Bio

Previously, Mr Austen was a Partner at Southeast Interactive Technology Funds an early stage IT-focused venture fund based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Active at Southeast from 1998-2003, he played a role in all aspects of investing and portfolio management including fundraising, deal sourcing, due diligence, management recruiting and development of exit opportunities. Mr Austen also represented the Fund on numerous portfolio company boards. Early in his career, Mr Austen specialized in marketing and business development, working with Fortune 500 clients and major advertising firms including BBDO, and Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB) in New York. At these organizations, his work encompassed significant industry analysis and resulted in the strategic positioning, marketing, and launch strategies for numerous successful products. Mr Austen was educated at Duke University and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.