Alumni and Friends Directory

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Biography

Almost two decades of adventure in the bizarre shadowland of high-technology startups. I have been part of backhanded successes and spectacular flame-outs in the Bay Area, Salt Lake City, New York City, and the European Union. I remain enchanted with the kooky, semi-mystical black art of taking a company from inception, growth, and professionalization, to liquidity event and beyond.

At present, I conduct research and teach entrepreneurship and strategy as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Utah. I also run the Foundry, a program/incubator sponsored by the David Eccles School of Business. The Foundry exists to forge entrepreneurs for life, using the crucible of day-to-day company-building as its context. Any startup (yes, any) can apply to work at the Foundry. The program is free of charge.

I have participated as a founder or early-stage participant in several startups, founded a successful consulting company coaching project teams and venture-backed technology firms to success, and nowadays do executive coaching or consulting if the opportunity is compelling and there is decent espresso nearby. Recent engagements focused on early-stage product/market development and arranging financing for a collection of companies across a variety of contexts: renewable energy, social media, and edu-venture.

During my doctoral studies (conducted under the auspices of the National Science Foundation and administered through the IGERT program) I examined the formation of new firms; entrepreneurs and the venture capitalists that love them; and capital market theory. My dissertation investigated the growth of cross-border venture capital and the impact of the globalization of innovation, talent, and entrepreneurial activity on U.S. venture allocations.

Through research grants and support from the Swiss Government (the University of St. Gallen and the Swiss National Science Foundation), I also conduct ongoing research on renewable energy investment.