Thomas Otter

Thomas Otter is a General Partner at Acadian Ventures, focusing on investing in worktech startups. He is the founder of Otter Advisory and serves as a mentor and advisor to top HRTECH companies and enterprise software clients. With a background in scaling products and leading rapid growth cloud organizations, Thomas brings deep expertise from his executive roles at SAP/successfactors and Gartner VP. He holds a PhD from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and has pursued various degrees including a DIPSI from Saïd Business School, Oxford, an LLM from Strathclyde, a PDM from Wits Business School, and a BA(hons) from KZN (PMB). Thomas has also completed specialized programs in AI, strategy and innovation, compliance, IT law, finance, and more at prestigious institutions like Oxford, Strathclyde, and LSE.

Throughout his career, Thomas Otter has been associated with renowned organizations such as FORA, AG5 Skills Management Software, PSG, TechWolf, and Warburg Pincus LLC in roles ranging from Board Observer to Senior Advisor. He has also held key positions as a Non-Executive Director, Industry Advisor, General Partner, and Founder at Acadian Ventures. With a wealth of experience in product management, executive leadership, and advisory roles, Thomas has made significant contributions to the success and growth of the companies he has been involved with. Prior to his current roles, he has held various strategic and leadership positions at SAP, Gartner, Pecaso, and Xetera, consistently demonstrating his prowess in business solutions, development, and strategy.

Thomas Otter's academic background is equally impressive, with a diverse range of degrees spanning AI, compliance, law, HR, and political science. His educational journey includes studies at prestigious institutions like Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), University of Strathclyde, University of the Witwatersrand, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Thomas's academic pursuits have not only equipped him with a strong foundation but have also honed his expertise in various domains crucial for his professional success.

With his extensive experience in enterprise software, HRTECH, product scaling, cloud organizations, and advisory roles, Thomas Otter emerges as a seasoned professional with a broad skill set. His background in academia, combined with his practical experience in leadership and mentoring, positions him as a valuable asset in the tech and business sectors. Thomas's diverse educational qualifications, coupled with his rich professional journey, reflect a well-rounded individual committed to driving innovation, growth, and success in the realm of worktech and enterprise software.