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Clarence Wooten is a highly successful serial entrepreneur, investor, and the Founder & CEO of STEAM Role. He is known for founding and successfully exiting companies like ImageCafe.com and Progressly, and for his work in early-stage technology investments.
Clarence Wooten primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a strong focus on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), B2B software, and education technology. He also supports innovative solutions and diverse founders.
Clarence Wooten is the Founder & CEO of STEAM Role, an organization dedicated to connecting students with STEAM professionals. He is also a General Partner at RevUp Capital, an investment firm.
Clarence Wooten is the Co-Founder and General Partner at Revitalize Ventures and the Founder and Chairman of STEAM Role, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He previously served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at X, Alphabet’s moonshot factory, and has founded multiple enterprise software companies resulting in successful exits. His entrepreneurial track record includes the $23 million sale of ImageCafe to Network Solutions and the 2018 acquisition of his enterprise software startup, Progressly, by Box. Wooten has also held executive positions at IBM and Digital Realty Trust, and he led cybersecurity firm Fintiv through its acquisition by Optiv in 2021. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management, graduating Magna Cum Laude from The Johns Hopkins University. His current focus centers on venture capital, enterprise SaaS development, and building technology startups led by diverse founders.
Clarence Wooten stands as a prominent figure in the technology and investment landscape, recognized for his dual prowess as a serial entrepreneur and a discerning early-stage investor. As the Founder & CEO of STEAM Role, he leads an innovative platform dedicated to connecting students with inspiring professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics fields. This initiative reflects his deep commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators and ensuring equitable access to mentorship and career pathways.
Wooten's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his own experiences building and scaling successful companies. He primarily focuses on early-stage technology ventures, with a particular emphasis on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), B2B software solutions, and education technology. His keen eye for disruptive innovation and scalable business models makes him a sought-after investor for founders navigating the complex startup ecosystem. Beyond capital, Clarence brings invaluable strategic guidance, operational expertise, and a vast network to the companies he supports, often acting as a mentor and advisor. He is also a General Partner at RevUp Capital, further solidifying his role in the venture capital space, where he helps companies accelerate growth without traditional equity dilution.
Clarence Wooten's illustrious career background is marked by a series of entrepreneurial successes. He first gained widespread recognition as the founder of ImageCafe.com, an online website builder that was famously acquired by Network Solutions for $23 million just 77 days after its launch. This early triumph established his reputation as a visionary leader capable of identifying market needs and executing rapid growth strategies. Later, he founded Progressly, an enterprise workflow management platform that garnered significant attention before its acquisition by Box, a leading cloud content management company. These successful exits underscore his ability to build high-value technology companies that address critical business challenges.
Through STEAM Role, Wooten continues to bridge the gap between education and industry, empowering students to explore diverse career opportunities and connect with role models. His work at STEAM Role is a testament to his belief in the power of mentorship and exposure to shape future leaders. As an investor, he actively seeks out companies that not only offer strong financial returns but also have the potential for significant societal impact, particularly those that align with his passion for technology, education, and fostering diverse talent. Clarence Wooten's journey exemplifies the power of entrepreneurial spirit combined with strategic investment, making him a pivotal force in driving innovation and creating opportunities across various sectors.