Scott Stanford
About Scott Stanford
Scott Stanford's Background and Early Life
Scott Stanford grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in technology, teaching himself to code at 13. He built and ran a dial-up Bulletin Board System (BBS) and taught computer courses. Additionally, he started a personal computer consulting business and developed a robotics exhibit for the Indianapolis Children's Museum. He earned his Pilot's License at 17, demonstrating a diverse set of interests and skills from an early age.
Scott Stanford's Education
Scott Stanford earned his A.B. with Honors from Harvard College in Social Studies. He furthered his education by obtaining an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. During his time at Harvard, he coded prototype applications for two startup ideas and spent a summer as an Associate at General Atlantic Partners, focusing on technology venture capital. This laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in the tech and investment sectors.
Professional Experience at Goldman Sachs
Scott Stanford began his career as a Financial Analyst with Goldman Sachs's Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Investment Banking Group. He later co-headed Goldman Sachs's Global Internet Investment Banking business in San Francisco for 12 years. During his tenure, he advised clients on $80 billion of equity and debt financings and strategic transactions. He developed software applications and designed productivity tools, including the Derivatives Online Tracking System (D.O.T.S.). He played a significant role in investments in technology-enabled companies such as Facebook, Uber, DST/Mail.ru, Demand Media, LinkedIn, Palantir, iCrossing, and Square.
Scott Stanford's Venture into Technology Startups
After a successful decade at Goldman Sachs, Scott Stanford set out on his own to focus on investing in emerging companies. An early employee of LookSmart, he helped build the company from a startup in 1999 to a publicly traded NASDAQ company. His deep involvement in technology ventures and passion for innovation have positioned him as a significant player in the tech investment landscape.
Scott Stanford's Personal Interests
Scott Stanford enjoys a range of hobbies, including reading science fiction, playing video games like Fallout and The Last of Us, playing tennis, and spending time with his family. He also enjoys discussing evolution and the future of the human species, reflecting a broad intellectual curiosity. These personal interests complement his professional endeavors and offer a glimpse into his multifaceted personality.