Joshua Bennett

By Hannah Nelson

I sometimes call Josh “the heart of Venture Partners”. I say this because Josh exemplifies three values of our team:

1. Caring deeply about helping innovators
2. Fierce competency
3. Being genuinely enjoyable to work with

Josh’s presence makes every meeting more enjoyable by being equal parts hysterically funny and whip-smart. He can quickly distill the most complex technical topics (literally quantum physics) into a sentence that everyone not only understands but gets excited about.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Josh is also a talented soccer player and drummer. It may seem impossible that one person can be so smart, personable, athletic and musically talented, but with Josh, that is what you get. Did I mention he’s also a lawyer?

One quality I admire most is Josh’s ability to transform tense moments with humor, all while delivering wise and trustworthy guidance. I consider myself fortunate to have Josh as a teammate!

Jim Booth

By Amy Dodenhoff

Jim’s influence runs deep, from mentoring startups to structuring our operations. 

I first met Jim when he joined Venture Partners as an entrepreneur-in-residence in July 2024. His experience as a multi-time founder provided an invaluable perspective as we collaborated on various programs. Jim served as a mentor to our startup founders and a trusted advisor to me as we shaped these programs and developed a structure around Venture Partners’ networks.

Jim had a particular impact on the Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator. Together, we built a mentorship program and a curriculum that accelerated the success of the startup founders. Throughout the cohort’s tenure, Jim provided incredibly valuable feedback and insights to the teams.

After Jim’s tenure as an entrepreneur-in-residence, he transitioned into a new role as Venture Partners’ director of operations. His operational expertise and deep familiarity with our goals and mission allowed him to hit the ground running, driving major projects and streamlining processes.

Jim’s vision, mentorship and ability to devise solutions make him an invaluable resource for our founders, for our team and for me, personally. I have the utmost respect for Jim, and I appreciate his vision and leadership. Most significantly, I am honored to call him a friend.

Margaret Bryant

By Christine Jackson

We’ve all attended events that are so seamless they come across as “effortless” to put together. In reality, every event requires an enormous amount of effort and a massive to-do list that goes on and on. An “effortless” feel is difficult to achieve, and yet Margaret always seems to make it happen with Venture Partners’ events. Margaret’s ability to juggle so many tiny details and logistics, all while being a welcoming presence for attendees, is truly remarkable. She masterfully balances all the behind-the-scenes tasks that it takes to make our events run without a hitch. Many people may not notice the enormous lift that she is managing… solely because the events are just that smooth and successful.

Beyond her work tasks, Margaret is also the kind of coworker that everyone needs and deserves when they come to work each day. She is incredibly compassionate and thoughtful in creating a workplace environment that is safe and welcoming for all. During my first week here, Margaret constantly checked in with me to see how I was doing. She immediately put me at ease by making me feel like part of the team. I cherish our little “whimsical corner” of the office filled with bright colors, plants and fun magnets. Margaret is the human equivalent of a beam of sunshine through the clouds, and we’re lucky to have her at Venture Partners.

Nathan Chen

By Jim Booth

Nathan Chen doesn’t just ask, “what report do you need?” He asks, “what problem are you trying to solve?”

That distinction defines everything he does at Venture Partners. While others might deliver what’s requested and move on, Nathan digs deeper into the business need, the university’s requirements and the user at the other end of the dashboard.

He’s built himself into a formidable technologist not through shortcuts but through relentless learning and applied hands-on work and experience. From databases and IT systems to the hard backend systems work that makes everything else possible, Nathan takes pride in building things the right way. When our CRM implementation became a daily test of patience and persistence, he was a steady hand that kept us moving forward. He didn’t just manage the chaos; he found paths through it.

Outside of work, Nathan’s pride shifts seamlessly from code to family—his wife, son, grandchild and the life he’s built through lots of love, hard work and consistency.

Reliable, trustworthy, and technically skilled can sound routine, but not in Nathan's case. It's earned. He shows up. He solves problems when his team needs it most and does it with ease and humor. He makes everyone around him better. 

Every team should be so lucky to have their own Nathan Chen.

Joe Davidek

By Jim Booth

As our patent manager, Joe has been the steady hand behind CU’s deep intellectual property portfolio for years. He is the person everyone turns to when they need IP help, have a question, or need someone who can be firm without ever being unkind. When our licensing team needs a “bad cop,” Joe steps in to help with attorneys with a firm confidence and keeps things moving.

What sets Joe apart is not just his experience. It is how much he genuinely cares. He shows up for people, for his community and for his work. Whether he is volunteering in schools, serving on the school board or tutoring piano students, he gives his time in meaningful ways that help others.

