The Journey
From small-town Oregon to the global startup stage — milestones, ventures, and the winding road in between.
2025
Permanent Residency – Germany
Transition from visa holder to permanent resident, marking long-term commitment to building within the European startup ecosystem.
2025
Permanent Residency – Germany
Transition from visa holder to permanent resident, marking long-term commitment to building within the European startup ecosystem.
2025
Co-Developer – Rise & Scale Conference (Start2 Group)
Co-developed the Rise & Scale conference, with a core focus on designing and implementing the ecosystem scoring framework to enable structured, data-informed dialogue between public and private stakeholders.
Learn More2025
Co-Developer – Rise & Scale Conference (Start2 Group)
Co-developed the Rise & Scale conference, with a core focus on designing and implementing the ecosystem scoring framework to enable structured, data-informed dialogue between public and private stakeholders.
Learn More2024-Present
National & International Speaking
By 2024, my work had increasingly moved onto national and international stages, speaking at conferences such as Slush and Startup Nights Zurich and participating in cross-border delegations. The role expanded beyond program design to contributing to the broader conversation on internationalization and ecosystem architecture.
View Startup Nights Keynote2024-Present
National & International Speaking
By 2024, my work had increasingly moved onto national and international stages, speaking at conferences such as Slush and Startup Nights Zurich and participating in cross-border delegations. The role expanded beyond program design to contributing to the broader conversation on internationalization and ecosystem architecture.
View Startup Nights Keynote2023-Present
Director, Startup Programs Europe – Start2 Group
I joined the Start2 Group, a global scaleup accelerator. I grew the Programs & Innovation division from 2 to 15 team members, managing €2M+ in annual budgets and designing cross-border accelerator programs across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Start2 Group Website2023-Present
Director, Startup Programs Europe – Start2 Group
I joined the Start2 Group, a global scaleup accelerator. I grew the Programs & Innovation division from 2 to 15 team members, managing €2M+ in annual budgets and designing cross-border accelerator programs across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Start2 Group Website2022
Founder & Lead Organizer – SLUSH’D Heilbronn
Recruited the SLUSH brand to Germany and founded SLUSH’D Heilbronn, establishing the city as an international startup conference location.
View Conference2022
Founder & Lead Organizer – SLUSH’D Heilbronn
Recruited the SLUSH brand to Germany and founded SLUSH’D Heilbronn, establishing the city as an international startup conference location.
View Conference2021–2023
Head of Startups & Investment Manager – Campus Founders
Led startup programs and closed 10 early-stage investments. Built and operationalized a venture studio deploying capital for the Dieter Schwarz family office. Expanded the ecosystem to 700+ startups and 70+ VC funds.
View Portfolio2021–2023
Head of Startups & Investment Manager – Campus Founders
Led startup programs and closed 10 early-stage investments. Built and operationalized a venture studio deploying capital for the Dieter Schwarz family office. Expanded the ecosystem to 700+ startups and 70+ VC funds.
View Portfolio2021
Community & Admissions Manager – Tomorrow’s Education
Built and optimized admissions funnels for a startup education company, generating over €200,000 in early revenue and implementing CRM and marketing systems. Built entrepreneurship support for student founders.
Visit the University2021
Community & Admissions Manager – Tomorrow’s Education
Built and optimized admissions funnels for a startup education company, generating over €200,000 in early revenue and implementing CRM and marketing systems. Built entrepreneurship support for student founders.
Visit the University2020–2023
MBA – Technical University of Munich (GPA 1.0)
Completed an MBA in Innovation & Business Creation with the highest distinction. The program sharpened my focus on venture building, strategy, and internationalization.
GPT to Explore Thesis Research2020–2023
MBA – Technical University of Munich (GPA 1.0)
Completed an MBA in Innovation & Business Creation with the highest distinction. The program sharpened my focus on venture building, strategy, and internationalization.
GPT to Explore Thesis Research2020
Venture Deals Certification – Kauffman Fellows & Techstars
Completed formal training in early-stage venture financing and term sheet negotiation.
