A small but mighty team singularly committed to superlative company creation.

Who we are

art meets science

We aspire to think and act systemically, but also to reflect, refresh, and redesign when it makes sense to do so. Our strength comes from our flexibility, and our results from our process.

Win together

We are a tight-knit group of empowered individuals that stand behind a unified mission. We win together growing strong, not large, and we understand that we are collective owners of the bigger picture.

take the swing

We set our goals high. We push each other, and the companies we work with, to look not just at the immediate opportunity at hand, but to always squint towards a larger, more ambitious future.

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Abram Schottenstein

Energized by collaborating with talented people towards achieving a common goal.

Abram is a Director of Investor Relations at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the firm's capital formation initiatives and supporting the firm's limited partner base. Prior to Juxtapose, Abram was a Vice President in the Client & Capital Formation group at TPG Capital, focused on fundraising for the firm's flagship buyout strategy. Abram began his career at Credit Suisse in the Private Fund Group, where he worked with alternative asset managers to achieve their fundraising and capital formation goals. Abram has a BBA in Finance from the University of Miami, where he graduated with honors.

Professional: What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

The way you do anything is the way you do everything.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

Getting just 1% better every day leads to exceptional outcomes. While progress might seem limited in the day-to-day, staying the course and focusing on small improvements pays immense dividends over time.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

The clarity of vision, shared core principles, and mission-first focus. I believe that over the long-term, the firm-wide tunnel vision driven by a shared code of ethics will lead to lasting success and positive outcomes for our companies, partners, and investors.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Before starting at Juxtapose, I traveled Asia and Australia for two months solo. Highlights included snowboarding in Japan and getting my PADI scuba diving license in Australia!

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Abram Schottenstein

Investor Relations

Energized by collaborating with talented people towards achieving a common goal.

Abram is a Director of Investor Relations at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the firm's capital formation initiatives and supporting the firm's limited partner base. Prior to Juxtapose, Abram was a Vice President in the Client & Capital Formation group at TPG Capital, focused on fundraising for the firm's flagship buyout strategy. Abram began his career at Credit Suisse in the Private Fund Group, where he worked with alternative asset managers to achieve their fundraising and capital formation goals. Abram has a BBA in Finance from the University of Miami, where he graduated with honors.

Professional: What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

The way you do anything is the way you do everything.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

Getting just 1% better every day leads to exceptional outcomes. While progress might seem limited in the day-to-day, staying the course and focusing on small improvements pays immense dividends over time.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

The clarity of vision, shared core principles, and mission-first focus. I believe that over the long-term, the firm-wide tunnel vision driven by a shared code of ethics will lead to lasting success and positive outcomes for our companies, partners, and investors.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Before starting at Juxtapose, I traveled Asia and Australia for two months solo. Highlights included snowboarding in Japan and getting my PADI scuba diving license in Australia!

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Ajay Shroff

Loves tackling the new, ambiguous, and unknown to help build a world-class operation and a high-functioning team.

Ajay is a Vice President of Strategic Operations at Juxtapose. Ajay leads the firm's efforts to establish the strategic systems and processes that are enabling it to scale. Prior to Juxtapose, Ajay was an operator in the consumer products space at Harry’s Inc., first working to grow and scale the business in international markets, then helping launch and lead the newest brand under the Harry’s umbrella. Ajay began his career at Boston Consulting Group and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Wharton School and College of Arts & Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

Focusing on only a few things drives us to maintain a really high bar for rigor and intellectual honesty between ourselves, ultimately helping us get to the best ideas and answers.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Having interesting, hard problems to solve alongside fantastic teams.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

An Amazing Race-style road trip starting in Poland, up through the Baltics, over to Finland, and ending in St. Petersburg.

What 3 people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?

Donald Glover, Kurt Cobain, and James Blake.

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Ajay Shroff

Strategic Operations

Loves tackling the new, ambiguous, and unknown to help build a world-class operation and a high-functioning team.

Ajay is a Vice President of Strategic Operations at Juxtapose. Ajay leads the firm's efforts to establish the strategic systems and processes that are enabling it to scale. Prior to Juxtapose, Ajay was an operator in the consumer products space at Harry’s Inc., first working to grow and scale the business in international markets, then helping launch and lead the newest brand under the Harry’s umbrella. Ajay began his career at Boston Consulting Group and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Wharton School and College of Arts & Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

Focusing on only a few things drives us to maintain a really high bar for rigor and intellectual honesty between ourselves, ultimately helping us get to the best ideas and answers.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Having interesting, hard problems to solve alongside fantastic teams.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

An Amazing Race-style road trip starting in Poland, up through the Baltics, over to Finland, and ending in St. Petersburg.

What 3 people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?

Donald Glover, Kurt Cobain, and James Blake.

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Alex Hollander

Believer in the power of storytelling to empower, inspire, and make change.

Alex is a Vice President of Strategic Communications at Juxtapose, where she leads efforts to build the firm's brand and outreach strategy, as well as supports portfolio companies' communications initiatives. Prior to Juxtapose, Alex led innovation communications at Instagram, where she oversaw the company's engineering and design communications functions and helped launch products to over one billion people. Most recently, Alex founded and operated a strategic communications and marketing consulting practice focused on early and growth-stage startups. She began her career at Facebook, where she led projects across corporate, engineering, and product communications. A journalist by training, Alex has a BS in Journalism from Northwestern University.

What inspires you to do your best work?

The energy of amazing colleagues working toward a shared goal.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

I think the focus on brand early in the process of company creation sets Juxtapose companies up to be uniquely enduring, beloved businesses.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Shopping at the farmer's market and preparing a meal for friends.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I moonlight as a Reiki healer.

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Alex Hollander

Strategic Communications

Believer in the power of storytelling to empower, inspire, and make change.

Alex is a Vice President of Strategic Communications at Juxtapose, where she leads efforts to build the firm's brand and outreach strategy, as well as supports portfolio companies' communications initiatives. Prior to Juxtapose, Alex led innovation communications at Instagram, where she oversaw the company's engineering and design communications functions and helped launch products to over one billion people. Most recently, Alex founded and operated a strategic communications and marketing consulting practice focused on early and growth-stage startups. She began her career at Facebook, where she led projects across corporate, engineering, and product communications. A journalist by training, Alex has a BS in Journalism from Northwestern University.

What inspires you to do your best work?

The energy of amazing colleagues working toward a shared goal.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

I think the focus on brand early in the process of company creation sets Juxtapose companies up to be uniquely enduring, beloved businesses.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Shopping at the farmer's market and preparing a meal for friends.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I moonlight as a Reiki healer.

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Alyssa Sleadd

Driven by curiosity and creating a sense of community in everything we do. Jack of all trades, a master of none.

Alyssa is a Senior Manager, Community and Culture at Juxtapose, where she focuses on cultivating strong relationships and impactful engagements with the firm’s internal team and external network. She works closely with Juxtapose leadership to bring team-building and flagship events to life and drive the "one firm" culture forward. Before joining Juxtapose, Alyssa built her career at hyper-growth companies like WeWork and Figma, where she managed co-working spaces, led community teams in sales and hospitality efforts, and executed a diverse range of marketing programs from field events to marquee user conferences. Alyssa graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State University with an Integrated Marketing and Communications degree.

What inspires you to do your best work?

I'm inspired by seeing firsthand how event and culture initiatives impacts people and contributes to their loyalty and trust to a brand or organization. I find purpose in making thoughtful connections within an ecosystem and seeing companies or team members expanding through it. Last but not least, I'm inspired when I work on challenging projects with a supportive team!

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

I'm so intrigued by Juxtapose's incubator to investment model. I found the firm's strategy of developing, green-lighting, and CEO matching in-house to be particularly rare and exciting.

What's the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

I made a massive career jump from co-working space operations to an HQ role as an event manager at the very start of COVID (March 2020). The role was a dream opportunity - I'd be running event programs for our Enterprise sales team globally. As soon as I started, the world shut down and in-person events became impossible. Our team had a choice to stay stagnant or pivot and offer unique ideas for virtual experiences while we navigated the unknown. We chose the latter. I look back on that time as an incredibly challenging but pivotal chapter in my career.

What’s a cause that’s important to you?

Animal rescue and rehabilitation! I'm on my 2nd foster dog and passionate about giving rescues a chance at a new life and loving home.

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Alyssa Sleadd

Driven by curiosity and creating a sense of community in everything we do. Jack of all trades, a master of none.