And then there is the part of Joe’s story that always makes people smile: he is literally a rockstar. A professional musician, a gifted pianist and keyboardist and a lifelong “piano man” whose license plate says it all. Long before we knew him at Venture Partners, he was on stage playing for crowds, and he still is.

Once a redhead and forever a member of the ginger club, Joe is somehow both the nicest guy in the room and the one you absolutely want in your corner when things get tough. He has survived a heart attack, is about 1.5 years away from a well-earned retirement and has a family he loves deeply.

Joe makes Venture Partners better just by being Joe. Talented, thoughtful, grounded and genuinely kind.

We are lucky to have a rockstar like him in our band!

Amy Dodenhoff

By Emily Vogt

Amy is an architect of opportunity, designing programs and networks that help leaders flourish and turn innovation into impact.

As director of venture development, she builds opportunities for researchers and founders to grow and succeed. She has breathed new life into core programs, ensuring they are inclusive, effective and excellent. Destination Startup, under Amy's leadership, builds connections in an authentic and meaningful way, convening entrepreneurs, researchers and investors from across the West in Boulder. The Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator has grown in unprecedented ways since Amy put her energy into creating the best possible program for matching researchers and entrepreneurs. 

And she does all of this while showing up as her full self. She builds relationships that go beyond a nine-to-five, always remembering birthdays and celebrating the accomplishments of colleagues. She supports people across the organization, always knowing who needs encouragement, who needs space and where a connection could spark new momentum.

Like a skilled architect, Amy sees the structure before the blueprint exists. She frames the relationships, systems and support that make our venture ecosystem stand tall.

Erica Fagan

By Emily Vogt

Erica has a rare gift: she recognizes the spark in someone’s work before they realize it’s there.

As a leader in NSF I-Corps^TM Hub West, Erica supports programs that impact hundreds of researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs. She brings together participants, instructors, staff and mentors, creating a space where people can explore, fail safely and succeed with support. Erica leads with warmth and holds people to their best, creating a program environment that is both supportive and uncompromising. She shows up with professionalism, respect and a genuine desire to see others achieve their potential.

Erica has encouraged many teams to pursue new opportunities; she has a knack for seeing potential early. She heard a story about an impressive young inventor on a radio segment and reached out to him, noticing real-world potential in his research. She welcomed this student into the fold, opening up new opportunities. She spots the spark in a project or a person, often before anyone else does, and quietly nurtures it to life. She keeps relationships going far beyond the scope of our programs, checking in, championing progress and reminding people she still believes in them.

Years from now, when successful founders trace back the roots of their progress, they’ll remember Erica and the warm, steady leadership that helped them begin.

Zamira Gleason

By Lynn Pae

For the past three and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Zamira, and in that time, I’ve come to deeply admire and appreciate her efficiency and positivity. She doesn’t just get things done; she gets them done with grace, speed and a smile that makes even the most tedious task feel like a team-building exercise.

Zamira is willing to jump in and help in every situation. But what truly sets Zamira apart isn’t just her competence—it’s her presence. She brings lightness and laughter that make you feel lucky just to work alongside her.

She never complains because she’s too busy making it better. Her grace under pressure is matched only by the warmth of her smile, which somehow manages to say, “I’ve got this,” even when the task at hand would make most people run for cover.

She’s the quiet engine behind the scenes, the kind of person who turns chaos into calm and deadlines into done. She makes every day better, every challenge lighter and every success sweeter.

Sarah Hughes

By Amy Dodenhoff

Sarah doesn’t just lead programs; she builds bridges from research to real-world impact.

Sarah joined Venture Partners in August 2025 to lead the Center for Translational Research, which helps university labs and startups secure critical translational funding. From day one, she faced a whirlwind: major events were weeks away, and she dove in without hesitation.

Sarah quickly mastered Venture Partners’ programs, mapped how the center fits into the bigger picture and forged connections across campus and beyond. She executed major events flawlessly, even amid last-minute changes out of her control and produced exceptional programs that delivered incredible content and strengthened relationships with key partners.

Sarah is a fast learner, deeply committed to entrepreneurs and small businesses and relentless in achieving goals. Her ability to manage complex relationships with our team, panelists, researchers and founders alike, sets her apart. She combines strategic leadership with genuine kindness, having quickly become a key part of Venture Partners’ mission. Working alongside Sarah is inspiring; her talent and drive are unmatched, and I am excited to see what Sarah accomplishes next. 

