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Justin Strausbaugh is a Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, where he leads Lakeshore Ventures, a fund dedicated to the University of Chicago community. Since joining the firm in 2021, he has directed stage-agnostic investments ranging from $100,000 to $10 million across the US, Europe, and Israel. Previously, Strausbaugh managed corporate venture capital initiatives at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, focusing on deep technology investments and achieving top-quartile returns. His earlier career includes eight years as a global derivatives trader, a stint as a professional golfer, and the founding and exiting of multiple startup ventures. Holding an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Strausbaugh currently serves as a board observer for ten companies while leveraging his diverse financial markets expertise to identify early-stage opportunities for a firm managing over $500 million in assets.
As a Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, Justin Strausbaugh plays a pivotal role in the firm's mission to democratize venture capital and support the next generation of groundbreaking companies. Alumni Ventures, known for its innovative model of building venture funds around specific alumni networks, benefits significantly from Justin Strausbaugh's leadership and strategic vision. He is deeply involved in all facets of the investment process, from sourcing and due diligence to portfolio management and providing ongoing support to founders.
Justin Strausbaugh's investment focus at Alumni Ventures spans a wide array of sectors, typically targeting early-stage companies at the Seed, Series A, and occasionally Series B rounds. His expertise covers areas such as enterprise software, fintech, healthcare technology, consumer tech, and sustainable solutions. He is particularly drawn to companies with strong founding teams, disruptive technologies, and clear market opportunities, believing in a hands-on approach to help these ventures scale and achieve their full potential. His commitment extends beyond capital, offering strategic guidance, operational insights, and access to Alumni Ventures' extensive network of alumni and industry experts.
Prior to his impactful tenure at Alumni Ventures, Justin Strausbaugh cultivated a robust career background that equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both the startup ecosystem and financial markets. His experience likely includes roles in venture capital, private equity, or high-growth technology companies, where he honed his skills in market analysis, deal structuring, and strategic growth. This diverse professional journey has provided him with a unique perspective on identifying promising investment opportunities and navigating the complexities of early-stage company development.
While specific individual investments are often part of a broader fund strategy, Justin Strausbaugh has been instrumental in contributing to Alumni Ventures' impressive portfolio of successful companies. His keen eye for innovation and dedication to fostering entrepreneurial success have helped the firm back numerous ventures that have gone on to achieve significant milestones, including successful funding rounds, strategic acquisitions, and market leadership. Justin Strausbaugh's work at Alumni Ventures underscores his passion for empowering founders and driving meaningful impact through strategic capital deployment and active mentorship. His leadership ensures that Alumni Ventures continues to be a vital force in the venture capital landscape, connecting capital with innovation across diverse alumni communities.
Justin Strausbaugh is a Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm. He is a key leader in identifying, evaluating, and investing in promising early-stage companies across various sectors.
Justin Strausbaugh primarily invests in early-stage companies, typically at the Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, through Alumni Ventures. His investment focus includes sectors like enterprise software, fintech, healthcare technology, consumer tech, and sustainable solutions.
Justin Strausbaugh works as a Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, a leading venture capital firm known for its innovative approach to building venture funds around specific alumni networks.