Alyssa is a Senior Manager, Community and Culture at Juxtapose, where she focuses on cultivating strong relationships and impactful engagements with the firm’s internal team and external network. She works closely with Juxtapose leadership to bring team-building and flagship events to life and drive the "one firm" culture forward. Before joining Juxtapose, Alyssa built her career at hyper-growth companies like WeWork and Figma, where she managed co-working spaces, led community teams in sales and hospitality efforts, and executed a diverse range of marketing programs from field events to marquee user conferences. Alyssa graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State University with an Integrated Marketing and Communications degree.

What inspires you to do your best work?

I'm inspired by seeing firsthand how event and culture initiatives impacts people and contributes to their loyalty and trust to a brand or organization. I find purpose in making thoughtful connections within an ecosystem and seeing companies or team members expanding through it. Last but not least, I'm inspired when I work on challenging projects with a supportive team!

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

I'm so intrigued by Juxtapose's incubator to investment model. I found the firm's strategy of developing, green-lighting, and CEO matching in-house to be particularly rare and exciting.

What's the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

I made a massive career jump from co-working space operations to an HQ role as an event manager at the very start of COVID (March 2020). The role was a dream opportunity - I'd be running event programs for our Enterprise sales team globally. As soon as I started, the world shut down and in-person events became impossible. Our team had a choice to stay stagnant or pivot and offer unique ideas for virtual experiences while we navigated the unknown. We chose the latter. I look back on that time as an incredibly challenging but pivotal chapter in my career.

What’s a cause that’s important to you?

Animal rescue and rehabilitation! I'm on my 2nd foster dog and passionate about giving rescues a chance at a new life and loving home.

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Andy Stein

Energized by thinking about business model innovations and where/how value gets created in dynamic ecosystems.

Andy is Partner on the Concept Development team at Juxtapose, where he helps to lead company-creation efforts at the research phase, and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Andy works closely with the user research & design, and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Andy founded a direct primary care business and was previously a private equity and hedge fund investor, first at Hellman & Friedman and later helping to start Thorntree Capital, a consumer- and internet-focused hedge fund where he led consumer and retail and international investing. Andy began his career at Bain & Company and is a graduate of Harvard College.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Don't become seduced by your own narrative, focus on reducing the number of bets you are taking that you don't control (e.g., consumer behavior change), and bet on an economic model that has a lot of margin of safety early on (high LTV customers, low prevailing CAC, fragmented and unsophisticated competition).

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I most enjoy working in healthcare, primarily because of the triple bottom lines. The best business models are pure net positives for the world - they create profit, but they also reduce costs, improve outcomes, increase access, and create better patient experiences. There are few industries where you can "disrupt" and leave just about everyone better off, including those you have "disrupted"!

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

I find prioritizing "system-level value creation" above all else to be an incredibly helpful north star - it is easy to get caught up in the business model to be built and the competitive dynamics too early on, but focusing first on "how much value can I create?" and "for whom?" clarifies the questions to ask and the work to be done, and ultimately allow you to confidently proceed to the rest of the work. If you can create a lot of new value for an important constituency, there is usually a compelling business to be built.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

I like to go for a really long walk with my family in the country in the morning, eat lunch at a diner, come home and read a book on the couch, and cook a dinner that takes a long time to finish, where you can smell it all through the house.

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Partners

Andy Stein

Concept Development

Energized by thinking about business model innovations and where/how value gets created in dynamic ecosystems.

Andy is Partner on the Concept Development team at Juxtapose, where he helps to lead company-creation efforts at the research phase, and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Andy works closely with the user research & design, and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Andy founded a direct primary care business and was previously a private equity and hedge fund investor, first at Hellman & Friedman and later helping to start Thorntree Capital, a consumer- and internet-focused hedge fund where he led consumer and retail and international investing. Andy began his career at Bain & Company and is a graduate of Harvard College.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Don't become seduced by your own narrative, focus on reducing the number of bets you are taking that you don't control (e.g., consumer behavior change), and bet on an economic model that has a lot of margin of safety early on (high LTV customers, low prevailing CAC, fragmented and unsophisticated competition).

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I most enjoy working in healthcare, primarily because of the triple bottom lines. The best business models are pure net positives for the world - they create profit, but they also reduce costs, improve outcomes, increase access, and create better patient experiences. There are few industries where you can "disrupt" and leave just about everyone better off, including those you have "disrupted"!

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

I find prioritizing "system-level value creation" above all else to be an incredibly helpful north star - it is easy to get caught up in the business model to be built and the competitive dynamics too early on, but focusing first on "how much value can I create?" and "for whom?" clarifies the questions to ask and the work to be done, and ultimately allow you to confidently proceed to the rest of the work. If you can create a lot of new value for an important constituency, there is usually a compelling business to be built.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

I like to go for a really long walk with my family in the country in the morning, eat lunch at a diner, come home and read a book on the couch, and cook a dinner that takes a long time to finish, where you can smell it all through the house.

All
Partners

Andy Robertson

Andy is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Andy works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Andy was a growth investor at Spectrum Equity focused on software and information services businesses. Andy began his career at EY-Parthenon and is a graduate of Williams College.

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Andy Robertson

Concept Development

Andy is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Andy works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Andy was a growth investor at Spectrum Equity focused on software and information services businesses. Andy began his career at EY-Parthenon and is a graduate of Williams College.

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Anne-Marie Shelley

I am inspired by the team’s creativity, discipline and approach to problem-solving.

Anne-Marie is General Counsel at Juxtapose, where she oversees matters involving legal and compliance. Anne-Marie leads Juxtapose's efforts around company formation and portfolio investments, transactional matters, fund formation, employment matters, regulatory matters, and corporate governance. Prior to Juxtapose, Anne-Marie served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Accretive. Before joining Accretive, Anne-Marie was a corporate attorney in the corporate finance group at Chadbourne & Parke LLP, and, prior to that, was associated with Fried, Frank, Harris Shriver & Jacobson where she practiced in the bankruptcy and restructuring group. Anne-Marie received her BA in Economics from Yale University and her JD from Villanova University School of Law where she was a member of the Law Review.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

"Take hold of your career. No one else will drive it, and no one else knows as well as you where you want to go or what is important to you. "

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Herself Health is a company that inspires me because it addresses a unique need in the market and aspires to improve the healthcare experience for its patients.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

Simply put, the team.

Best advice you’d give your teenage self?

Step out of your comfort zone -- believe you can do it!

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Anne-Marie Shelley

Legal

I am inspired by the team’s creativity, discipline and approach to problem-solving.

Anne-Marie is General Counsel at Juxtapose, where she oversees matters involving legal and compliance. Anne-Marie leads Juxtapose's efforts around company formation and portfolio investments, transactional matters, fund formation, employment matters, regulatory matters, and corporate governance. Prior to Juxtapose, Anne-Marie served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Accretive. Before joining Accretive, Anne-Marie was a corporate attorney in the corporate finance group at Chadbourne & Parke LLP, and, prior to that, was associated with Fried, Frank, Harris Shriver & Jacobson where she practiced in the bankruptcy and restructuring group. Anne-Marie received her BA in Economics from Yale University and her JD from Villanova University School of Law where she was a member of the Law Review.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

"Take hold of your career. No one else will drive it, and no one else knows as well as you where you want to go or what is important to you. "

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Herself Health is a company that inspires me because it addresses a unique need in the market and aspires to improve the healthcare experience for its patients.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

Simply put, the team.

Best advice you’d give your teenage self?

Step out of your comfort zone -- believe you can do it!

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Arjun Bakre

Energized by working with such talented people to build and grow businesses on the right side of change.

Arjun is a Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Arjun works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Arjun previously worked at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice where he executed and supported investments across sectors with a focus in healthcare. He also joined Apree Health to help lead business development, partnership implementation, and broader strategy efforts. Arjun began his career in Evercore’s M&A practice on the Information & Media team. Arjun has an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

What is the most valuable career advice you’ve received?

Keep it simple. Move with purpose. Prepare intensely.

What is a framework you’ve found particularly insightful?

I love hypotheticals – whether it’s “what you have to believe” or a simple “this or that”. They can be immensely clarifying in distilling a big problem into the few points that matter, testing conviction, and illuminating what people truly care about. And they’re quite fun.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

A&R for an indie label. The whole process of discovering an unknown artist, feeling like you have a secret that everyone should know about, and helping that person make their dream a reality. Plus, I just love hearing new music.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Sundubu jjigae that’s a little too hot and a little too spicy.

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Arjun Bakre

Concept Development

Energized by working with such talented people to build and grow businesses on the right side of change.

Arjun is a Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Arjun works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Arjun previously worked at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice where he executed and supported investments across sectors with a focus in healthcare. He also joined Apree Health to help lead business development, partnership implementation, and broader strategy efforts. Arjun began his career in Evercore’s M&A practice on the Information & Media team. Arjun has an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

What is the most valuable career advice you’ve received?

