Meet Our Team
- W. Scott Berg
- Joe Callanan
- Steven Chen
- J.S. Gamble
- Jack Hangen
- Matt Hanson
- Kevin A. Hollins
- James H. Hunt
- G. L. (Jerry) Kohlenberger
- Mike Kostoff
- David Krauskopf
- Kim D. Larsen
- Bob Proctor
- Charles T. Quillin Jr.
- Denis Seynhaeve
- Hal Shelton
- Paul Silber
- T. Richard Stroupe, Jr.
- Lance Ullom
- Pradeep Wahi
- Dendy Young
- Investment Team
- Stephen Smoot
- Advisors
- Gary Kudis
- Ed Langley
- Bill Witowsky
W. Scott Berg
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Founder and President of Advanced Technology Applications, a “Big Data” and risk management consulting company. Sixteen years experience in the federal sector serving in both industry and government roles. Former Navy fighter pilot with three combat tours. Worked at DARPA on a variety of advanced technology programs. Board member for the Security and Risk Management Association and also affiliated with the Potomac Institute of Policy Studies.
Education – University of Virginia (BA), Darden School of Business, University of Virginia (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Strategic Planning, Business Analytics, Advanced Technology & Engineering, and Information Technology
Functional Expertise – Big Data, Technology Integration, Entrepreneurship, Management Consulting, Process Engineering, Strategic Planning, B2G Sales and Contracting
Joe Callanan
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Founder and President of Osprey Advisors, which provides early stage venture capital for new technologies in the real estate and construction sectors. Twenty five years’ experience building real estate service businesses and real estate development, most recently as Northeast Regional Director, Trammell Crow Company, and Chief Investment Officer, Realterm Global. Currently director at Roomtag, LLC., member of Young Presidents Organization, and on the advisory board of the MIT Center for Real Estate.
Education – Boston College (BS in English Literature), MIT (MS in Real Estate Development)
Industry Expertise – Real Estate, Finance, Business Process Outsourcing, Construction
Functional Expertise – Finance, Management and Leadership, B2B Sales
Steven Chen
Background – Member of Blu Venture investors. Currently Founder and Board Director of Totus-Solutions (physical security and wireless), Cofounder and Chairman of Power Fingerprinting (cyber security), Chairman of Totus Strategic Partners, President of Monte Jade DC, Chairman of IEEE 1451.5 Wireless Smart Sensor Networks and member of Mindshare Alumni and FounderCorps. Formerly founder and CEO of 3eTI (acquired by EFJohnson in 2006). Served as CEO of Totus Solutions, Chairman of BioGreen, CTO of EFJohnson, and VP of PCB Piezotronics.
Education – Tamkang University (BSEE): SUNY Buffalo (MSEE)
Industry Expertise – Wireless, Cyber Security, Physical Security, Sensors, Information Technology, SBIR, Defense
Functional Expertise – Engineering, General Management, Business Development, Strategic Planning
J.S. Gamble
Background – Co-Founder of Blu Venture Investors. Served as Acting CEO of Smart Imaging Systems, Inc. Currently Advisor to Agilyst, Inc., Semantic Labs and Wiser Together, Inc. Senior Operating Executive positions in Broadband Cable and Wireless Operating Units with more than 15 years of Full P&L and CapEx responsibility. Built Teams focused on innovation, improving execution, developing and launching new products to drive revenue and OCF growth. Staff and Operating positions with McKinsey & Company, Inc., Price Waterhouse, and GTE MobilNet (Wireless Division). Adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University.
Education – McIntire School of Commerce, The University of Virginia (BS); The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Wireless and Broadband Telecom, Management Consulting
Functional Expertise – Finance, Marketing, Operations, New Product Development, Performance Improvement, Strategic Planning
Jack Hangen
Background – Founding Member of Blu Venture Investors and Executive Director of Entec Ventures. Currently Board Director of CertusNet Inc. and Member, SmartSenseCom Advisory Board. Founder of Telogy Networks (acquired by Texas Instruments), and Dama Telecommunications (acquired by Data General/EMC Corp.) Mr. Hangen was an executive at COMSAT Labs (a unit of Lockheed Martin acquired by Viasat Corp) and M/A-Com (now Hughes Network Systems).
