Capstar Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm that invests in the next generation of innovative consumer companies. We invest in passionate founders solving their own pain points and addressing unmet consumer needs in today’s rapidly changing consumer landscape. We leverage diverse operating and investing expertise as well as extensive global networks to support early stage founders on their journey from start to scale. We capitalize stars.www.capstarventures.com

Founding Advisory Board Member for Austin TX chapter of Alpha

Grace Beauty Capital invests broadly across the consumer sector in early stage digital first brands, consumer goods and services and retail technology companies. With a best in class portfolio, proven investment track record and unique domain and operating expertise, we bring a differentiated approach to early stage consumer investing, driving value to entrepreneurs building the next generation of influential consumer companies. Investments include Rothy's, Supergoop!, ThirdLove, Parachute, Primary, MM.LaFleur, Vengo and Pixlee.

Advised CEOs of healthcare, technology and consumer companies on business model, fundraising, business development and go-to-market strategies. Leveraged global network to source and facilitate introductions to targeted venture capital, family office and crossover investors for early and growth stage financing.

Established Human Capital role for top quartile growth buyout firm focused on profitable, bootstrapped technology companies in the lower middle market. Completed critical senior executive placements without using outside search firms, including the VP of Marketing for a fitness business management SaaS company and the Independent Board Director for an education technology SaaS company. Served as a consultant to raise Fund III ($150M), the firm's first institutional fund. Closed $216M in May 2012 in a highly oversubscribed fundraising completed in less than four months. Led pre-market planning and generated fundraising materials.

Led West Coast deal sourcing for Minneapolis based direct secondary fund, targeting venture capital firms, hedge funds and corporate investment groups who required an alternative source of capital to exit positions or protect positions in existing portfolio companies. Sourced, evaluated and executed secondary equity investments in revenue generating medical technology companies.

Sourced, evaluated and executed equity investments in medical devices, diagnostics, patient monitoring, imaging, drug delivery, beauty tech and biotech companies for top quartile $650MM healthcare fund. Invested in 18 companies with 16 follow-on financings, totaling approximately $200MM in invested and reserved capital. Active Board Observer for 9 portfolio companies including AxoGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXGN), C2 Therapeutics, Inc. (Acquired by PENTAX Medical), Precision Light, Inc. (Acquired by Allergan (NYSE: AGE)) and WaveTec Vision, Inc. (Acquired by Alcon (NYSE: NVS)). Partnered with CEOs and senior management teams on market analysis, company and product positioning, sales strategy, IP and technology licensing deals, distribution agreements and financing strategies. Actively participated in fundraising for De Novo Ventures Fund III ($300M) and Fund IV ($400M). Firm stopped making new investments in 2010.

Led assessment of E.coli product pipeline and outlined strategy for manufacturing capacity planning. Collaborated with Marketing, Finance, R&D, Quality and Manufacturing to analyze potential in-house production and outsourcing scenarios. Developed short and long-term options to meet future capacity demand and mitigate operational, regulatory, investment and industry risks.

Led design, installation, commissioning and start up of $30MM of large-scale specialty powder processing equipment systems for new $400MM Bulk Chemical Manufacturing facility in Singapore, Merck’s first grassroots site in 30 years. Led international cross-functional teams, coordinating construction, automation, commissioning, safety, and vendor activities to achieve completion of 15 highly automated powder processing systems. Based in London and Singapore from 1998-2003.