Keep it simple. Move with purpose. Prepare intensely.

What is a framework you’ve found particularly insightful?

I love hypotheticals – whether it’s “what you have to believe” or a simple “this or that”. They can be immensely clarifying in distilling a big problem into the few points that matter, testing conviction, and illuminating what people truly care about. And they’re quite fun.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

A&R for an indie label. The whole process of discovering an unknown artist, feeling like you have a secret that everyone should know about, and helping that person make their dream a reality. Plus, I just love hearing new music.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Sundubu jjigae that’s a little too hot and a little too spicy.

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Ashleigh Braun

Believer in the power that is created by combining transformational leadership with complex problem solving and relentless determination.

Ashleigh is a Director of Talent at Juxtapose, where she focuses on recruiting and providing a range of strategic talent needs focused on supporting CEO’s and senior executive teams across our platform and software ventures. Ashleigh partners closely with the concept development, user research, and design teams to enable our company-creation efforts to succeed by helping bring on the right transformational talent. Before joining Juxtapose, Ashleigh was an Associate Director at Daversa partners, where she played a key role in building out C-level executive teams at top-tier Venture backed technology companies. Ashleigh has a BA in Communications and Psychology from the University of Florida, where she graduated with distinction.

What inspires you to do your best work?

The people I work with and the mission I am working toward. I love partnering with passionate, like-minded individuals that push me and make me better. Especially when we have a shared goal and clear impact that we are creating!

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Great vision without great people is irrelevant.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm a lot shorter in person.

What brings you joy?

Fajitas arriving at my table at a Mexican restaurant

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Ashleigh Braun

Talent

Believer in the power that is created by combining transformational leadership with complex problem solving and relentless determination.

Ashleigh is a Director of Talent at Juxtapose, where she focuses on recruiting and providing a range of strategic talent needs focused on supporting CEO’s and senior executive teams across our platform and software ventures. Ashleigh partners closely with the concept development, user research, and design teams to enable our company-creation efforts to succeed by helping bring on the right transformational talent. Before joining Juxtapose, Ashleigh was an Associate Director at Daversa partners, where she played a key role in building out C-level executive teams at top-tier Venture backed technology companies. Ashleigh has a BA in Communications and Psychology from the University of Florida, where she graduated with distinction.

What inspires you to do your best work?

The people I work with and the mission I am working toward. I love partnering with passionate, like-minded individuals that push me and make me better. Especially when we have a shared goal and clear impact that we are creating!

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Great vision without great people is irrelevant.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm a lot shorter in person.

What brings you joy?

Fajitas arriving at my table at a Mexican restaurant

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Augusta Conway

Curiosity didn’t kill the cat

Augusta is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Augusta works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as the firm’s portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Augusta was an investor on the growth equity team at Blackstone where she evaluated, executed, and supported investments across multiple sectors with a focus on consumer, consumer technology, and enterprise software. Augusta started her career at Goldman Sachs in the Healthcare and M&A groups and is a graduate of Harvard College.

Whats the most valuable career advice you’ve received?

Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Whats a framework you’ve found particularly insightful?

A simple pros & cons list – some things become incredibly clear once they’re written down.

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?

Is 11 an option?

What brings you joy?

Dogs of all shapes and sizes… and a really strong shot of espresso.

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Augusta Conway

Concept Development

Curiosity didn’t kill the cat

Augusta is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Augusta works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as the firm’s portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Augusta was an investor on the growth equity team at Blackstone where she evaluated, executed, and supported investments across multiple sectors with a focus on consumer, consumer technology, and enterprise software. Augusta started her career at Goldman Sachs in the Healthcare and M&A groups and is a graduate of Harvard College.

Whats the most valuable career advice you’ve received?

Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Whats a framework you’ve found particularly insightful?

A simple pros & cons list – some things become incredibly clear once they’re written down.

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?

Is 11 an option?

What brings you joy?

Dogs of all shapes and sizes… and a really strong shot of espresso.

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Ben West

I feel incredibly lucky to work with our Founder/CEOs. They are immensely talented, yet willing to teach. Running 100mph, yet manage daily inventions.

Ben is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, where he leads company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Ben works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Ben had a decade of experience in venture capital and company creation, including the creation efforts to launch Strive Health at Oxeon Ventures and Hims at Atomic Labs, as well as a foundational systematic company creation building experience at Accretive. Ben started his career at Boston Consulting Group. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he graduated with Distinction, and a BA from the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Paypal --> it became a mafia. I'm inspired by the talent-density > the business itself.

What's an idea that didn't make it through the process for which you feel there's still potential?

A marketplace for personal injury lawsuit cases that manages to (1) filter out dud cases (improving the way the legal ecosystem functions) and (2) commoditize personal injury lawyers (improving the way the world works).

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

Biographer for controversial heads-of-state around the world.

If your life was a musical, what would the marquee say?

A petit bourgeois take on "The Odyssey."

All
Partners

Ben West

Concept Development

I feel incredibly lucky to work with our Founder/CEOs. They are immensely talented, yet willing to teach. Running 100mph, yet manage daily inventions.

Ben is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, where he leads company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Ben works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Ben had a decade of experience in venture capital and company creation, including the creation efforts to launch Strive Health at Oxeon Ventures and Hims at Atomic Labs, as well as a foundational systematic company creation building experience at Accretive. Ben started his career at Boston Consulting Group. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he graduated with Distinction, and a BA from the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Paypal --> it became a mafia. I'm inspired by the talent-density > the business itself.

What's an idea that didn't make it through the process for which you feel there's still potential?

A marketplace for personal injury lawsuit cases that manages to (1) filter out dud cases (improving the way the legal ecosystem functions) and (2) commoditize personal injury lawyers (improving the way the world works).

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

Biographer for controversial heads-of-state around the world.

If your life was a musical, what would the marquee say?

A petit bourgeois take on "The Odyssey."

All
Partners

Carmen Abello

Always be optimizing.

Carmen is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Carmen works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Carmen was a private equity investor at Leonard Green & Partners. Carmen began her career at Citi and is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Know your audience.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I geek out thinking about businesses focused on the individual patient or consumer. How can we improve someone’s experience and deliver better value?

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Early stages of research during which falling down intellectual rabbitholes is encouraged and may unlock new worlds of possibilities.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Solo hiked 600+ miles across France and Spain.

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Carmen Abello

Concept Development

Always be optimizing.

Carmen is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Carmen works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Carmen was a private equity investor at Leonard Green & Partners. Carmen began her career at Citi and is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Know your audience.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I geek out thinking about businesses focused on the individual patient or consumer. How can we improve someone’s experience and deliver better value?

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Early stages of research during which falling down intellectual rabbitholes is encouraged and may unlock new worlds of possibilities.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Solo hiked 600+ miles across France and Spain.

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Cashew

Thankful for the opportunity to become the firm's first CFO (Chief Feline Officer)

Cashew is a Grey Tabby at Juxtapose, where she is currently helping build out the firm's Feline practice. Prior to Juxtapose, she was a Kitten in Residence at Animal Care Centers of NYC (Brooklyn shelter office). Cashew started her career as part of a litter of fellow cats also named after various plant-based milks.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Don't put off until tomorrow the naps you can take today.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Getting to know the Juxtapose team via regular appearances on team Zoom calls.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

Either hunter-gatherer, or middle-market private equity.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Adopted.

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Cashew

Thankful for the opportunity to become the firm's first CFO (Chief Feline Officer)

Cashew is a Grey Tabby at Juxtapose, where she is currently helping build out the firm's Feline practice. Prior to Juxtapose, she was a Kitten in Residence at Animal Care Centers of NYC (Brooklyn shelter office). Cashew started her career as part of a litter of fellow cats also named after various plant-based milks.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Don't put off until tomorrow the naps you can take today.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Getting to know the Juxtapose team via regular appearances on team Zoom calls.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

Either hunter-gatherer, or middle-market private equity.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Adopted.

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Cassidee Bruntz

Inspired by thinking ahead, fixing goals, and achieving them. Allows me to look back and say, "I did that."

Cassidee is an Executive Assistant on the Admin & Office team at Juxtapose. As the primary lead of the office, Cassidee ensures that the New York City office runs smoothly, while facilitating in-person events for employees, founding teams and investors. Prior to Juxtapose, Cassidee worked as a Fashion Assistant for a New York-based clothing label, and more recently spent time in administration at an investment firm. Cassidee has a BS in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Helping others! Knowing the fact that my hard work and perseverance will help the team achieve greater professional success is what keeps me going.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Field Study Day in Harlem. Melba's <3

What song can you listen to on repeat?

Night Moves - Bob Seger, Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap, Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears For Fears (You Pick On This lol).

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Mirepoix!!!

