EXPERIENCE

Geoff joined Ascent in 1998, in the midst of the internet investment frenzy, because he was attracted to the firm’s disciplined approach to venture investing and focus on enterprise technology. Since becoming a partner in 2001, Geoff has led Ascent investments in newly emerging markets such as security information and event monitoring (SIEM) (Network Intelligence); database activity monitoring (Guardium); and transaction automation (Synchronoss). Network Intelligence and Guardium became leaders in their markets prior to their acquisitions by EMC and IBM, respectively. Synchronoss (Nasdaq: SNCR) remains a dominant publicly held company with a market cap that exceeds $1 Billion. Geoff currently works with several active portfolio companies that are disrupting traditional enterprise IT markets, especially within data analytics and customer experience.

Prior to Ascent, Geoff served as an Investment Analyst in the Boston office of Norwest Venture Partners, where he researched emerging technology markets and worked on successful investments such as Quadritek Systems (acquired by Lucent) and Nashoba Networks (acquired by Cisco). While at Norwest, Geoff realized how much he enjoyed the pace and challenge of working with technology startups. He began his career in the Audit/Business Advisory division of Arthur Andersen, LLP, where he was concurrently sponsored by the firm in an accelerated MBA program.

EDUCATION

Geoff received a BA in Economics from Hamilton College, where he played hockey and rugby. He also studied at the London School of Economics where he traveled extensively and developed conviction that tech entrepreneurship would globalize. Geoff received an MBA from Boston University.

LIFE OUTSIDE WORK

Geoff holds a CFA Charter, and is a member of the CFA Institute and the Boston Security Analysts Society. He is also a former CPA.

From 2008-2013, Geoff served as an independent consultant to the Department of Defense Venture Catalyst Initiative (DeVenCI), advising the DOD on companies and emerging technologies that overlay with Ascent’s investment activity and address critical national security issues.

Geoff lives in Sudbury, has three children, including twins – and they all play hockey, which Geoff enjoys coaching (except for early morning weekend practices) and playing. He serves on the board of Friends of Lincoln Sudbury High School Hockey and coordinates the LS Middle School Hockey Program. He also enjoys traveling, reading, and skiing. Geoff volunteers his time working with numerous entrepreneurial advisory groups.