Bob Smith
About Bob Smith
Bob Smith serves as the Director of I-Corps at The George Washington University, where he has worked since 2020. With over 30 years of experience in startup development and management, he has held various leadership roles in education and entrepreneurship.
Work at The George Washington University
Bob Smith has served as the Director of I-Corps at GW since 2020. In this role, he focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university and the broader Washington D.C. Metro Area. He continues to develop the George Washington Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship's International Lean Startup Education program, which aims to educate startups on best practices and common pitfalls in business development.
Previous Experience in Higher Education
Prior to his current position, Bob Smith worked at George Mason University as the Director of the Mason Small Business Development Center from 2016 to 2017. He also held the position of Director for the Fed Tech I-Corps Program at George Washington University from 2015 to 2016. His experience in these roles contributed to his expertise in supporting small businesses and fostering innovation in academic settings.
Entrepreneurial Background
Bob Smith co-founded iBelong Networks, Inc. and served as its CEO from 2006 to 2011. He has extensive experience in startup development, having spent over 30 years creating, managing, and funding businesses in both print and digital media. Additionally, he has been involved with various organizations, including serving as a Board Member for GeoIQ and ezGov, Inc.
Educational Qualifications
Bob Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Southern California, where he studied from 1975 to 1979. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University School of Business, focusing on Marketing, Advertising, and Entrepreneurship, from 1986 to 1988.
Military Service
Bob Smith served as a Naval Officer in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1986. His military experience provided him with leadership skills and a strong foundation in strategic thinking, which he has applied throughout his career in business and entrepreneurship.