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Cassidee Bruntz

Admin & Office

Inspired by thinking ahead, fixing goals, and achieving them. Allows me to look back and say, "I did that."

Cassidee is an Executive Assistant on the Admin & Office team at Juxtapose. As the primary lead of the office, Cassidee ensures that the New York City office runs smoothly, while facilitating in-person events for employees, founding teams and investors. Prior to Juxtapose, Cassidee worked as a Fashion Assistant for a New York-based clothing label, and more recently spent time in administration at an investment firm. Cassidee has a BS in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Helping others! Knowing the fact that my hard work and perseverance will help the team achieve greater professional success is what keeps me going.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Field Study Day in Harlem. Melba's <3

What song can you listen to on repeat?

Night Moves - Bob Seger, Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap, Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears For Fears (You Pick On This lol).

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Mirepoix!!!

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Chloe Colberg

I am deeply curious about the why, a big proponent of the growth mindset, and motivated by a desire to build relationships and learn from the people around me.

Chloe is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where she is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, she will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Chloe was Chief of Staff and led strategy and corporate development at pymetrics, an enterprise SaaS startup in the HR technology industry. Before that, she was a private equity investor at BC Partners and an investment banker at UBS. Chloe has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA in Economics and Arts Practice from Stanford University.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Focus on trying to be 1% better every day - the results will compound over time.

What's been your favorite learning experience at Juxtapose?

Figuring out how to ask the right questions and unlocking new insights as a result.

Best gift you’ve ever received?

When I studied abroad in Paris, my friend bought me a chocolate macaron from 10+ bakeries across the city so that I could do a taste test and find my favorite one.

What’s your favorite city?

Saigon. Every time I get a chance to visit I'm amazed by the chaos, youthful energy, and incredible food

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Chloe Colberg

Concept Development

I am deeply curious about the why, a big proponent of the growth mindset, and motivated by a desire to build relationships and learn from the people around me.

Chloe is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where she is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, she will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Chloe was Chief of Staff and led strategy and corporate development at pymetrics, an enterprise SaaS startup in the HR technology industry. Before that, she was a private equity investor at BC Partners and an investment banker at UBS. Chloe has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA in Economics and Arts Practice from Stanford University.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Focus on trying to be 1% better every day - the results will compound over time.

What's been your favorite learning experience at Juxtapose?

Figuring out how to ask the right questions and unlocking new insights as a result.

Best gift you’ve ever received?

When I studied abroad in Paris, my friend bought me a chocolate macaron from 10+ bakeries across the city so that I could do a taste test and find my favorite one.

What’s your favorite city?

Saigon. Every time I get a chance to visit I'm amazed by the chaos, youthful energy, and incredible food

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Cleo

If you need something furry to pet, see my sister. If you need words of wisdom, see me.

Cleopatra is a dog at Juxtapose. She was an early Juxtapose collaborator, helping to establish the firm's pet practice in 2017. Prior to Juxtapose, Cleo was an aspiring child actor and model.

What inspires you to do your best work?

A healthy respect for the ephemeral nature of all things. A year for me is 52.143 days. Every quarter matters.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Speak softly and carry a big stick (in your mouth).

If you could switch lives with someone for one day, who would it be?

Cashew.

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Cleo

If you need something furry to pet, see my sister. If you need words of wisdom, see me.

Cleopatra is a dog at Juxtapose. She was an early Juxtapose collaborator, helping to establish the firm's pet practice in 2017. Prior to Juxtapose, Cleo was an aspiring child actor and model.

What inspires you to do your best work?

A healthy respect for the ephemeral nature of all things. A year for me is 52.143 days. Every quarter matters.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Speak softly and carry a big stick (in your mouth).

If you could switch lives with someone for one day, who would it be?

Cashew.

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Colin Fraser

Just trying to be a bit better than yesterday.

Colin is a Principal of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Colin works closely with the user research + design, and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Colin was a growth investor at General Atlantic focused on software and consumer internet businesses. Colin began his career at J.P. Morgan. He graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University and has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Do what you say you're doing to do - ideally, when you say you're going to do it.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

The urgent vs. important 2x2 matrix. It's far too common to spend your work life stuck in the urgent and unimportant quadrant.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

For me, it's the moment when things click into place in a new category, and I start to really understand how a new space works.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm red / green colorblind, so coloring books have never been a forte.

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Colin Fraser

Concept Development

Just trying to be a bit better than yesterday.

Colin is a Principal of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Colin works closely with the user research + design, and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Colin was a growth investor at General Atlantic focused on software and consumer internet businesses. Colin began his career at J.P. Morgan. He graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University and has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Do what you say you're doing to do - ideally, when you say you're going to do it.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

The urgent vs. important 2x2 matrix. It's far too common to spend your work life stuck in the urgent and unimportant quadrant.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

For me, it's the moment when things click into place in a new category, and I start to really understand how a new space works.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm red / green colorblind, so coloring books have never been a forte.

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Daniel Lee

Determined to work on the hard problems, with the most ambitious teams, in order to bring a vision for the future to-life.

Daniel is a Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Daniel works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Daniel helped lead new product expansion, corporate development, and strategic partnerships as part of the special projects team at Coalition, Inc. Daniel began his career as a private equity investor at Blackstone. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and as Salutatorian.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

A mantra at my prior company, Coalition, was “sweep the floors”: no task was too small for any given individual and we all felt collective ownership to help out others on the team when their hands were full. One of the most memorable examples of this was the entire organization (from intern to CEO) jumping in to close out all customer service tickets the evening before the winter holidays. The impact this had on the organization was profound, and I’m excited to work with people who embrace the same sense of teamwork.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

My dad has run a small business most of my life. I think small businesses help us most tangibly understand some of the core pillars of building a great business (at any scale), as there’s nowhere to hide and customer feedback loops are super tight. It’s about doing right by the end customer, aligning behind a team culture and mission, and ultimately showing up everyday and giving it 100%. It’s something I feel lucky to have been so close to.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I was born in Texas. My allegiance to sports teams sits squarely with Seattle teams, though.

Favorite app?

YouTube. The more niche the content, the better.

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Daniel Lee

Concept Development

Determined to work on the hard problems, with the most ambitious teams, in order to bring a vision for the future to-life.

Daniel is a Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Daniel works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Daniel helped lead new product expansion, corporate development, and strategic partnerships as part of the special projects team at Coalition, Inc. Daniel began his career as a private equity investor at Blackstone. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and as Salutatorian.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

A mantra at my prior company, Coalition, was “sweep the floors”: no task was too small for any given individual and we all felt collective ownership to help out others on the team when their hands were full. One of the most memorable examples of this was the entire organization (from intern to CEO) jumping in to close out all customer service tickets the evening before the winter holidays. The impact this had on the organization was profound, and I’m excited to work with people who embrace the same sense of teamwork.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

My dad has run a small business most of my life. I think small businesses help us most tangibly understand some of the core pillars of building a great business (at any scale), as there’s nowhere to hide and customer feedback loops are super tight. It’s about doing right by the end customer, aligning behind a team culture and mission, and ultimately showing up everyday and giving it 100%. It’s something I feel lucky to have been so close to.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I was born in Texas. My allegiance to sports teams sits squarely with Seattle teams, though.

Favorite app?

YouTube. The more niche the content, the better.

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Dev Aujla

Dev is a Special Advisor to Juxtapose, where he advises the Managing Partners and team on a variety of high priority internal and external initiatives. Dev has extensive experience at the juncture of the talent identification and consumer goods space, and outside of Juxtapose is currently the CEO of Bode, a boutique fashion brand. Prior to his time at Juxtapose, Dev founded and led Catalog LLC, a specialized executive search firm. He remains an active author, most recently of two books including 50 Ways to Get a Job (which was a national bestseller). His writing and work have been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Times, CNN, Time Magazine and Fast Company. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal for Community Service for his work helping young people in Canada. Dev is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

For me, the best moments are those in-between ones, that happen during real in-person interaction. When you bring together a diverse group of talented, multi-hyphenate individuals, and let the natural gravity and tension of working together naturally allow for small moments of discovery, spontaneity, and insight.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

There's an organic flexibility and creativity to how the firm operates that is different from other investment firms or creative organizations I've encountered. The juxtaposition of process and spontaneity, materiality with fluidity; these enable Juxtapose to bring the best of investment rigor with entrepreneurial creativity.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I have always loved books, and even more so the libraries that house the knowledge stores in those books! I am the creator of Sorted Library, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving private libraries, and am currently building a 50,000-book collection, which will be housed at a permanent site that was recently acquired in Norfolk, Connecticut.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Somebody who you could come to with anything, for anything.