Christine Jackson

By Margaret Bryant

Christine is a consistently caring and bright light in any space. At work, she is observant, proactive, conscientious and incredibly skilled. She ensures things operate smoothly and without fuss. Though she may appear quiet, her giant heart sparkles beneath the surface of her approachable nature, cultivating safe spaces for all she encounters and finding ways to bring out kindness in others. She creates community, whether by asking thoughtful questions or gifting impressive abundance from her garden.

Christine strives to understand who people are and uplift their autonomy. She is a friend to all creatures great and small, especially her familial companions Tofu and Ellie whom she cares for with her partner Chris.

In her waking life away, you can find her upside down and at great heights—literally. Her devoted practice as an aerialist shows how she maintains awe and curiosity about our world, finding new approaches and explorations in the face of what comes before us. For Christine, a love of animals, our planet and humanity are lived values. As a warrior for whimsy, Christine knows that being playful and joyful are the most powerful tools we have to endure whatever life throws at us.

Debjani Kapila

By Joshua Bennett

When interviewing candidates for a role in your office, it is a rare and special thing to find the person who stands so much taller than the others that you do not even notice the crowd.

That person was Debjani Kapila. Ten years at GE Licensing as a senior director, patent agent, PhD in the area we were looking for. Just an unbelievable find for us and someone that I know will help us explore our latent, untapped markets. There was no hesitation in our decision-making. Debjani was the clear choice. The only question remaining was, how do we convince her to choose us?

Obviously intelligent. Extremely hardworking with an innate love of personal industry and human connection. These were the reasons we hired Debjani. What pleasantly surprised me as we began our work together in earnest was the warmth. The love and commitment to her family. The consistent sunny disposition. And the enthusiasm on every call. After conversations with Debjani, I turn to my next task with renewed energy and vigor. She is like a fresh cup of coffee. Only without the jitters. I cannot wait to see what the coming years bring to Debjani and Venture Partners.

Daniel Leonard

By Bryn Rees

Daniel Leonard, Venture Partners' senior marketing and communications specialist, has taken the team by storm! To say that he has leveled up Venture Partners’ reach would sell his impact short. Daniel’s contributions have been more like finding a cheat code—all of a sudden, things seem easy, and also more fun! He has helped the entire team garner national and international attention for its excellence and performance.

Through Daniel, we have a living example that one does not have to sacrifice process and attention to detail for the sake of creativity. He brings precision and impeccable organization to Venture Partners’ communications, but always imbued with a spirit of playful imagination.

When you partner with Daniel, you can expect an understanding friend, an energizing co-creator and a glimpse into his sharp wit (we just know there’s all kinds of amazing directions his writing could take!)

Perhaps the greatest praise one might give to a communication specialist, and one that perfectly fits Daniel, is that his work is not limited to describing and sharing what is. Instead, he is helping to shape our mission, strategy and identity.

Shreya Madhavarapu

By Nicole R. Stone

Shreya and I both joined Venture Partners at about the same time, so we’ve spent the last year learning the ropes together. Even though she is several years younger than I am, I’ve learned a lot from her, and I admire her confidence—she really knows what she stands for.

Shreya isn’t afraid to take on a challenge. She recently proposed that we start a new program together based on an important gap we both saw, and I think the concept is bold, very worthwhile and has some significant barriers to success. I’m not sure I would have had the ovaries to take this on alone, but with a partner like Shreya, I think we can make a real difference. I love teaming up with Shreya because if she commits to something, it is 100% getting done on time, with excellence, a calm attitude and no excuses—she’s great at finding creative solutions and inspiring others to do the same.

Also, she paints. Really well. Shreya has formal training in painting—I was shocked when I learned this. Paired with a PhD in biomedical engineering, she’s essentially a Renaissance woman. I’m truly honored to be her colleague and friend.

Jonathan Marenus

By Justin Stitzlein

Jonathan, I really appreciate working with you. You’re a great guitar player, and it’s been genuinely fun to jam together outside of work. You’re also one of the most reliable people on the team, always ready to jump in and get projects across the finish line or fill in at an event or pitch practice. You’re a solid contracts attorney and are a valuable voice on the licensing team whenever anyone has a tricky agreement they are working on. You’ve done a great job owning the software portfolio and becoming an expert at all the open-source licenses and quirks of that field. Whenever we run events, you’re the number one person I trust to make the tech actually work, from slide decks to sound. It was also a highlight getting to attend your wedding and meet your family. Overall, you’re a steady, thoughtful teammate, and it’s been great getting to work with you. We should play music more often!

Daniel "Dano" Marshall

By Erica Fagan

"Hi, my name is Daniel Marshall, but my friends call me Dano.” From his very first introduction, Dano disarms any pretense. You know right away that he’s the kind of person who’s going to show up for you, steady, kind and genuine. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with Dano for a few years now through the NSF I-Corps^TM programs. I’ve watched him guide countless innovators through the uncertain process of turning an idea into something real. He doesn’t just offer advice; he walks alongside them every step of the way.