View Accreditation2020
Venture Deals Certification – Kauffman Fellows & Techstars
Completed formal training in early-stage venture financing and term sheet negotiation.
View Accreditation2020
Moved to Germany
Relocated permanently to Germany and began transitioning into supporting the European startup ecosystem, while starting a master's program at teh Technical University of Munich.
2020
Moved to Germany
Relocated permanently to Germany and began transitioning into supporting the European startup ecosystem, while starting a master's program at teh Technical University of Munich.
2019–2021
Board Member & Treasurer – Nerds Abroad
I helped lead a nonprofit that provides recycled tech products to underserved entrepreneurs and created the “Empowerment Grant” to support rural founders.
Learn More & Support2019–2021
Board Member & Treasurer – Nerds Abroad
I helped lead a nonprofit that provides recycled tech products to underserved entrepreneurs and created the “Empowerment Grant” to support rural founders.
Learn More & Support2019
DreamHack Dallas, TX – Public Speaker
I delivered a talk on how to crowdfund board game products, marking one of my first major public-speaking milestones in the startup and gaming ecosystem.
2019
DreamHack Dallas, TX – Public Speaker
I delivered a talk on how to crowdfund board game products, marking one of my first major public-speaking milestones in the startup and gaming ecosystem.
2019
Startup Support Recognition
Supported founders, contributing to Oregon RAIN's receipt of the Oregon Cascade West Council of Governments “Partner of the Year” Award and earning a nomination to the national Startup Champions Network of entrepreneurial ecosystem builders.
2019
Startup Support Recognition
Supported founders, contributing to Oregon RAIN's receipt of the Oregon Cascade West Council of Governments “Partner of the Year” Award and earning a nomination to the national Startup Champions Network of entrepreneurial ecosystem builders.
2018
Began Government Advisory Work
I started collaborating with public-sector stakeholders and economic development agencies to develop startup ecosystems, design programs, and provide business policy strategies.
2018
Began Government Advisory Work
I started collaborating with public-sector stakeholders and economic development agencies to develop startup ecosystems, design programs, and provide business policy strategies.
2018
Venture Catalyst – Oregon RAIN
I joined Oregon RAIN to build startup ecosystems in Oregon. I supported a diverse range of startups, identified hundreds of entrepreneurs with a special emphasis on DEI and rural founders, and helped raise significant public-private funding for accelerator programs.
Newspaper Feature2018
Venture Catalyst – Oregon RAIN
I joined Oregon RAIN to build startup ecosystems in Oregon. I supported a diverse range of startups, identified hundreds of entrepreneurs with a special emphasis on DEI and rural founders, and helped raise significant public-private funding for accelerator programs.
Newspaper Feature2018
Founded Massif Ventures
I launched a consulting and venture-building platform to support early-stage founders with product, strategy, and ecosystem access.
2018
Founded Massif Ventures
I launched a consulting and venture-building platform to support early-stage founders with product, strategy, and ecosystem access.
2017
Kickstarter Success – Mountaineers
I raised over $180,000 through Kickstarter and CrowdOx to launch Mountaineers, a 3D board game that was recognized as a “Projects We Love” campaign and later ranked in the top 30 out of 5000+ expected board games in 2018. It validated hard-earned lessons in combining product design, storytelling, and crowdfunding.
View Original Kickstarter Campaign2017
Kickstarter Success – Mountaineers
I raised over $180,000 through Kickstarter and CrowdOx to launch Mountaineers, a 3D board game that was recognized as a “Projects We Love” campaign and later ranked in the top 30 out of 5000+ expected board games in 2018. It validated hard-earned lessons in combining product design, storytelling, and crowdfunding.
View Original Kickstarter Campaign2015
Founded Massif Games
I started a global 3D tabletop game company, designing and manufacturing physical products sold worldwide. It marked my transition from scientist to product founder, where I invented multiple B2B and B2C products, with several failed and successful crowdfunding campaigns.
