EQUITY INVESTMENTS ˇV CORPORATE VENTURE CAPITAL
Corporate venture capital executive with expertise in uncovering new opportunities, mapping them to short and long term business needs, assessing commercial value, and leading investments to create growth options. Skilled in negotiating and executing deals, forming new technology based firms, and managing the new company lifecycle from sourcing and selection to coaching, capitalization and shepherding development.
Specific strength in researching and synthesizing markets and developing/executing optimal business development strategies based on corporate needs. Broad VC/PE, intermediary, and corporate contacts combined with experience operating venture programs and the ability to manage relationships across a diverse set of constituents. Domain knowledge in medical devices, (orthopedic/ophthalmic) IT, materials and photonics. Solid education, professional development, board governance experience and corporate background in sales, marketing and business development.
Identifying and leading investment in compelling new businesses and technologies to achieve financial, strategic and business development objectives
EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LEADING VENTURE FOCUSED FIRM 2002 to Present
Managing Director
Co-founder of advisory firm serving clients who seek clarity to address growth, development, and capitalization challenges under conditions of uncertainty. Retained by boards and management of emerging technology firms seeking to achieve their next set of business goals; research labs, universities and investors seeking returns via creation of new businesses; and distressed firms facing challenges as a result of missed expectations. Projects focus on economic consulting, market assessment, strategic redirection, capitalization, developing strategies to navigate shifting market demand drivers and restraints, and translating visions to viable business franchises. A few examples include:
„X Provided economic analysis, ROI and market strategy for an emerging venture-backed orthopedic implant surgical technology firm targeting knee arthroplasty. Developed a 4-component economic model (focused on implant market analysis, utilization, quality, and margin pressure and reimbursement), that would justify adoption by hospital CEO/COOs.
„X Developed unique business and commercialization strategy of medical device and drug delivery technology for a top 5 university. Work served as foundation to start new business.
„X Created growth strategy an emerging technology firm seeking differentiation in the photonics industry. Analyzed and validated existing markets (FTTX) and identified 3 new markets (HDDVD, DHS, 10G)that leveraged strengths and created higher returns. Strategy publicly announced and used to recruit new CEO.
„X Evaluated acquisition target and market implications for CEO of large technology firm. Firm sought to expand footprint and profitability through a specific acquisition. Assessed impact of deal, developed insights challenging prevailing views. Target was abandoned in favor of suggested alternatives.
GLOBAL NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATIONS FIRM 1999 ˇV 2002
Managing Director / Senior Manager, Corporate Equity Investments
Led start-up and operation of Global Venture Investment Program focused on creating growth options, financial return, and increasing competitiveness and differentiation of current products. Accountable for managing $100M investment budget, setting investment priorities and proactively surveying the market to identify investment opportunities that meet un-met needs and fit economic and strategic criteria. Executed LP fund investments and venture capital investments. Led and worked the investment process from identification through closing and board governance. Monitored investments, provided performance reports.
„X Developed Investment Focus and Strategy. Created industry and sector analysis to identify attractive opportunities, mapped conclusions to short and longer term needs ˇV MEMS, Photonics, components, semiconductors, materials. Created inventory of opportunities and tracked activity and performance.
„X Built robust pipeline, identified/screened over 500 opportunities, conducted in-depth due diligence (technical, market, financial) on 30+ opportunities. Brought together diverse constituencies with, at times, differing priorities, to achieve goals.
„X Invested in venture funds and high technology companies. Following extensive due diligence, invested as LP in selected venture funds, and negotiated/executed deals ranging in size from $50K to $20M in technology firms, including incubation, early stage, and expansion stage firms. Identified, evaluated and proposed investment ideas, wrote investment rationale, developed presentations, led investment review board discussions to secure agreement and approval.
„XDeveloped and managed systematic deal process, worked with internal departments and external legal counsel to structure investments and coordinate pre and post closing documentation. Worked effectively as syndication partner when part of a deal. Established ˇ§venture daysˇ¨ where technology firms of interest visited HQ to present their technologies and ideas.
„XParticipated on Portfolio Company Boards and Advisory Committees, and attended LP meetings to monitor investments, help with business challenges, and shepherd expected value. Generated results in all key areas ˇV financial and strategic. Generated 68% COC return on recent exit, created product integration opportunities and strategic options with developing firms /technologies outside of current product focus.
„XBuilt relationships with fund managers, GPs, management, service providers, and sources of deals, including research organizations, universities and entrepreneurs. Served as central point of contact to all outside organizations seeking investors and those in the deal execution investment process. Also mentored nascent ideas and firms of interest (inside and outside) not yet backable to address challenges.