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Dev Aujla

Dev is a Special Advisor to Juxtapose, where he advises the Managing Partners and team on a variety of high priority internal and external initiatives. Dev has extensive experience at the juncture of the talent identification and consumer goods space, and outside of Juxtapose is currently the CEO of Bode, a boutique fashion brand. Prior to his time at Juxtapose, Dev founded and led Catalog LLC, a specialized executive search firm. He remains an active author, most recently of two books including 50 Ways to Get a Job (which was a national bestseller). His writing and work have been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Times, CNN, Time Magazine and Fast Company. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal for Community Service for his work helping young people in Canada. Dev is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

For me, the best moments are those in-between ones, that happen during real in-person interaction. When you bring together a diverse group of talented, multi-hyphenate individuals, and let the natural gravity and tension of working together naturally allow for small moments of discovery, spontaneity, and insight.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

There's an organic flexibility and creativity to how the firm operates that is different from other investment firms or creative organizations I've encountered. The juxtaposition of process and spontaneity, materiality with fluidity; these enable Juxtapose to bring the best of investment rigor with entrepreneurial creativity.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I have always loved books, and even more so the libraries that house the knowledge stores in those books! I am the creator of Sorted Library, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving private libraries, and am currently building a 50,000-book collection, which will be housed at a permanent site that was recently acquired in Norfolk, Connecticut.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Somebody who you could come to with anything, for anything.

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Elizabeth Larsen

Energized by exceptional people, complex problems, and a relentless desire to change healthcare for the better.

Elizabeth is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where she is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, she will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Elizabeth worked on the Massachusetts COVID-19 Response team and spent several years immersed in Medicaid policy and operations as the Director of Strategy at MassHealth. She started her career in the healthcare practice at McKinsey & Company. Elizabeth has an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where she graduated as an Arjay Miller Scholar, and a BA in Economics from Northwestern University.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare - it's the perfect blend of science and humanity, data and intuition, innovation and impact.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

It's all about the people - find and follow exceptional people.

What's the most impactful learning experience you’ve had?

Working on the COVID-19 Response in Massachusetts - I learned to move fast, make decisions with limited data, and quickly pivot along the way.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Most recently, it was Googling "hardest hike in Vietnam" and convincing a dozen friends to spend 3 days trekking up a steep, rocky, more-than-a-little-bit perilous mountain near the border of China.

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Elizabeth Larsen

Energized by exceptional people, complex problems, and a relentless desire to change healthcare for the better.

Elizabeth is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where she is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, she will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Elizabeth worked on the Massachusetts COVID-19 Response team and spent several years immersed in Medicaid policy and operations as the Director of Strategy at MassHealth. She started her career in the healthcare practice at McKinsey & Company. Elizabeth has an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where she graduated as an Arjay Miller Scholar, and a BA in Economics from Northwestern University.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare - it's the perfect blend of science and humanity, data and intuition, innovation and impact.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

It's all about the people - find and follow exceptional people.

What's the most impactful learning experience you’ve had?

Working on the COVID-19 Response in Massachusetts - I learned to move fast, make decisions with limited data, and quickly pivot along the way.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Most recently, it was Googling "hardest hike in Vietnam" and convincing a dozen friends to spend 3 days trekking up a steep, rocky, more-than-a-little-bit perilous mountain near the border of China.

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Geoff Miller

Driven by the opportunity to build a better world for my children and their children.

Geoff is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team. He leads the platform build strategy at Juxtapose, driving the firm’s investments in platform-style, private equity and inorganic growth builds. Geoff also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including meaningful participation with the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Geoff was an investor at Genstar Capital, where for over a decade he partnered with talented operators to identify and execute thematic, growth-oriented investment opportunities in technology-enabled markets. He started his career in investment banking at Baird. Geoff has a BA in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences and Economics from Northwestern University, where he graduated with honors, and has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

What you do matters less than how you do it.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Defining the intervention - our 10x better user experience.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

We bring together ambition, intention, and talent in balance.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut!

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Partners

Geoff Miller

Concept Development

Driven by the opportunity to build a better world for my children and their children.

Geoff is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team. He leads the platform build strategy at Juxtapose, driving the firm’s investments in platform-style, private equity and inorganic growth builds. Geoff also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including meaningful participation with the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Geoff was an investor at Genstar Capital, where for over a decade he partnered with talented operators to identify and execute thematic, growth-oriented investment opportunities in technology-enabled markets. He started his career in investment banking at Baird. Geoff has a BA in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences and Economics from Northwestern University, where he graduated with honors, and has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

What you do matters less than how you do it.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Defining the intervention - our 10x better user experience.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

We bring together ambition, intention, and talent in balance.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut!

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Partners

Jack Elder

Excited about every day.

Jack is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Jack works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts.Prior to Juxtapose, Jack was a Senior Associate in the Financial Services team at General Atlantic. Jack began his career at Morgan Stanley in the Financial Institutions Group and has a BA from Dartmouth College where he graduated Cum Laude.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I have always loved working in the financial services ecosystem, an industry ripe for disruption that gets to touch both consumers and businesses in meaningful ways.

What's the most valuable career advice you have ever received?

Don't assume you are the average customer.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Ramíre’s Mexican Food.

What’s your biggest weakness?

My addiction to backcountry skiing.

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Jack Elder

Concept Development

Excited about every day.

Jack is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Jack works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts.Prior to Juxtapose, Jack was a Senior Associate in the Financial Services team at General Atlantic. Jack began his career at Morgan Stanley in the Financial Institutions Group and has a BA from Dartmouth College where he graduated Cum Laude.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I have always loved working in the financial services ecosystem, an industry ripe for disruption that gets to touch both consumers and businesses in meaningful ways.

What's the most valuable career advice you have ever received?

Don't assume you are the average customer.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Ramíre’s Mexican Food.

What’s your biggest weakness?

My addiction to backcountry skiing.

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Jed Cairo

Lover of People. Searching for the simple amongst the complex.

Jed is a Founder, and Managing Partner, of Juxtapose. As a Managing Partner, Jed is active across the firm's key pillars, working closely with the fund's leaders in concept development, user research, and talent identification. Jed also participates meaningfully with the portfolio and its CEOs, including involvement at the board and advisory level. Prior to co-founding Juxtapose, Jed worked as a private equity investor at KKR, and helped to lead BeaconLight Capital, a public market hedge fund. Jed also worked closely with early stage businesses as an angel investor and serial entrepreneur. Jed has a BA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a Joseph Wharton Scholar, and has an MBA from The Wharton School, where he was a submatriculant and Palmer Scholar.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

The moment when we are on the precipice of "cracking the code", finding that little known, but immediately intuitive insight that can form the basis of a twenty year vision.

What's one of the worst ideas you've proposed for Juxtapose's process?

Year one of Juxtapose I was obsessed with the idea of a home swapping marketplace...flies in the face of everything that makes a high functioning marketplace business.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

When the universe of data, experts, customers, and intuition collude to tell me so.

What brings you joy?

The look on my sons' faces when their minds are blown by something so ordinary I would have barely noticed it.

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Partners

Jed Cairo

Lover of People. Searching for the simple amongst the complex.

Jed is a Founder, and Managing Partner, of Juxtapose. As a Managing Partner, Jed is active across the firm's key pillars, working closely with the fund's leaders in concept development, user research, and talent identification. Jed also participates meaningfully with the portfolio and its CEOs, including involvement at the board and advisory level. Prior to co-founding Juxtapose, Jed worked as a private equity investor at KKR, and helped to lead BeaconLight Capital, a public market hedge fund. Jed also worked closely with early stage businesses as an angel investor and serial entrepreneur. Jed has a BA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a Joseph Wharton Scholar, and has an MBA from The Wharton School, where he was a submatriculant and Palmer Scholar.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

The moment when we are on the precipice of "cracking the code", finding that little known, but immediately intuitive insight that can form the basis of a twenty year vision.

What's one of the worst ideas you've proposed for Juxtapose's process?

Year one of Juxtapose I was obsessed with the idea of a home swapping marketplace...flies in the face of everything that makes a high functioning marketplace business.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

When the universe of data, experts, customers, and intuition collude to tell me so.

What brings you joy?

The look on my sons' faces when their minds are blown by something so ordinary I would have barely noticed it.

