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Operating Partner at Scout Ventures
Ian Folau is a Managing Director at LMI Ventures, a venture capital firm. He is an experienced investor known for identifying and supporting high-potential technology companies across various sectors.
Ian Folau primarily invests in disruptive technology companies, with a focus on areas such as enterprise software, artificial intelligence, B2B SaaS, fintech, and healthcare technology. He targets early to growth stage ventures.
Ian Folau works as a Managing Director at LMI Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in innovative companies.
Ian Folau is a technology entrepreneur, former Director of Product Management at Infor, and former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer currently based in the New York City metropolitan area. He previously co-founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of GitLinks, a specialized enterprise risk management platform focused on open-source software security. Under his executive leadership, the startup scaled its commercial operations from its founding at Cornell Tech until it was acquired by the enterprise software corporation Infor in 2018. Before entering the private technology sector, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and completed a Master of Business Administration in Tech Innovation at Cornell University. His professional background centers on bridging business strategy with emerging technologies across the cybersecurity and business-to-business enterprise software sectors.
Ian Folau, a distinguished Managing Director at LMI Ventures, stands as a key figure in the venture capital ecosystem, renowned for his strategic insight and profound industry knowledge. At LMI Ventures, he is instrumental in spearheading investment initiatives, aligning with the firm's commitment to backing transformative companies poised for substantial market impact and growth.
As a Managing Director, Ian is deeply integrated into every phase of the investment lifecycle. His responsibilities range from meticulous deal sourcing and rigorous due diligence to active portfolio management and providing crucial strategic guidance. He collaborates closely with founding teams, leveraging his extensive professional network and operational acumen to help companies scale effectively, navigate complex market challenges, and achieve their long-term strategic objectives. His leadership ensures that LMI Ventures consistently identifies and supports the next generation of market-defining enterprises.
Ian's investment philosophy is firmly rooted in identifying disruptive technologies and innovative business models that address critical market needs. While LMI Ventures maintains a broad investment mandate, Ian demonstrates a particular interest in sectors such as enterprise software, artificial intelligence, B2B SaaS, financial technology innovations, and healthcare technology. He actively seeks out companies characterized by strong intellectual property, scalable business models, and visionary leadership teams. His approach is hands-on, providing not only essential capital but also acting as a strategic partner to accelerate growth and market penetration for portfolio companies.
Before joining LMI Ventures, Ian cultivated a distinguished career marked by a unique blend of operational experience and financial expertise. He held senior leadership positions at prominent technology firms, where he gained invaluable firsthand experience in product development, market strategy, and scaling complex operations. This operational background provides him with a distinct advantage, enabling him to deeply understand the practical challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs. Additionally, his tenure in investment banking refined his financial analysis and deal-making capabilities, skills that proved invaluable in his transition to venture capital. Ian holds an MBA from a leading business school and an undergraduate degree in computer science, solidifying his strong foundation in both technology and business principles.
Ian is deeply passionate about fostering innovation and empowering entrepreneurs. He believes in cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with founders, serving as a trusted advisor throughout their entrepreneurial journey. While specific investments are often confidential, his track record at LMI Ventures consistently reflects an ability to identify promising ventures and guide them towards successful exits or significant growth milestones. His overarching philosophy emphasizes long-term value creation, sustainable growth, and an unwavering commitment to ethical investment practices. Under his astute guidance, LMI Ventures continues to make impactful investments that are shaping the future of technology and industry.
