Philip Eliot

Operating Partner

# Coaching
# Mergers & Aquisitions
# P.E. / V.C.
# Raising Capital
# Startups
# Strategy

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Background:

I have been a venture capital investor for the last 20+ years, primarily in the enterprise software sector and more recently in the social impact sector as well (environmental sustainability, health, and economic mobility). I have managed companies as a board member at all stages of growth from pre-revenue through $200M+ acquisitions and guided them through the challenges that companies at those stages face: keeping stakeholders aligned (board members, investors, founders, and management); leading CEO transitions when necessary; helping to build out management teams and operational best practices; developing strategic partnerships; raising capital; and negotiating their acquisition by other companies or funds.

Paladin Capital Group: Managing Director - Successful $340M venture capital fund.

*Unitrends: Board Chairman - Took company with three consecutive years of zero growth, and spearheaded management changes and new sales strategy leading to 90% YoY growth rate and a successful exit.(See Abstract)

White Ops (now Human Security): Board Member & Lead Investor - Helped company grow from zero to a multi-hundred million dollar acquisition by Goldman Sachs.

Solstice Software: Senior Officer - Hired by the Board after CEO unexpectedly resigned; evaluated state of the company, drafted turnaround plan, and hired new CEO. After making significant changes, investors put in additional capital. Company was later acquired by IBM.

Education: Harvard University - B.A., Physics

Industries

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# Cybersecurity

# EdTech

# Energy & Utilities

# FinTech

# Healthcare

# Analytics

# A.I. / M.L.

# Big Data

# CleanTech

# Cloud Computing

Partner: NextGen Venture Partners

Board Member / Treasurer:: Culmore Clinic

Board Member / Treasurer: LearnServe

Mentor & Guest Speaker: UMD Dingman Center

Co-Founder & Former Board Member / Treasurer: Phoenix Bikes

Volunteer Coach: Arlington Lacrosse

Articles & Case Studies

How Investors View Strategic Planning

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to save the world and a desire to savor the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

––E.B. White, American writer

What I'm Reading / Listening To:

Comment:

Throughout my career in venture capital, I have been fascinated by how we can improve and optimize decision making both as individuals and as groups (eg boards of directors and investment committees). Duke is one of the most articulate and thoughtful writers on the topic.

Still On My Bucket List:

Travel to South America, after improving Spanish skills enough to do so without ever speaking English.

Best Business Advice:

Own your mistakes.

Philip Eliot

What I'm Reading / Listening To:

Get in on “The Dirt!”