It’s easy to forget that behind every startup or new technology lies a deeply personal journey. Dano never forgets that. He understands the highs and lows, the late nights and the self-doubt that comes with trying to build something new. Yet no matter how stormy things get, Dano remains the lighthouse, focused on helping others stay the course.

He listens without judgment, celebrates every win and makes people feel truly seen. His connections run so deep that he becomes like family. And if you’ve ever worked with him, you’ve likely heard his signature phrase: “Thank you for being so smart.” To countless innovators, Dano isn’t just a mentor; he’s the reminder of why they began this journey in the first place.

Hannah Nelson

By Jonathan Marenus

Hannah has a rare gift: she makes the complicated and specialized world of tech transfer feel approachable and even inspiring. Her deep expertise and calm professionalism make even the most difficult problems seem surmountable.

When I first joined Venture Partners, Hannah was one of the first people who introduced me to tech transfer, training me in an industry completely alien to almost anything I’ve done before. Her knowledge of this world is extensive, built on years of experience guiding research toward real-world impact. But what truly sets Hannah apart is her generosity with that experience. No matter how simple or complicated my question, Hannah was always willing to take time to answer questions, walk me through complicated concepts and brainstorm creative solutions to any situation. She is an incredible teacher and thought partner to every single person in the office. Her kindness, patience and clarity turn challenges into learning moments, and she makes sure no one feels left behind.

Even after three years of working at Venture Partners, I know that I can always turn to Hannah for guidance. Even with the most complex problems, Hannah is a calm and nurturing voice that is available to the entire team. Her welcoming nature creates an environment where innovation thrives, not just for Venture Partners, but also for the researchers and founders with whom she works.

Lynn Pae

By Zamira Gleason

I first met Lynn on a sunny day in April. She was the very first person at Venture Partners who greeted me with a warm smile and this effortless, quiet confidence that instantly put me at ease.

At that time, I didn’t know what to expect, but around her I immediately felt welcomed and accepted. As the days passed, I realized she’s not just warm and friendly—she has a genuinely kind heart, a deeply professional approach and an almost impossibly strong work ethic. She walked me through Venture Partners administration processes with precision, care and tact. 

Beyond her kindness, Lynn is also one of the most exceptionally competent people I’ve ever met. She has been with Venture Partners for over twenty years and carries an unparalleled depth of knowledge about our history, business practices, finance operations, office management, HR processes and our network of business affiliates. She is essential to the smooth functioning of Venture Partners' operations, its systems and, honestly, its soul. There is no part of this organization that she hasn’t strengthened or supported.

Honestly, I’m convinced that if Lynn ever quits, this entire office will fall apart within 24 hours.

I’m truly honored to know Lynn on both a personal and professional level—and there are days when I’m actually jealous of myself for getting to work with her. That’s how lucky I am.

Annalissa Philbin

By Marta Zgagacz

Annalissa has been our “counsel” in every sense of the word—an advisor, a friend and a confidant. She is the person I turn to when I have a real-life puzzle to solve because she is an excellent sounding board and a reality check.

Annalissa is deeply curious about any topic and always brings unexpected perspectives and depth of understanding to every conversation. Some of my favorite memories with Annalissa involve working on agreements while snacking on blueberries and bagels, punctuated by deep dives into technology and the underlying science—whiteboards filled with drawings of the spacetime continuum, formulas and calculations.

Annalissa taught me everything I know about contracts, the importance of legalese and how it shapes relationships and long-term outcomes. She reminds us that contracts aren’t just paperwork but commitments by both sides. Through her guidance, she makes it possible for us to serve our customers better. She’s the steady force behind Venture Partners—the person who ensures that our bold ideas have the structure they need to succeed.

That’s why Annalissa isn’t just our attorney. She’s our counsel, a trusted partner and one of my favorite people to brainstorm big ideas with.

Bryn Rees

By Marta Zgagacz

When I first met Bryn in the old tech transfer office in 2014, I remember thinking he was a serene and steady presence around the office—so serene, in fact, that he once made Josh fall asleep during one of his office meditation sessions.

Mindfulness and understanding others are Bryn’s secret superpowers. Bryn has a way of walking into a room full of diverging opinions and, with a single, well-placed question, shifting perspectives into self-reflection and positive energy. He listens deeply and meets people where they are, then offers exactly what they need to hear to gain clarity.

