Sam Cates

Partner + Co-Founder

2020 - Current

Co-founded a new VC fund and firm, backing companies with capital and an incredible community of operators and investors to support them.

Chief of Stuff

2020

Personally helping founders figure out the right positioning, funding options, and strategies for building the future they envision.

Venture Partner

2020 - 2020

Director

2014 - 2019

Invested in companies transforming how the industrial world and enterprises operate, across stages from seed to growth capital. Partnered with teams on commercial strategy and partnerships to accelerate growth. Fortunate to invest in great people at companies like Balena, Bit Stew, Tamr, Xometry, Catalant, Upskill, TTTech Auto, and more.

Venture Capital & Business Development

2013 - 2014

Developed relationships through equity investments, business alliances, and acquisitions to enable GE’s vision of the Industrial Internet. Primarily focused on venture capital investments in software businesses.

Corporate Audit Staff

2011 - 2013

Completed four-month engagements across GE including diligence for the Avio acquisition, divestiture of an aviation parts business, and process audits of GE’s global treasury in the US and Japan.

Financial Management Program

2009 - 2011

Rotated through financial planning & analysis and corporate development assignments across multiple energy segments. Forecasted and led HQ closing activities for cash flow at the Energy Infrastructure business unit. Assisted integration of financial processes/activities at Dresser and Lineage acquisitions. Concurrent coursework included finance, accounting, and corporate strategy.