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Partners

Juliet Bell

Juliet is Senior Executive Assistant to Jed Cairo and Patrick Chun, the Co-Founders of Juxtapose. Additionally, she holds the position of Administrative Manager, leading administrative initiatives and overseeing the administrative team at Juxtapose. Prior to Juxtapose, Juliet was an Administrative Director at Monogram Capital Partners in Los Angeles, where she provided Executive Assistant support to the firm's Co-Founders and was responsible for office management, event planning, and the optimization of administrative procedures for the firm. Juliet graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

Juxtapose embraces and promotes radical candor, a principle with which I have resonated, both in my personal and professional endeavors. This creates an environment where I feel at ease expressing ideas. Whether they're "good" or suboptimal, I trust the team to let me know. This commitment to candid communication is instrumental in problem-solving and a catalyst for personal and professional development.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Participating in Juxtapose's inaugural 'Ladies of Juxtapose' gathering. Our female guest speaker shared her journey in building brands for both clients and herself, as well as her experience as an advisor, writer and speaker. We participated in exercises aimed at reimagining our presence and self-advocacy across both personal and professional spheres, which made the experience fun and inspiring!

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Fundraising!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Volunteering at an animal orphanage in Zimbabwe, ensuring round-the-clock care for animals, as well as radio tracking of rehabilitated leopards in Matobo National Park, going on rhino walks, and participating in anti-poaching efforts. During some downtime, I traveled to Zambia for gorge swinging off of Victoria Falls and swimming at the edge of the Falls at 'Devil's Pool'. Residing in a hut-like structure helped me confront, but not conquer, my fear of spiders (google "common wall spider").

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Juliet Bell

Admin & Office

Juliet is Senior Executive Assistant to Jed Cairo and Patrick Chun, the Co-Founders of Juxtapose. Additionally, she holds the position of Administrative Manager, leading administrative initiatives and overseeing the administrative team at Juxtapose. Prior to Juxtapose, Juliet was an Administrative Director at Monogram Capital Partners in Los Angeles, where she provided Executive Assistant support to the firm's Co-Founders and was responsible for office management, event planning, and the optimization of administrative procedures for the firm. Juliet graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

Juxtapose embraces and promotes radical candor, a principle with which I have resonated, both in my personal and professional endeavors. This creates an environment where I feel at ease expressing ideas. Whether they're "good" or suboptimal, I trust the team to let me know. This commitment to candid communication is instrumental in problem-solving and a catalyst for personal and professional development.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Participating in Juxtapose's inaugural 'Ladies of Juxtapose' gathering. Our female guest speaker shared her journey in building brands for both clients and herself, as well as her experience as an advisor, writer and speaker. We participated in exercises aimed at reimagining our presence and self-advocacy across both personal and professional spheres, which made the experience fun and inspiring!

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Fundraising!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Volunteering at an animal orphanage in Zimbabwe, ensuring round-the-clock care for animals, as well as radio tracking of rehabilitated leopards in Matobo National Park, going on rhino walks, and participating in anti-poaching efforts. During some downtime, I traveled to Zambia for gorge swinging off of Victoria Falls and swimming at the edge of the Falls at 'Devil's Pool'. Residing in a hut-like structure helped me confront, but not conquer, my fear of spiders (google "common wall spider").

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Kateryna Romanova

I deeply care about design. Everything around us is thought through — from interfaces in our favorite apps to the size of sidewalks in our neighborhoods. I feel the same way about creating a business. It needs to be designed in a thoughtful and holistic way — from a seamless experience centered around user needs to a beautiful and differentiated brand identity that speaks to all stakeholders.

Kateryna is an Associate Director of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Kateryna specializes in design and branding, working closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Kateryna led product design and brand for a new educational venture at IDEO. Previously, she consulted Fortune 500 healthcare, media, and technology companies on human-centered innovation and organizational change. Kateryna practiced architecture in Seattle, Kyiv, and Moscow. Kateryna is a Fulbright Scholar and holds an MA in Theory of Architecture and a BA in Urban Planning from Kyiv University of Construction and Architecture.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

It is crucial to understand your product from the user’s perspective. Prototype, test, iterate, and prioritize what really matters to them. Think about accessibility & all possible constituencies that will directly & indirectly interact with your product. Does it help or harm? Does it solve a real need? What impact will your product have in 1-5-10 years from today?

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

I like the “5 whys”. It’s a technique that's used to identify the root cause of a problem by asking “why” questions five times. The idea is that each answer leads to the next question, helping to uncover progressively deeper insights.

What brings you joy?

I really enjoy teaching. I’m a mentor to Fulbright scholars and other programs. Occasionally, I guest lecture on design thinking, product, and brand. I’m always looking for opportunities to support genuine individuals in their career paths, particularly women and immigrants.

What’s your favorite city?

I’m an architect by training. For vacations, I often choose the city over nature. You may see me wear a T-shirt saying “I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to.” I love observing how history has shaped a city. I’m avoiding the question so I don’t have to pick a favorite child. Kyiv.

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Kateryna Romanova

User Research & Design

I deeply care about design. Everything around us is thought through — from interfaces in our favorite apps to the size of sidewalks in our neighborhoods. I feel the same way about creating a business. It needs to be designed in a thoughtful and holistic way — from a seamless experience centered around user needs to a beautiful and differentiated brand identity that speaks to all stakeholders.

Kateryna is an Associate Director of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Kateryna specializes in design and branding, working closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Kateryna led product design and brand for a new educational venture at IDEO. Previously, she consulted Fortune 500 healthcare, media, and technology companies on human-centered innovation and organizational change. Kateryna practiced architecture in Seattle, Kyiv, and Moscow. Kateryna is a Fulbright Scholar and holds an MA in Theory of Architecture and a BA in Urban Planning from Kyiv University of Construction and Architecture.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

It is crucial to understand your product from the user’s perspective. Prototype, test, iterate, and prioritize what really matters to them. Think about accessibility & all possible constituencies that will directly & indirectly interact with your product. Does it help or harm? Does it solve a real need? What impact will your product have in 1-5-10 years from today?

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

I like the “5 whys”. It’s a technique that's used to identify the root cause of a problem by asking “why” questions five times. The idea is that each answer leads to the next question, helping to uncover progressively deeper insights.

What brings you joy?

I really enjoy teaching. I’m a mentor to Fulbright scholars and other programs. Occasionally, I guest lecture on design thinking, product, and brand. I’m always looking for opportunities to support genuine individuals in their career paths, particularly women and immigrants.

What’s your favorite city?

I’m an architect by training. For vacations, I often choose the city over nature. You may see me wear a T-shirt saying “I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to.” I love observing how history has shaped a city. I’m avoiding the question so I don’t have to pick a favorite child. Kyiv.

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Laurel Komos

A people person by nature, I’m fascinated by human behavior and motivation and use that as the foundation for innovative design.

Laurel is an Associate Director of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Laurel works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Laurel held roles in both consulting and tech, helping brands innovate by leveraging a strategic human-centered design approach. She began her career as a visual designer at a branding agency, and most recently led user research for both internal- and client-facing initiatives at Chime and Salesforce. She holds an MDes (Master of Design) from the IIT Institute of Design and a BBA in Marketing, International Business, and Visual Communication Design from the University of Notre Dame, where she graduated magna cum laude.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

When faced with a decision between opportunities, choose the one where you will learn the most.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

We hire smart and talented people who love the work we do, and our passion fuels our ability to continue developing disruptive businesses. While our ideas are bountiful, our process is rigorous and ensures only the best make it to greenlight.

When are you most inspired?

After wrapping up a riveting user interview; while soaking up the local culture in a foreign city; taking my DSLR out for a spin in a new pocket of NYC.

What’s your favorite city?

Chicago, without a doubt. I moved to the Windy City without a job after my college graduation. Chicago is where I “grew up”—here I had my first full-time job, went to grad school, met my future husband, got my puppy, made many of my lifelong friends. I know this city like the back of my hand, and going back to Chicago feels like going back home.

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Laurel Komos

User Research & Design

A people person by nature, I’m fascinated by human behavior and motivation and use that as the foundation for innovative design.

Laurel is an Associate Director of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Laurel works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Laurel held roles in both consulting and tech, helping brands innovate by leveraging a strategic human-centered design approach. She began her career as a visual designer at a branding agency, and most recently led user research for both internal- and client-facing initiatives at Chime and Salesforce. She holds an MDes (Master of Design) from the IIT Institute of Design and a BBA in Marketing, International Business, and Visual Communication Design from the University of Notre Dame, where she graduated magna cum laude.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

When faced with a decision between opportunities, choose the one where you will learn the most.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

We hire smart and talented people who love the work we do, and our passion fuels our ability to continue developing disruptive businesses. While our ideas are bountiful, our process is rigorous and ensures only the best make it to greenlight.

When are you most inspired?

After wrapping up a riveting user interview; while soaking up the local culture in a foreign city; taking my DSLR out for a spin in a new pocket of NYC.

What’s your favorite city?

