LAURA SMOLIAR

Laura Smoliar stands as a prominent Partner at Berkeley Catalyst Fund, a venture capital firm dedicated to transforming groundbreaking research from UC Berkeley into successful, high-growth companies. As a key figure at Berkeley Catalyst Fund, Laura leverages her unique blend of scientific expertise, entrepreneurial acumen, and investment insight to identify and nurture the next generation of innovative startups. Her role involves comprehensive deal sourcing, rigorous due diligence, and providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies, helping them navigate the complex journey from concept to market leader.

Laura Smoliar’s investment focus is deeply rooted in disruptive technologies, particularly within deep tech, life sciences, advanced materials, and sustainable solutions. She is keenly interested in companies that are developing fundamental scientific breakthroughs with the potential for significant societal and economic impact. Her ability to understand complex scientific principles allows her to effectively evaluate the technical viability and market potential of early-stage ventures, making her an invaluable asset to founders operating at the cutting edge of innovation. She actively seeks out opportunities that emerge from the vibrant research ecosystem of UC Berkeley, fostering a direct link between academic discovery and commercial success.

Before her impactful tenure at Berkeley Catalyst Fund, Laura Smoliar built a distinguished career spanning academia, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, establishing a strong foundation in scientific research. This academic rigor seamlessly transitioned into entrepreneurship when she co-founded Nanosys, a pioneering company in quantum dot technology. Her experience at Nanosys provided her with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs of building a deep tech company from the ground up, from securing intellectual property to scaling operations and achieving market penetration.

Following her entrepreneurial success, Laura Smoliar further honed her investment skills as a Venture Partner at Khosla Ventures, one of the most respected venture capital firms globally. This role deepened her understanding of venture capital dynamics, portfolio management, and strategic growth, preparing her for her current leadership position. At Berkeley Catalyst Fund, she applies this extensive background to empower founders, offering not just capital but also mentorship, strategic connections, and a deep understanding of the scientific and business landscapes. Her commitment to fostering innovation and supporting visionary entrepreneurs makes Laura Smoliar a pivotal force in the venture capital community, driving forward the commercialization of transformative technologies.