First Crowdfunding Campaign2015
Founded Massif Games
I started a global 3D tabletop game company, designing and manufacturing physical products sold worldwide. It marked my transition from scientist to product founder, where I invented multiple B2B and B2C products, with several failed and successful crowdfunding campaigns.
First Crowdfunding Campaign2012–2015
Chemistry Associate – Sarepta Therapeutics
I joined Sarepta Therapeutics, a life science scaleup in the RNA exon-skipping drug platform space, and was promoted to Associate II, supporting regulatory submissions to the FDA and EMA. I led multiple process scale-ups and tech transfers across the U.S. and Europe, helping resolve manufacturing issues and reduce production costs.
2012–2015
Chemistry Associate – Sarepta Therapeutics
I joined Sarepta Therapeutics, a life science scaleup in the RNA exon-skipping drug platform space, and was promoted to Associate II, supporting regulatory submissions to the FDA and EMA. I led multiple process scale-ups and tech transfers across the U.S. and Europe, helping resolve manufacturing issues and reduce production costs.
2012
Academic Recognition in Chemistry
In my final year at Oregon State University, I received the OSU Merck Award for Exceptional Senior Student in Chemistry and the American Chemical Society (ACS) Award. I was also named Undergraduate Chemistry Student of the Quarter and presented my research at the Celebrating Undergraduate Excellence Symposium. These recognitions marked the culmination of four intense years of scientific training and research, and affirmed my ability to operate at a high academic and analytical standard.
2012
Academic Recognition in Chemistry
In my final year at Oregon State University, I received the OSU Merck Award for Exceptional Senior Student in Chemistry and the American Chemical Society (ACS) Award. I was also named Undergraduate Chemistry Student of the Quarter and presented my research at the Celebrating Undergraduate Excellence Symposium. These recognitions marked the culmination of four intense years of scientific training and research, and affirmed my ability to operate at a high academic and analytical standard.
2011–2012
Undergraduate Researcher – OSU Chemistry Department
After lab experience in nuclear chemistry research, I transitioned to working in organic and physical chemistry. During this time, I developed a novel synthetic route for a rare molecule known as trimethylenecyclopropane ([3]-radialene). This research was later published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry A, where I was the primary author.
View Research Paper2011–2012
Undergraduate Researcher – OSU Chemistry Department
After lab experience in nuclear chemistry research, I transitioned to working in organic and physical chemistry. During this time, I developed a novel synthetic route for a rare molecule known as trimethylenecyclopropane ([3]-radialene). This research was later published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry A, where I was the primary author.
View Research Paper2011
ACS-Hach Undergraduate Teacher Chemistry Teacher Scholarship
I was awarded a scholarship for my work in supporting and educating international students and volunteering abroad.
2011
ACS-Hach Undergraduate Teacher Chemistry Teacher Scholarship
I was awarded a scholarship for my work in supporting and educating international students and volunteering abroad.
2010–2015
Director – Corvallis International Community
I joined as a volunteer and eventually became the director, organizing 50+ cultural exchange events and leading multi-day trips for groups of international and American students. This experience forever changed my life and greatly influenced my current career supporting entrepreneurs across cultures.
2010–2015
Director – Corvallis International Community
I joined as a volunteer and eventually became the director, organizing 50+ cultural exchange events and leading multi-day trips for groups of international and American students. This experience forever changed my life and greatly influenced my current career supporting entrepreneurs across cultures.
2010
Volunteer – Iris Ministries, Mozambique
I spent time volunteering in Maputo, Mozambique, supporting orphanage programs and assisting with outreach to prisoners and the homeless. It deepened my global perspective and my thankfulness for the life I was given.
2010
Volunteer – Iris Ministries, Mozambique
I spent time volunteering in Maputo, Mozambique, supporting orphanage programs and assisting with outreach to prisoners and the homeless. It deepened my global perspective and my thankfulness for the life I was given.
2009
Oregon State University Honor Roll
Recognized as a Winter 2009 Honor Roll student during my undergraduate studies.
2009
Oregon State University Honor Roll
Recognized as a Winter 2009 Honor Roll student during my undergraduate studies.