Education – Catholic University (BSEE); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (MSEE)
Industry Expertise – Information Technology, Satellite, Wireless and Broadband Communications
Functional Expertise – Engineering, Marketing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Operations Management
Matt Hanson
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Principal at Match Capital, Commodity Pool Operator (CPO) and Manager of Match Global Commodities Futures Trading. Former Board Director of Kulabyte (video over internet technology recently sold to Haivision). Founder of Segovia (provider to DoD of broadband internet via satellite). Senior sales positions with iDirect (internet over satellite), Marconi and FORE Systems (IP, ATM and Optical Routing technology).
Education – Brigham Young University (BA)
Industry Expertise – Financial Services, Information Technology, Broadband Telecom, Satellite, Asset Management
Functional Expertise – Sales, Finance, Sales Management, IT
James H. Hunt
Background – Co-Founder of Blu Venture Investors. Served as scientist for the U. S. Government. Founded BDS, Inc. in 1982; CEO until 1991 when BDS merged with BTG leading to a successful IPO in 1992. Formed the System Integration (SI) practice of Price Waterhouse in 1994. Exited PW in 1996 and founded Ernst & Young Technologies; served as CEO until its purchase by Cap Gemini in 2004; President of CapGemini Technologies post merger. Angel Investor since 1994 with numerous successful exits. Currently serving on the Boards of Sensics, Interfolio, iMove, Information Security Corporation, and videoNEXT. Adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at the McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University.
Education – University of Notre Dame (BBA)
Industry Expertise – Information Technology, Software, Defense/Intelligence
Functional Expertise – Operations, Sales, General Management, Mergers and Acquisitions, IT
G. L. (Jerry) Kohlenberger
Background – Founding Member of Blu Venture Investors. Managing Director of Ilium Ventures LLC, a small private equity firm in Northern Virginia. Previously 34 years of experience at ExxonMobil including: 6 years as President of the global Lubricants/Specialties company and VP of the corporation; President of Global Services (systems, procurement, and real estate) for XOM; CIO (IT Systems) for Mobil Corporation; VP of Central Engineering (large capital projects); GM of refining/chemical plant in Singapore; and 20 years in various refining and supply positions. Currently investor in more than 10 small companies, including Pixelligent, Medipacs, Tanager, and Focus Technologies. Board Director of Lubri-green, Focus, and Tanager group, a large private equity firm in the US/Dubai.
Education – University of Southern California (BSCE/MSCE/MBA)
Industry Expertise – Energy, Consumer Marketing, Consumer Sales, Construction, Financial Services
Functional Expertise – Finance, Operations, Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, General Management
Mike Kostoff
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Founder and Managing Partner of The Kostoff Group LLC, an advisory firm focusing on the wealth management, private banking, and retirement services businesses. Currently serving on boards of several start-up firms, including First Portfolio, Inc. and Capital Market Exchange. Co-Founder & Partner in research firm WISE Gateway LLC. Previously managed the Financial Services Practice for the Corporate Executive Board (CEB), including research programs across the financial services spectrum. Member of CEB Executive Committee, responsible for New Business and Product Development. Military Intelligence officer, U.S. Army (9 years).
Education – United States Military Academy (BS); U.S. Defense Intelligence College (MSSI); Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government (MPA)
Industry Expertise – Financial Services, Management Consulting
Functional Expertise – Strategy development, Sales and Relationship Productivity, Market Research, Cost Management
David Krauskopf
Background – Founding Member of Blu Venture Investors. Serial entrepreneur experienced in starting, financing and growing companies with direct experience in software, computer, travel and hospitality. GM of Apple Computer in Russia from (1993-1999): owned the exclusive representative for Apple Computer in Russia and the Ukraine. Founded a printing and press room solutions company in Russia in 1996. The combined companies in 2007 had 200M+ in revenue. Developed & own a high-end boutique resort in Belize, Central America. Hamanasi is consistently ranked number one in Central America (2008 – 2012) on website TripAdvisor.com. Board Chairman, LATISTA Technologies.