That's what Bryn does. He brings unique perspectives to every challenge and turns every challenge into an opportunity for growth, whether for the person, the office or the university. Thus, Bryn led us to take risks, one bold idea at a time, while making them feel like calculated adventures rather than terrifying leaps.

That’s true leadership.

Thank you for creating an environment where we feel empowered, supported and occasionally challenged in ways that make us better.

Justin Stitzlein

By Jonathan Marenus

Justin has become an essential force at Venture Partners, bringing focus and creativity to projects that elevate the entire team. He gives all of himself to the researchers and startups that come through our office day after day. His leadership in launching the therapeutics accelerator is just one example of Justin’s ability to turn vision into reality, creating new opportunities for researchers and entrepreneurs.

Justin has also stepped up as a trusted coach for researchers considering startups. Through one-on-one guidance, he helps shape business strategies, sparks excitement and sets founders on a clear path to entrepreneurship. He not only helps our stakeholders but he also shares his extensive financial expertise with all of us on the licensing team, creating models that assist us in setting licensing terms that are both fair to our founders and profitable to the University. Justin is always willing to go the extra mile to brainstorm creative deal terms that ensure the success of our startups while protecting the trust that the university has placed in our office to steward intellectual property to commercial viability.

Notably, Justin has worked with many of the teams that come through our programs, helping them translate their cutting-edge research into potentially life-changing businesses. His ability to prepare teams for success reflects his commitment to excellence and collaboration.

Justin’s impact is clear, and his contributions continue to shape the future of innovation at CU.

Nicole R. Stone

By Shreya Madhavarapu

Niki and I started in our roles around the same time, and having someone to learn the ropes with made all the difference. What could have been an overwhelming transition became a much easier one because we were figuring things out together. She leads with kindness and tries to make everyone feel welcome and included.

I used to think I was organized until I saw her systems in action. She operates at an impressive level of clarity and structure, and I am grateful she was generous enough to share her approaches with me, which I have now fully incorporated.

Her passion for supporting the researchers she works with is unmatched. She goes above and beyond because she genuinely cares about their success. That dedication resulted in her securing our office's first-ever corporate sponsor, raising the bar for what is possible and setting a new standard for our team.

And while we've only worked together for a short time, a colleague like her is truly rare. She brings people together and elevates everyone around her. On a personal note, she not only made me feel welcome at work, but she was also my first friend in a new city where I knew absolutely no one. She made the transition not just easier, but fun, and she's quickly become my favorite person to explore new coffee shops and restaurants with.

I am really grateful we get to do this work together!

Emily Vogt

By Daniel "Dano" Marshall (and on behalf of all those you have touched)

I’ve never said this outright, but I truly love working with you as our NSF I-Corps^TM program manager here at Venture Partners. It’s been amazing to watch you grow into this role with such confidence and heart, and I’m so proud of the way you lead our team.

You’re not only setting the vision for us, but you’re also right there in the trenches—jumping in during programming whenever we need an extra hand, which makes such a difference. The way you’ve identified and expanded our regional I-Corps programming has opened new opportunities and strengthened our community in lasting ways.

On top of all that, the support you’ve given both me and Erica as we navigate our roles has been invaluable—you make us feel encouraged, capable and part of something bigger and truly best in class. Collaborating with you is inspiring, and I’m so grateful for the energy, care and dedication you bring every step of the way.

Thank you for being you—and for being so smart. Love and hugs!

Marta Zgagacz

By Bryn Rees

Marta Zgagacz is the senior director with Venture Partners and has been with the university for a dozen years. When something is complex or broken, it is no deterrent to her. If anything, that type of challenge draws Marta in. What else could be said of someone who sees and experiences the “horror” of early 2000’s tech transfer through the eyes of a startup founder, and then takes up the task to transform it from the inside?

Marta’s tenacious rigor and expertise have been a foundation from which she has built our IP and licensing team from a small rag-tag group to an efficient and productive machine. But don’t let those achievements lead you to putting her solely in an IP and licensing box; she is deeply creative and entrepreneurial. Marta architected many innovative programs in Venture Partners, such as Accelerated Technology Partnerships and the Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator.

Like David Hasslehoff, Marta is a big star in Europe (but unlike Mr. Hasslehoff, Marta is also a leader in the U.S.). She is in high demand to speak at conferences for European universities, investors and government leaders. But she comes back to us every time (so far!) and CU is lucky for it.

Hang around with Marta long enough and she’ll drop some wisdom, sometimes in the form of Polish proverbs. These usually involve an animal and are especially endearing when the translation leaves some mystery. But let’s not divide the skin of a live bear; you can hear them for yourself the next time you ask Marta for some guidance!