Nate Mason
Vice President at BizVets LA
Nate Mason
Vice President at BizVets LA
El Segundo, California
Overview
Work Experience
Director
2024 - Current
Director of U.S.-based accelerator programs investing in early-stage startups focusing on [deep-tech / dual-use] aerospace, defense, space, cyber security, manufacturing, AI/ML, quantum, logistics, supply chain, and other frontier technologies. Senior C-Suite advisor to portfolio companies, providing strategic support for business development, fundraising, and go-to-market strategies.
Principal
2022 - 2024
Invests in pre-seed and seed stage aerospace and defense startups.
Senior Associate
2022 - 2022
• Launched the inaugural Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Space Accelerator Program in partnership with NASA and Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). The first-of-its-kind innovation program brings together tough-tech scholars to advance the agency’s goals for improving its future space missions. Specifically to help NASA make significant advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the development of autonomous systems. I lead Demand Marketing--creation, execution, and analysis to drive awareness and inbound/outbound leads. • Provided consulting services to National Security clients--delivered market analysis and innovation expertise. Starburst Aerospace is focused on driving innovation in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) ecosystem. Starburst is at the intersection of emerging technologies and industry working to expedite the development and integration of those technologies that the industry needs and are fulfilling national mission-critical roles. Due to this work, Southern California has experienced a 4x in A&D startup growth in the past three years.
Vice President
2024
BizsVets LA is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and connecting veterans in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our mission is to provide veterans with invaluable business and legal insights and create promising networking opportunities for its members. In partnership with the Veterans In Business (VIB) Network, BizVets LA leverages its corporate sponsors to help veterans understand the local commercial landscape and seize regional business opportunities.
Board of Advisors
2022 - 2024
• B2B SaaS insurance tech bridging the gap between HR and Payroll in employee benefits. SAB Co. Software saves companies money by ensuring all deductions are accurate from day 1 and remain accurate for the employee’s lifecycle. SAB Co. Software also has a suite of broker analytics to provide commission analysis for a block of business.
Senior Program Manager
2016 - 2023
Signals Intelligence professional with 20 years of experience in national security. • Managed 31 senior project managers. Drove programs’ success by establishing effective frameworks, resource allocation, and support, ensuring project milestones, budget constraints, regulations & quality standards were met. • Drives compliance mindset for 30 Project Managers. Scrutinized 60 Commander programs, directed monthly spot inspections, created corrective action plans, and audited 330-plus critical items to ensure Unit inspection compliance. • Led an organization of 30 Airmen in four global missions, supporting deployed combat forces spanning five combatant commands.
Investor
2022 - 2022
• Venture Capital Social Impact Practicum internship. Conducted industry due diligence, research, and sourcing. Good Food | Good Money | Good Climate
Instruction Program Manager
2021 - 2022
• Developed defining program objectives, KPIs, & supported instructors, leading to enhanced productivity across multiple initiatives. • Facilitated effective communication & collaboration w/stakeholders, including senior management & project teams, ensuring alignment of goals, resolving conflicts, & fostering a positive & productive work environment. [Overview] I led a dynamic team of four highly skilled & motivated graduate student instructors for the Dialogues on Race program. I collaborated closely with the student instructors & program staff to continuously enhance & deliver a relevant curriculum to a diverse cohort of over 40 students. We incorporated the latest research, scholarly articles, & real-world case studies to provide students with a rich and up-to-date understanding of the complexities surrounding race & class dynamics. We ensured the curriculum reflected a global perspective, incorporating diverse voices & experiences to foster a more comprehensive understanding of these critical issues. I regularly facilitated team meetings to collaborate, brainstorm, & exchange ideas with the graduate student instructors. We fostered an open & inclusive environment that valued each team member's unique perspectives and strengths, ensuring their contributions were acknowledged & integrated into the program. Innovative teaching techniques, such as interactive discussions, experiential activities, & multimedia resources, were used to create an engaging & dynamic learning environment and encouraged critical thinking, active participation, & respectful dialogue among students, fostering an inclusive space for exploring & understanding different viewpoints. As a result of these efforts, the Dialogues on Race program was recognized as a world-class educational initiative. The program's impact extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to become active change agents in their communities & promoting inclusivity, social justice, and equity.
MBA Candidate, Class of 2022
2020 - 2022
Graduate Student Faculty - Director of Instruction, DoR Radicle Impact Fellowship - Deal Flow and Opportunity Analysis
Intelligence Operations Specialist (GS14)
2020 - 2020
• Handpicked by the founding Director to operationalize the cyber intelligence mission at the new Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Department (DHS CWMD). ***Resigned from role to complete the full-time MBA program at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas.***
Associate - Advanced Technology Consultant
2016 - 2020
• Provided market research, analysis, and technical expertise on RF Communication Engineering, Cyber, Quantum, AI/ML, and other frontier technologies for the national security sector.
Electrical Engineer
2004 - 2016
Senior Signal Intelligence Analyst • Used the latest laboratory signal measurement and test equipment and developed hardware and software tools for solving analytic tasks. Taught analysts to exploit state-of-the-art communication systems. • National Security Agency (NSA) Signals Analysis Development Program (SADP) Graduate: A 3-year electrical engineering program. I was one of two Air Force members accepted into the program. I authored a 56-page thesis on new microwave technology. • Advanced Communications Signals Collection & Processing Course (452) Graduate. • Advanced reverse engineer adjunct faculty and curriculum developer at the National Cryptologic University.