Education – Miami University, Ohio (BS); Northwestern University, Kellogg (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Software, Internet, Travel, AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) & Hospitality
Functional Expertise – General Management, Marketing, Sales, Finance, International Business Development, e-commerce
Kim D. Larsen
Background – Founding Member of Blu Venture Investors. Currently an Investor and Board Director of: CertusNet, Kanasao, Elumen, and PowerMax Global. Served as Co-CEO, President of Corporate Development and General Counsel of Broadwing Corporation; GC and SVP Business Development at Corvis Corporation and founding shareholder, director and counsel of Ciena Corporation. Formerly Partner-in-Charge of the Cologne Germany office of Mayer Brown working on international M&A transactions.
Education – Brigham Young University (BA); Columbia University School of Law (JD); German Law (DAAD Fellow)
Industry Expertise – Telecom, Datacom, Cable Television
Functional Expertise – International Law, Corporate Development, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Law
Bob Proctor
Background – Co-Founder of Blu Venture Investors. CEO, Board Director and Investor of FlexEl, LLC. Co-founder, Board Chairman, and Investor of Wiser Together, Inc. and Phase 5 Group, Inc. Served as Global Head of Marketing reporting to Chairman and CEO of Corporate Executive Board. Over 10 years of Senior Executive experience in public companies, including line, staff, and IPO leadership positions. Led teams that won corporate-wide awards for Best Business Breakthrough, Managerial Excellence, and Spirit of Generosity. Associate Principal McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Education – Cornell University (BS/MS/Ph.D. Applied Physics)
Industry Expertise – Management Consulting, Software, Information Technology, Energy
Functional Expertise – Sales, Marketing, Strategy Formation, Engineering, HR, P&L Management
Charles T. Quillin Jr.
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Managing Partner of OpsTech Capital Partners LLC and Cornerstone Security Foundation. Previously, Co-Founder and CEO of Crucial Security, Inc. that provided cyber security services for the U.S. Federal Government and Intelligence Community while winning Washington Business Journal’s Best Place to Work as voted by the firm professionals for 2007, 2008, and 2009. In 2009, Crucial Security sold to Harris Corporation. Prior experience includes Carolina Tractor & Equipment Co. (Caterpillar Dealership); Philip Morris, USA; Cooper Industries; and Corning, Inc.
Education – Virginia Tech. University (BS, Engineering); University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Defense/Intelligence, Government Contracting
Functional Expertise – Finance, Operations Management, IT, Mergers and Acquisitions
Denis Seynhaeve
Background – Member of Blu Investors. Managing Partner of Force V Partners, LLC, which provides financing to early-stage companies located in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Has more than 18 years of experience as a full-time angel, having invested in more than 30 startups. Currently director at Current Analysis, Apex, South49, Groupsite.com, 3CLogic and KZO Innovations. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Venture Association. Previously, was the CEO of Delsey, Inc, and held management positions at Cartier SA and Nestle.
Education – Institut des Sciences Politiques, Paris (BA), INSEAD (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Consumer Goods, Software, Services
Functional Expertise – Marketing, Strategy, General Management and Operations
Hal Shelton
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Former CFO & SVP for USEC Inc. a NYSE listed energy company — quarterbacked its $1.5B IPO and $.5B debut debt offering. Former VP Finance for Sun Oil Company’s major subsidiaries (R&M, E&P, Ship building) located in US and UK. Former Board member of NASDAQ listed IT learning company and managed its going private transaction. Board member and CFO for several non-profits. SCORE small business mentor.
Education – Carnegie Melon University (BS), University of Chicago (MBA), University of Vienna, Austria (Honors Diploma)
Industry Expertise – Energy, Financial Services
Functional Expertise – Finance, General Management, Strategic Planning
Paul Silber
Background – Founding Member and Executive Committee Member of Blu Venture Investors. Launched and grew In Vitro Technologies, Inc. for 15 years as President & CEO. Led successful sale of Company for $30M in 2006. Currently Board Director or Advisor to Encore Path, Inc., PA & Associates, Inc, Evergreen Advisors LLC, PathSensors, Inc., and The Biotechnical Institute of Maryland. Chair of the Greater Baltimore Technology Council’s Biotech Roundtable. Ph.D. in Toxicology, 5 patents. Proven track record of growing a successful B2B technology company from inception to sale, focusing on innovation, execution, and creation of a valuable brand. Investor in several Companies including: Pathsensors, Oculis Labs, Straighterline, Encore Path, LiveLook and Kanasao.
