. Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and trekking in Peru, Chile, New Zealand and the Himalayas of Nepal. I’ve also toured the U.S., Vietnam, Cambodia, Mexico, and Nicaragua by motorcycle.
Industry Expertise (1)
VC and Private Equity
Areas of Expertise (3)
Business Planning
Strategic Partnerships
Raising Venture Capital
Education (3)
The University of Texas at Austin - The Red McCombs School of Business: MBA, Finance and Entrepreneurship 2002
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): CFA, Chartered Financial Analyst 2000
Santa Clara University: BsC, Finance and German 1995
Affiliations (1)
- CFA Institute
Links (3)
Event Appearances (1)
Startup Exits- Early Stage M&A
Startup Exits- Early Stage M&A Rocketspace, San Francisco
2012-01-19
Sample Talks (1)
Raising Startup Capital
Raising capital is one of the most important and exciting things that you will do for your company. At the same time it is also incredibly time-consuming, frustrating, and much harder than it looks. Minimize the pain and maximize your odds at a successful raise by: i) creating a compelling pitch deck; ii) building a model that adds credibility to your vision; and, iii) running the roadshow in a disciplined, targeted, and process-driven way. Held at General Assembly, San Francisco.
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Host/MC
- Corporate Training
Social