Melissa Withers

Member

2024 - Current

Managing Partner & Co-Founder, RevUp Capital

2015

Leader of dynamic fund that has invested in 50+ B2B and B2C early stage companies. Identifies companies for investment, conducting diligence in the context of changing market conditions. Provides strategic support and leadership to a diverse portfolio of fast-growing companies that are in-market, growing, and navigating the complexities of scale. Special focus on investing into and growing companies led by founders undeserved by traditional venture capital.

Board Member

2020

Board Member

2022

Member

2024

Mentor in Residence TechStars Boston

2019 - 2021

Expertise: B2B & B2C, Go to Market Strategy, Customer Dev, Content & Communication, Enterprise Sales Interested in early and accelerated growth Favorite Snack: The Competition

Managing Director // Nerd Whisperer

2011 - 2015

Nationally-ranked Betaspring was one of the first (and best!) startup accelerators in the world to come into existence when it launched in 2009. From 2009-2014 Betaspring invested in 89 companies, a portfolio that has raised $65M in follow-on funding and produced six exits.

Cofounder and Executive Director

2006 - 2010

My co-founder and I launched BIF to create a platform where organizations accelerate the design and testing of new business models. Proud to say that BIF is growing and stronger than ever, albeit it without me. Most proud of my contributions getting the org launched and profitable, creating the now-heralded BIF Summit and creating the first BIF Experience Labs—the framework for how BIF delivers value to its clients and customers. Here is where I cut my teeth on delivering complicated, multi-partner collaborations. Elevated my storytelling skills to new level. Got drunk on the innovation Kool-Aid. Best. Experience. Ever.

Director of Communications and Market Development

2005 - 2008

Responsible for agency's media relations and public relations programming. Also oversaw strategic marketing initiatives and the launch of new programs. Added bonus: oversight of agency's innovation programming with mandate to develop and launch new initiatives.

Assistant Director of Communications and Public Affairs

1999 - 2005

Managed public outreach, community relations, and internal and external communication for top-tier biomedical research institute at MIT. Proud of my work contributing to communications and public outreach for the Human Genome Project. Monitored trends in science policy, producing editorials, advocacy correspondence, and briefs for local and national legislators. Served on media relations team, developed publications, produced major events. Led program to help scientists become effective communicators and policy advocates at local, state and national level and oversaw award winning program for connecting students with world-class science programming.