Education – Carleton College (BA); University of Alabama at Birmingham (MS); University of Arizona (Ph.D. Toxicology)
Industry Expertise – Healthcare, Biotechnology, Technology
Functional Expertise – Marketing, Sales, Negotiation, Strategic Planning
T. Richard Stroupe, Jr.
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Founder and Managing Partner of Crimson Holdings LLC, an early stage angel investment & advisory services firm focusing on technology intensive start-ups. 12 years experience in supporting application development for the U.S. Federal Government. Currently serving on boards of several start-up firms in addition to serving as an entrepreneur in resident at Georgetown University and an adjunct professor at The George Washington University. Previous founder and CEO of TRS Consulting Inc (2001) until it was acquired by NCI Information Systems Inc in 2009.
Education – Appalachian State University (BS Computer Information Systems), George Washington University (MS Engineering Management), Harvard Business School (OPM)
Industry Expertise – Information Technology, Software, Financial Services, Defense/Intelligence
Functional Expertise – Engineering, Database Management, Software Development, Finance, Operations
Lance Ullom
Background – Member of Blu Venture Investors. Twenty year background in Banking and Asset Management; served as Executive Vice President for E*Trade Financial. Currently Board Director for Institutional Financial Markets Inc., PrinceRidge Holdings LP, Brazen Careerist, and ClearEdge3D. Currently serving as Executive Advisor at Carillon Capital Advisors. Private Investor since 1999.
Education – Franklin Pierce College (BS)
Industry Expertise – Financial Services, Asset Management
Functional Expertise – Finance, Operations Management
Pradeep Wahi
Background – Founding Member of Blu Venture Investors. Currently Chairman and CEO, ARA Inc. and Chairman, PowerMax Global LLC. Current and past Board Director of other Privately held and Public Traded Companies. Entrepreneur and Advisor for Cross-National Ventures. 35+ years in Technology Development and Management of Technology companies including investments in Revere Bank, Straighterline, Oculis Labs, Kanasao, PowerMax Global, and Elumen.
Education – Indian Institute of Technology (BS); University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Electronics Manufacturing, Defense, Telecom
Functional Expertise – Business Management, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Technology Development
Dendy Young
Background – Founding Member of Blu Venture Investors. Owner of McLean Capital, LLC, a private equity firm. CEO of Virginia Personalized Medicine Clinic, Inc. Majority owner and Chairman of Hadpro, LLC and Black Watch Global, LLC. Chairman of Qlarion, Inc. Lead Outside Director of Obsidian Strategics. Board Director of Omnilink Systems. Investor in KZO Innovations, Cvent, Odin Technologies, Pixelligent, and Optoro, Inc. Previously, founded Falcon Systems, Inc. (1981) which was sold to Oracle in 1988 and Falcon Microsystems, Inc. (1985) which was sold to GTSI Corp. in 1994. CEO and later Chairman of GTSI Corp. (1996-2007). Strong experience in technology and government-focused companies.
Education – MIT (BSEE/CS); Harvard Business School (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Financial Services, Information Technology, Government
Functional Expertise – Government Sales, Operations, Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, IT
Stephen Smoot
Background – Senior Associate at Blu Venture Investors. Previously an analyst at BB&T Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in North Carolina; held various positions at a small technology start-up, GE Healthcare, and GE Capital, including the completion of the corporate finance management training program.
Education – Brigham Young University (BS); University of Southern California (MBA)
Industry Expertise – Generalist. Has completed transactions in cybersecurity, e-commerce, high tech, education, manufacturing, government contracting, distribution, and other sectors
Functional Expertise – Investment execution, financial and operational due diligence, financial analysis