2008–2012
Oregon State University – B.S. Advanced Chemistry (Pre-Med)
I studied Advanced Chemistry (ACS accredited) with a Pre-Med option and graduated in March 2012 with a 3.47 GPA. I completed the degree in under four years, graduating 1 term early.
2008–2012
Oregon State University – B.S. Advanced Chemistry (Pre-Med)
I studied Advanced Chemistry (ACS accredited) with a Pre-Med option and graduated in March 2012 with a 3.47 GPA. I completed the degree in under four years, graduating 1 term early.
2008
Polk County “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today” Scholarship
Awarded a $1,000 scholarship recognizing leadership and academic performance before entering university.
2008
Polk County “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today” Scholarship
Awarded a $1,000 scholarship recognizing leadership and academic performance before entering university.
2008
Graduated from World View Christian Academy
Earned my high school diploma with a 3.98 GPA. I completed an accelerated academic path and entered university at 17.
2008
Graduated from World View Christian Academy
Earned my high school diploma with a 3.98 GPA. I completed an accelerated academic path and entered university at 17.
2007-2010
Building Remodeler & Electrician’s Assistant – Kitsap Services
I worked in construction, assisting with electrical installations and renovations of older buildings. I was trusted to direct employees and make decisions in the owner’s absence.
2007-2010
Building Remodeler & Electrician’s Assistant – Kitsap Services
I worked in construction, assisting with electrical installations and renovations of older buildings. I was trusted to direct employees and make decisions in the owner’s absence.
2007-2008
Property Caretaker / Ranch Hand – Mistletoe Trails Ranch
Concurrent with other jobs, I took an evening side hustle where I operated heavy equipment, cared for animals, and maintained ranch infrastructure. It strengthened my work ethic and hands-on problem-solving skills.
2007-2008
Property Caretaker / Ranch Hand – Mistletoe Trails Ranch
Concurrent with other jobs, I took an evening side hustle where I operated heavy equipment, cared for animals, and maintained ranch infrastructure. It strengthened my work ethic and hands-on problem-solving skills.
2007
Laboratory Technician – Agricultural Diagnostics Lab
I worked in a seed testing lab manufacturing antibody plates for corn diagnostics. It introduced me to laboratory precision and quality control processes at a young age.
2007
Laboratory Technician – Agricultural Diagnostics Lab
I worked in a seed testing lab manufacturing antibody plates for corn diagnostics. It introduced me to laboratory precision and quality control processes at a young age.
2007
Diploma in Practical Ministry – Ministry Training Institute
I completed a diploma in Practical Ministry, reflecting an early interest in leadership, mentoring, and community service.
2007
Diploma in Practical Ministry – Ministry Training Institute
I completed a diploma in Practical Ministry, reflecting an early interest in leadership, mentoring, and community service.
2007
Courtesy Clerk – Safeway
I started working at Safeway as a Courtesy Clerk, helping customers and supporting store operations. It was my first exposure to structured customer service and retail operations.
2007
Courtesy Clerk – Safeway
I started working at Safeway as a Courtesy Clerk, helping customers and supporting store operations. It was my first exposure to structured customer service and retail operations.
2006-2010
Foreman, Tractor Driver – Christmas Knoll Tree Farm
During the winters of high school and college, I worked on a Christmas tree farm, where I operated tractors, directed seasonal workers, and dealt directly with customers. It was early leadership training disguised as cold, hard farm work.
2006-2010
Foreman, Tractor Driver – Christmas Knoll Tree Farm
During the winters of high school and college, I worked on a Christmas tree farm, where I operated tractors, directed seasonal workers, and dealt directly with customers. It was early leadership training disguised as cold, hard farm work.
1997
First Business Venture
I launched my first business as a kid in rural Oregon, raising and selling turkeys during the holidays. It was my first real lesson in pricing, customer demand, and the power of differentiation.
1997
First Business Venture
I launched my first business as a kid in rural Oregon, raising and selling turkeys during the holidays. It was my first real lesson in pricing, customer demand, and the power of differentiation.