FLF Partner Insight: Madrona Venture Group

What is your organization’s name? Madrona Venture Group

What is your mission and who does your organization serve? Madrona funds innovative, technology-driven startups that are born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and as an original investor in companies such as Amazon.com, it has followed this mission for nearly 20 years. We’re all about supporting the Northwest startup ecosystem and believe in equipping entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to build lasting, meaningful companies.

What exciting trends are you seeing with startups in Washington right now? The area, Seattle and environs in particular, is becoming recognized nationally as the “cloud capital” for the high concentration of cloud computing companies that are located here. These public and private companies are offering both the infrastructure as well as specialized services on top of the cloud. This activity is inspiring talented engineers and business people to branch out from large public companies to build their own startups.

What do you hope to get out of partnering with WTIA on this first-ever First Look Forum in Bellingham? We are proud to support the WTIA in showcasing entrepreneurial talent in all corners of the Northwest and hope that the event will help forge connections and unveil talent that would not otherwise be exposed. Also, as someone who grew up in Bellingham, I am looking forward to reconnecting with my hometown and helping to encourage more entrepreneurs there.

Do you have any advice for the First Look Forum competitors? Be yourself, show your passion, and be prepared to answer a lot of questions! If you haven’t pitched before, I recommend taking advantage of the pitch coaches that are offered to all participants. Be open to receiving feedback from others and ask how they can help you.

What is your name? George Huang

What is your title or role in the organization? As an investment professional, I work with our entire investing team to find and back entrepreneurs who are building the next success stories for our region. I also spend a lot of time working with our portfolio companies and supporting them as they grow.

George joined Madrona in 2013. George works on identifying and investigating new investment opportunities and is closely involved with Madrona’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining Madrona, George worked in investment banking as an analyst in Morgan Stanley’s technology group in Silicon Valley. George graduated summa cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Economics, with concentrations in Finance and Accounting and a minor in Music.

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