VENTURE BACKED TECHNOLOGY FIRM 1999 to 2006
Founding Board Member/Director, Entrepreneur
As one of three original members, led this start-up storage software firm through spin out from a corporation, and start-up of a new business. Architected initial business plans and go-to-market strategy. Raised, with CEO, initial $17 million in financing to launch the business. The firm grew to more than 50 employees, secured a blue chip list of customers, and was acquired by a leading software technology firm in 2006.
NICHE GLOBAL MARKET LEADER 1997 ˇV 1998
Director/Division Manager, Institutional Products Division
Recruited to join executive team of $36M privately held financial industry software/analytics firm to build new investment business venture. Directed all aspects of products, marketing management, operations, staffing and finance. Managed division P&L.
„X Grew division product revenue 70% to $5.4M, and gross margin by 2.4 times; built management team including three product managers and division operations manager.
„X Streamlined operations, established controls/accountabilities, and defined capabilities into 4 products. Developed business plans to separate operations to avoid market independence conflict.
GLOBAL MARKET LEADER COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY 1987 to 1996
Corporate Manager ˇV Corporate Business Development - Mid-East Division
The Americas 1993-1996
Promoted to North American portfolio business operations executive team of XYZ Corporation (NYSE), an $X B supplier of computing systems, software, networking, consulting, support, and systems integration. Tasked with growing revenue and margin in Mideast Division. Led market gap analysis and business planning; executed partnership, alliance and JV transactions (with global technology leaders) to fill gaps; refocused sales efforts; and integrated new capabilities into field sales operations. Led 140 people reporting through 15 managers.
- Grew division revenue from $100M to $150M; grew sales profit 6% in a period of industry margin erosion. Negotiated partnership agreements and spearheaded cross functional efforts with engineering, finance, product management, sales and marketing to develop and execute plans to meet objectives.
Marketing & Sales Manager, Mid-East Division (Division) OH (1991 to 1993)
Promoted to Division level position with task of leading revenue plan achievement during time of hostile takeover, major sales model changes, and major new product cycle. Managed 8 people in 3 cities, sales P&L and matrix of 30 technical engineers. Accountable for business planning, headcount, channels, marketing and financial performance. Led/supported team to exceed goals 106% to 164% each year; sold $3M deal, the largest in region. Ranked in top 10% of sales force each year.
Account Executive (Division) ˇV (1988 to 1991)
Promoted to manage a full line of general purpose systems at Region HQ in XYZ. Managed budget and matrix of 14 people; accountable for planning and financial results for financial/investment management systems for university, healthcare and government accounts. Established largest installed base; exceeded goals 129% to 176% each year. Earned award for largest new client in 8-state region.
Sales Representative, Midrange Computing Systems (Division) (1987 to 1988)
Took over distressed territory, sold financial, investment management and public safety solutions in a 3-state area targeting university, healthcare and government accounts. Achieved 167% of annual objective in 4 months. Named #1 new sales representative for the year.
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (1981 to 1986)
Served in U.S. Air Force full time in the Foreign Technology Division and Logistics Command HQ at XYZ Air Force Base while attending college full time on scholarship program. Led a crew of 40 people responsible for preventing espionage and intrusion for several top secret facilities involved in foreign technology assessment and other matters. High level security clearance.
EDUCATION / EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT
MBA, Graduate School of Business ˇV The University of Chicago
BA, Deanˇ¦s List ˇV The University of Dayton
Executive Program ˇV Harvard Business School, 2000
Corporate Development and Private Equity Investment Programs
Continuing Education ˇV The University of Chicago 1998 ˇV 2003
New Venture Strategy, Entrepreneurial Finance, Economics of Corporate Strategy, Financial Analysis
Leadership & Management Program ˇV Academy Company 1987 ˇV 1996
8-Month program and continued management development training, 1987 ˇV 1996
PROFESSIONAL / COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Founding Board Member and Director of XYZ Systems, a venture backed technology firm that established category leadership and was recently acquired by leading a competitor.
Appointed to Department of Homeland Security Advisory Committee, tasked with evaluating and selecting emerging bio-technology and other firms that will receive grants in areas of specific interest.
Board Observer - venture backed advanced semiconductor laser firm
Board Member - Served 2 terms; Fund Raising Co-Chair, and IT/Operations Chair
Volunteer youth sports coach for Park District; avid recreational Triathlete, competing in Olympic and Sprint distance events. |
