Shawn K.

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Venture Partner at Tola Capital

San Francisco Bay Area, United States

Overview

Shawn is a Venture Partner at Tola Capital and a Stanford University lecturer, focusing on early-stage enterprise software in AI, Data, and B2B SaaS. An experienced angel investor and 2x startup operator with major exits, he holds degrees from Stanford, Princeton, and Harvard. People often describe him as an engaging, informative teacher and mentor.

He is the founder of multiple large communities for founders and tech executives, including GIT100, designed to help C-level leaders connect with startups. A proud parent, he shows a deep interest in the societal impact of AI and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Unique fact: He founded GIT100, an exclusive community for senior technology executives interested in advising, investing, and consulting for startups and VCs.

Personality Overview

Values Relationships

Achievement-Oriented

Informal

A combination of speed and relationship gets the best response from them.  They are more likely to accept new and exciting technologies. They will fight for you if they come to believe in you.

Topics They Care About

Enterprise B2B Investing
As a Venture Partner at Tola Capital, his investment thesis is focused on early-stage B2B SaaS, Data, AI, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity companies.
Venture Formation
He teaches a course on venture startup formation (BUS 248) at Stanford University and is highly recommended by students for his practical approach to building a company.
AI & Data Infrastructure
He is an advisor and investor in several prominent AI and data infrastructure companies, including Pinecone, Vectara, Motherduck, and Neon Tech.

Media Appearances

TiE - Shawn K., Venture Partner at Tola Capital, early investor in Facebook, Pinecone and …. Featured in Facebook

See Now

Work History

9-2024
Venture Partner at Tola Capital
10-2024
Founder at GIT100
6-2025
Investor at Databricks
10-2019
Advisor at Pinecone
4-2022
Angel & Advisor at Omni

Education

Master’s Degree from Stanford University
Certificate from Harvard Business School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 6 Location : San Francisco Bay Area, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Venture Partner at Tola Capital
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Insights For Selling To Shawn

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.
  • Give them control of the sales process
  • Address your competition clearly and confidently

DONT's

  • Don't make any commitments that you might not be able to fulfill
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a friendly approach
  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Shawn is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Shawn

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no though in a friendly way.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Shawn move?

  • They can reach decisions quickly if they develop trust and confidence in the product.
  • Can Shawn take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they will be ready to take risks.

You And Shawn

Personality Compatibility


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