Chicago, without a doubt. I moved to the Windy City without a job after my college graduation. Chicago is where I “grew up”—here I had my first full-time job, went to grad school, met my future husband, got my puppy, made many of my lifelong friends. I know this city like the back of my hand, and going back to Chicago feels like going back home.

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Lindsay Roig

Seasoned operations leader driven by a desire for organization and functionality

Lindsay is an Operations Analyst on the legal and finance team, where she focuses on analyzing business operations, developing effective strategies and improving overall organizational efficiency. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Lindsay was an Executive Assistant, providing administrative assistance to the COO of Townsquare Media. She was responsible for office management, expense processing and event planning. Lindsay graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a concentration in Business. She also received a certificate in Project Management.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

The most valuable career advice I've received is to “get uncomfortable”. True growth comes when we step outside of our comfort zone and stimulate our minds. Embracing discomfort can actually be very motivating.

What inspires you to do your best work?

What inspires me the most is my desire to find out how far I can go. Also, I understand that good things don't come easy in life. You have to work hard to escape the average.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

User research. I am curious by nature and fascinated by the way people think, so I enjoy learning what motivates them and what their challenges are.

What’s a cause that’s important to you?

Animal rescue. I volunteer for three rescues and foster dogs whenever possible. I've foster-failed twice and have fostered more than five dogs that were adopted out into loving homes. It is a very rewarding feeling when you take a lost dog and show them that they are loved.

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Lindsay Roig

Seasoned operations leader driven by a desire for organization and functionality

Lindsay is an Operations Analyst on the legal and finance team, where she focuses on analyzing business operations, developing effective strategies and improving overall organizational efficiency. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Lindsay was an Executive Assistant, providing administrative assistance to the COO of Townsquare Media. She was responsible for office management, expense processing and event planning. Lindsay graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a concentration in Business. She also received a certificate in Project Management.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

The most valuable career advice I've received is to “get uncomfortable”. True growth comes when we step outside of our comfort zone and stimulate our minds. Embracing discomfort can actually be very motivating.

What inspires you to do your best work?

What inspires me the most is my desire to find out how far I can go. Also, I understand that good things don't come easy in life. You have to work hard to escape the average.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

User research. I am curious by nature and fascinated by the way people think, so I enjoy learning what motivates them and what their challenges are.

What’s a cause that’s important to you?

Animal rescue. I volunteer for three rescues and foster dogs whenever possible. I've foster-failed twice and have fostered more than five dogs that were adopted out into loving homes. It is a very rewarding feeling when you take a lost dog and show them that they are loved.

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Lorraine Buhannic

Operator & executive coach, passionate about the transformative impact of exceptional leadership on organizations.

Lorraine is a Talent Advisor to Juxtapose, and currently Chief People Officer at Headway. Prior to returning to a high-growth operating role, Lorraine was a Senior Vice President of Talent at Juxtapose, where she helped lead the firm’s efforts to hire exceptional CEOs and support the portfolio across a wide range of strategic talent needs throughout the company build process. Lorraine has extensive high-growth people experience, including working as the Chief People Officer at Orchard, a Juxtapose portfolio company (where she built the People team and scaled the business to ~1,000 employees) and spending over a decade in Talent leadership roles at fast growing tech companies like AppNexus and Squarespace. Lorraine received her BA from Dartmouth College.

What inspires you to do your best work?

The opportunity to learn and make things better than we found them, one iteration at a time.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

Radical candor - caring enough to push past your own discomfort to share feedback humbly and openly fundamentally changes the tenor of any relationship.

What's the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

Being an operator at Orchard, Juxtapose's third company, was a masterclass in company-building & leadership. I loved every phase of the journey and the culture we were able to create.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The next Celine Dion - sadly, my vocal chops did not measure up to my ambition.

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Lorraine Buhannic

Talent

Operator & executive coach, passionate about the transformative impact of exceptional leadership on organizations.

Lorraine is a Talent Advisor to Juxtapose, and currently Chief People Officer at Headway. Prior to returning to a high-growth operating role, Lorraine was a Senior Vice President of Talent at Juxtapose, where she helped lead the firm’s efforts to hire exceptional CEOs and support the portfolio across a wide range of strategic talent needs throughout the company build process. Lorraine has extensive high-growth people experience, including working as the Chief People Officer at Orchard, a Juxtapose portfolio company (where she built the People team and scaled the business to ~1,000 employees) and spending over a decade in Talent leadership roles at fast growing tech companies like AppNexus and Squarespace. Lorraine received her BA from Dartmouth College.

What inspires you to do your best work?

The opportunity to learn and make things better than we found them, one iteration at a time.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

Radical candor - caring enough to push past your own discomfort to share feedback humbly and openly fundamentally changes the tenor of any relationship.

What's the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

Being an operator at Orchard, Juxtapose's third company, was a masterclass in company-building & leadership. I loved every phase of the journey and the culture we were able to create.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The next Celine Dion - sadly, my vocal chops did not measure up to my ambition.

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Maggie Elliott

Motivated by the desire to help unlock the true potential in individuals and inspired by the brilliant minds I have the opportunity to work closely with day to day.

Maggie is a Director of Talent at Juxtapose, where she focuses on recruiting and providing talent counsel and support to CEOs and senior executive teams across our ventures. Maggie works closely with the concept development and user research & design teams to enable our company-creation efforts to succeed. Prior to Juxtapose, Maggie was a Senior Associate at Daversa Partners, where she played a key role in leading executive searches for digital health and consumer wellness companies within the venture backed startup ecosystem, as well as helped to build the firm’s internal workforce. Maggie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fairfield University with a degree in Psychology and Management.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

To never plan out your career more than 2 years in advance: you never know what opportunity might pass you by if you're too focused on achieving what you're expecting to achieve instead of what you're meant to.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

The CEO offer phase- the biggest relief and also the most exciting part of the journey: all that's left is ahead :)

When do you feel most creative?

When I'm not trying to be.

What would you like to be remembered for?

My laugh and the way I made people feel.

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Maggie Elliott

Talent

Motivated by the desire to help unlock the true potential in individuals and inspired by the brilliant minds I have the opportunity to work closely with day to day.

Maggie is a Director of Talent at Juxtapose, where she focuses on recruiting and providing talent counsel and support to CEOs and senior executive teams across our ventures. Maggie works closely with the concept development and user research & design teams to enable our company-creation efforts to succeed. Prior to Juxtapose, Maggie was a Senior Associate at Daversa Partners, where she played a key role in leading executive searches for digital health and consumer wellness companies within the venture backed startup ecosystem, as well as helped to build the firm’s internal workforce. Maggie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fairfield University with a degree in Psychology and Management.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

To never plan out your career more than 2 years in advance: you never know what opportunity might pass you by if you're too focused on achieving what you're expecting to achieve instead of what you're meant to.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

The CEO offer phase- the biggest relief and also the most exciting part of the journey: all that's left is ahead :)

When do you feel most creative?

When I'm not trying to be.

What would you like to be remembered for?

My laugh and the way I made people feel.

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Matt McDonough

Proficient in adapting and finding resourceful solutions in intricate situations.

Matt is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, he will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Matt led M&A at the fintech startup Universe, and before that was VP of Product at Olive, focused on building the automation platform for large healthcare organizations. Matt began his career in investing at Drive Capital. He has a BBA from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

You need to be able to describe the large market for your company in under 30 seconds. Then you'll be able to easily convey the same to recruits and customers.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Vertical software. It's a category where the best of the consumer internet and enterprise technology are in constant tension

Favorite movie?

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

My 4.94 Uber rating

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Matt McDonough

Proficient in adapting and finding resourceful solutions in intricate situations.

Matt is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, he will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Matt led M&A at the fintech startup Universe, and before that was VP of Product at Olive, focused on building the automation platform for large healthcare organizations. Matt began his career in investing at Drive Capital. He has a BBA from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

You need to be able to describe the large market for your company in under 30 seconds. Then you'll be able to easily convey the same to recruits and customers.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Vertical software. It's a category where the best of the consumer internet and enterprise technology are in constant tension

Favorite movie?

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

My 4.94 Uber rating

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Michael Cline

Lover of painting, sculpting and playing the piano.

Michael is Chairman Emeritus of Juxtapose. As Chairman of the fund, Michael worked closely with the Managing Partners to guide the firm's founding as well as its strategy, and was involved as an advisor in concept development and portfolio management. Outside of Juxtapose, Michael was the Founding and Managing Partner of Accretive, where he has founded and invested in a number of companies including Fandango, R1 RCM, Accolade, Insureon, Everspring and Accumen, among others. Before founding Accretive, Michael was a General Partner at General Atlantic. He received his BS from Cornell University and his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar. Michael was actively involved in non-profit and philanthropic endeavors, including acting as Chairman of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and serving on the Board of the Harvard Business School Rock Center for Entrepreneurship.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Focus on customer value, customer value, customer value.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare - the mission is fantastic, it means a lot to me.

