Tom has over 25 years of experience as a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and management consultant. He focuses on investments in software, mobile/wireless, and the internet/digital media. With Shepherd Ventures, Tom has served on the boards of and/or managed investments in portfolio companies including SpecificMedia, Quickoffice, LTI Lighting, Planet ATE, Voyager Systems, and WiSpry. Earlier in his career, Tom was Senior Vice President of Advantage Capital Partners, a large early stage venture fund. While with Advantage Capital, the US Small Business Administration selected him as a Financial Services Advocate of the Year. Prior to Advantage Capital, Tom founded and/or served as President and Chief Executive Officer of various companies, primarily in the software and publishing industries. Tom was also a Management Consultant with KPMG Peat Marwick, where he served as a member of the firm's M&A Group. Tom received a BA in Economics and an MBA from the University of Illinois. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and also holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Tom is a member of the CFA Institute, a past Chairman and President of the CFA Society of San Diego, an advisor for numerous privately-held companies and serves on the board of the San Diego Software Industries Council (SDSIC).