I conquer mountains for tech funders, entrepreneurs, and the creative arts community; because I’m passionate about the business of technology and advancing innovative, extraordinary art.Early in my career I became an entrepreneur and absorbed many life and business lessons. I realized that young companies face obstacles and need help breaking down the barriers. To bridge the gap between bootstrap funding and later stage venture capital investing I cofounded and led Emergent Growth Fund, which became one of the premier angel funds in the Southeast. Many companies in our portfolio have gone on to achieve great success. Yet, capital is only part of the equation. Entrepreneurs and artists need a great deal of support in so many ways from the business community and individual mentors. I decided more was needed and joined GAIN, a non-profit for innovators, and eventually became the Executive Director. Under my leadership we developed community partnerships and sponsorships for key mentoring programs, growing membership from 200 to over 3600 and rocketing GAIN into the largest innovation and entrepreneurship organization in Florida.As the Executive Director Dance Alive National Ballet I'm responsible for ensuring that innovative and extraordinary art is brought to audiences worldwide.As President of Sigma Consulting and Management, I serve as a consultant to angel and venture capital funds helping them evaluate startups for possible investments and have vetted thousands of early stage companies. Plus, I advise tech and biotech startups with their go to market strategy, how to pitch to potential customers and investors, and connect them to partners and investors. I’m proud to have helped many companies grow from startups to major global players with guidance and funding, such as Clinipace Worldwide, Banyan Biomarkers, and AxoGen.Let’s connect and start a conversation about the venture funding of startups, mentoring entrepreneurs to success, and the arts.