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Hugh Crean is an independent investor, board member, and startup advisor based in Seattle, Washington. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Farecast, a pioneering consumer airfare prediction engine that he successfully scaled and sold to Microsoft for approximately $115 million in April 2008. Following the acquisition, Crean transitioned to a General Manager role at Microsoft, where he oversaw the development and operations of the Bing Travel platform. He subsequently joined the venture capital firm General Catalyst Partners as an Entrepreneur in Residence, drawing on an academic foundation that includes an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a BA from Providence College. Today, his professional focus centers on providing strategic guidance and early-stage venture capital to technology companies operating within the consumer internet, travel technology, and predictive analytics sectors.
Hugh Crean stands as a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as a General Partner at Polaris Partners. With a career marked by both entrepreneurial success and strategic investment, Crean brings a unique blend of operational insight and financial acumen to his role. Polaris Partners is a well-established venture capital firm known for its investments in technology and healthcare, and Crean's contributions are central to its healthcare portfolio.
At Polaris Partners, Hugh Crean's investment focus is sharply defined within the healthcare sector. He is particularly interested in innovative companies developing medical devices, advanced diagnostics, and transformative healthcare information technology solutions. His investment thesis centers on identifying disruptive technologies and business models that have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare efficiency, and address unmet medical needs. Crean actively seeks out companies that are poised for substantial growth and market leadership, often engaging deeply with founders and management teams to provide strategic guidance.
Crean's career background is a testament to his deep understanding of the healthcare industry. Prior to his venture capital career, he was a successful entrepreneur and executive, having founded and led multiple medical device companies. This hands-on experience in building and scaling businesses from the ground up provides him with invaluable perspective when evaluating potential investments and mentoring portfolio companies. For instance, he co-founded IntraLase, a company that pioneered femtosecond laser technology for ophthalmic surgery, and served as its President and CEO. He also played a key role in Percutaneous Valve Technologies, which was later acquired by Edwards Lifesciences. This operational foundation allows him to truly understand the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage healthcare ventures.
Throughout his tenure at Polaris Partners, Hugh Crean has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing numerous promising companies. While specific investment details are often proprietary, his involvement typically includes serving on the boards of directors for portfolio companies, providing strategic oversight, and assisting with critical decisions related to product development, market entry, and fundraising. His leadership helps guide these companies through various stages of growth, from initial concept to successful market penetration or acquisition. Crean holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, further solidifying his strong analytical and business foundation. His dedication to fostering innovation in healthcare continues to make a significant impact on the industry.
Hugh Crean is a General Partner at Polaris Partners, a leading venture capital firm. He is a distinguished investor and entrepreneur with a strong focus on healthcare innovation.
Hugh Crean primarily invests in the healthcare sector, with a specific interest in medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare information technology companies that offer disruptive solutions.
Hugh Crean works as a General Partner at Polaris Partners, a prominent venture capital firm known for its investments in technology and healthcare.
