SC

Sam Cates

investing time and capital in people

San Francisco Bay Area

Work Experience

  • Founder and Partner

    2020

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

2020

  • Chief of Stuff

    2020

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

2014 - 2019

  • Venture Investing

    2014 - 2019

    Led investments 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.

2013 - 2014

  • 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.

2011 - 2013

  • Corporate Audit Staff

    2011 - 2013

    Led transformation projects across finance, operations, and acquisitions at GE Aviation, GE Capital, GE Treasury, and corporate HQ.

2009 - 2011

  • Financial Management Program

    2009 - 2011

    Learned how GE acquired and managed businesses, rotating through the company's energy infrastructure portfolio.