Eric Otterson is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a track record of success. With three venture-backed companies under his belt, he has raised over $60 million from top-tier VCs to support international expansion of an enterprise CRM solution. Currently serving as the Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank, Eric works closely with high-growth companies to provide strategic direction and facilitate connections between fast-growing companies and the financial, legal, and strategic resources that fuel their growth.

He is also a Co-Founder of Startup San Diego, a volunteer network of entrepreneurs established to provide coaching and contacts for sales and financial backing. Eric has close relationships with angel investors, venture capitalists, and private equity firms, enabling him to act as a hub and facilitate match-making relationships for growth.

Eric's specialties include start-up marketing strategies, strategic business modeling, business development, fund-raising strategies, project management, product management, product marketing, and operations. Eric has also served as a board member at the San Diego French American School and the San Diego Venture Group, and he continues to contribute his expertise as a member of the EvoNexus selection committee.

Eric's diverse educational background includes an MBA in High Technology Marketing from UCLA Anderson School of Management, international exchange studies at HEC Paris, a summer architecture program at Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi / Middle East Technical University, a BA in Environmental Design/Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and studies at The Bishop's School and Phillips Exeter Academy.

Throughout his career, Eric has held various advisory roles at Embarke, Anametrix, Inc., Social Positive, and Cooley LLP, among others. He has also served as the SVP Business Development and VP Client Services at eAssist Global Solutions, which was acquired by Talisma, as well as the VP Business Development at Cooley LLP and the Product Manager at Praja, Inc. Eric's excellent communication skills, broad industry expertise, and proven success make him a valuable asset for any company or organization seeking to grow and develop.