What’s your favorite book?

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

What's the first question you ask a founder?

Tell me about your life story from age 5 on.

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Michael Cline

Lover of painting, sculpting and playing the piano.

Michael is Chairman Emeritus of Juxtapose. As Chairman of the fund, Michael worked closely with the Managing Partners to guide the firm's founding as well as its strategy, and was involved as an advisor in concept development and portfolio management. Outside of Juxtapose, Michael was the Founding and Managing Partner of Accretive, where he has founded and invested in a number of companies including Fandango, R1 RCM, Accolade, Insureon, Everspring and Accumen, among others. Before founding Accretive, Michael was a General Partner at General Atlantic. He received his BS from Cornell University and his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar. Michael was actively involved in non-profit and philanthropic endeavors, including acting as Chairman of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and serving on the Board of the Harvard Business School Rock Center for Entrepreneurship.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Focus on customer value, customer value, customer value.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare - the mission is fantastic, it means a lot to me.

What’s your favorite book?

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

What's the first question you ask a founder?

Tell me about your life story from age 5 on.

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Nate Foulds

Opportunity comes from asking, "Why are things the way they are?" and doing something different.

Nate is a Vice President of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Nate works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Nate led research efforts for consumer products at both Instagram and The New York Times, and started his career consulting for a wide variety of industries at the product development agency Beyond. Throughout his career, he’s specialized in creative research methods at scale as well as data-driven decision making. Nate has a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

A couple members of our team traveled to Mexico City where we saw firsthand the way small independent store owners manage and supply their shops, including taking a visit to the largest wholesale market in the world.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I love our research process at the early stages of the funnel where we dive deep into understanding the status quo, building our expertise before being in the position to suggest potential opportunities or improvements.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Sundays are reserved for some favorite hobbies with my family, like going on morning hikes, golfing, sitting on the beach in the summer, visiting with friends, and making elaborate dinners.

What’s your favorite time of day?

Golden hour, which is usually when I take a break from work to spend time with my family, prepare dinner, go out for happy hour or enjoy the sunlight outside.

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Nate Foulds

User Research & Design

Opportunity comes from asking, "Why are things the way they are?" and doing something different.

Nate is a Vice President of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Nate works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Nate led research efforts for consumer products at both Instagram and The New York Times, and started his career consulting for a wide variety of industries at the product development agency Beyond. Throughout his career, he’s specialized in creative research methods at scale as well as data-driven decision making. Nate has a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

A couple members of our team traveled to Mexico City where we saw firsthand the way small independent store owners manage and supply their shops, including taking a visit to the largest wholesale market in the world.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I love our research process at the early stages of the funnel where we dive deep into understanding the status quo, building our expertise before being in the position to suggest potential opportunities or improvements.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Sundays are reserved for some favorite hobbies with my family, like going on morning hikes, golfing, sitting on the beach in the summer, visiting with friends, and making elaborate dinners.

What’s your favorite time of day?

Golden hour, which is usually when I take a break from work to spend time with my family, prepare dinner, go out for happy hour or enjoy the sunlight outside.

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Neda Jamshidi Mattson

The best answer is sometimes the simplest. Simple solutions are easier to understand, execute against, and iterate on to expedite progress.

Neda is an Associate Director of Strategic Launch Finance at Juxtapose. Neda focuses on existing and newly launched Juxtapose portfolio companies across strategic finance, FP&A and operations. Prior to Juxtapose, Neda was on the Finance team at Ro, a D2C healthcare company, where she partnered with cross functional teams to understand and advance business performance, supported General Managers with strategic planning and financial analysis, and worked with the Leadership team on various strategic projects. Neda began her career as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Try to do your bosses job - it pushes you to answer the "so what" in all you do and allows your to better contextualize your work product for the ultimate stakeholders.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Don't be afraid to work fast - faster decision making creates more opportunities to learn what works (or doesn't work).

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare. I love building companies that help people navigate the complex and antiquated healthcare system and live healthier lives.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Ghormeh Sabzi, a Persian stew, made by my Dad.

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Neda Jamshidi Mattson

Strategic Launch Finance

The best answer is sometimes the simplest. Simple solutions are easier to understand, execute against, and iterate on to expedite progress.

Neda is an Associate Director of Strategic Launch Finance at Juxtapose. Neda focuses on existing and newly launched Juxtapose portfolio companies across strategic finance, FP&A and operations. Prior to Juxtapose, Neda was on the Finance team at Ro, a D2C healthcare company, where she partnered with cross functional teams to understand and advance business performance, supported General Managers with strategic planning and financial analysis, and worked with the Leadership team on various strategic projects. Neda began her career as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Try to do your bosses job - it pushes you to answer the "so what" in all you do and allows your to better contextualize your work product for the ultimate stakeholders.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Don't be afraid to work fast - faster decision making creates more opportunities to learn what works (or doesn't work).

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare. I love building companies that help people navigate the complex and antiquated healthcare system and live healthier lives.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Ghormeh Sabzi, a Persian stew, made by my Dad.

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Nikhil Marathe

Always trying to do the right thing, even (and especially) when it's hard.

Nikhil is a Senior Principal at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, where he is focused on driving the firm’s investments in platform-style, private equity and inorganic growth builds in healthcare. Nikhil also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including meaningful participation with the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Nikhil was a Principal at Silversmith Capital Partners, a growth equity firm based in Boston, where he partnered with high growth, capital efficient businesses in healthcare and enterprise software. Nikhil joined Silversmith at its inception and helped build the firm's franchise in healthcare IT and services over nearly nine years. Prior to that, he was a healthcare investor at TA Associates and a technology investment banker at Evercore. Nikhil has a BS in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in Finance and Management.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Attitude over aptitude -- in many cases the intangibles of grit, resilience and work ethic, traits that require no formal training or talent, are what separate "great" from "pretty good."

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

The Regret Minimization Framework. When making important decisions, project out into the future, look back on the decision and ask "Will I regret not doing this?". It is easy to get bogged down in minutia and overcomplicate big decisions and this framework often brings immediate clarity.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Moving from my home town of San Francisco to Boston to join a brand new firm in a town where I knew nobody. All these years later, not a single regret.

What’s your favorite time of day?

The early morning hours before sunrise. It feels like unfair bonus time with no interruptions that I can use however I want, whether it's slowly savoring my morning coffee, reading, exercising or getting a head start on the work day.

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Nikhil Marathe

Concept Development

Always trying to do the right thing, even (and especially) when it's hard.

Nikhil is a Senior Principal at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, where he is focused on driving the firm’s investments in platform-style, private equity and inorganic growth builds in healthcare. Nikhil also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including meaningful participation with the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Nikhil was a Principal at Silversmith Capital Partners, a growth equity firm based in Boston, where he partnered with high growth, capital efficient businesses in healthcare and enterprise software. Nikhil joined Silversmith at its inception and helped build the firm's franchise in healthcare IT and services over nearly nine years. Prior to that, he was a healthcare investor at TA Associates and a technology investment banker at Evercore. Nikhil has a BS in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in Finance and Management.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Attitude over aptitude -- in many cases the intangibles of grit, resilience and work ethic, traits that require no formal training or talent, are what separate "great" from "pretty good."

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

The Regret Minimization Framework. When making important decisions, project out into the future, look back on the decision and ask "Will I regret not doing this?". It is easy to get bogged down in minutia and overcomplicate big decisions and this framework often brings immediate clarity.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Moving from my home town of San Francisco to Boston to join a brand new firm in a town where I knew nobody. All these years later, not a single regret.

What’s your favorite time of day?

The early morning hours before sunrise. It feels like unfair bonus time with no interruptions that I can use however I want, whether it's slowly savoring my morning coffee, reading, exercising or getting a head start on the work day.

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Patrick Chun

Thankful everyday for the opportunity to learn from and build with the best.

Patrick is a Founder, and Managing Partner, of Juxtapose. As a Managing Partner, Patrick is active across the firm's key pillars, working closely with the fund's leaders in concept development, user research, and talent identification. Patrick also participates meaningfully with the portfolio and its CEOs, including involvement at the board and advisory level. Prior to co-founding Juxtapose, Patrick spent a significant portion of his career building businesses at the inception stage, including partner level experience at early stage and company creation-oriented firms such as Thrive Capital and Accretive. Prior to his building experience, Patrick was a venture and growth equity investor at Bain Capital Ventures and Francisco Partners. He started his career at McKinsey & Company. Patrick has a BA from Harvard College, an MA from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Learn to embrace (and enjoy!) the tensions inherent in the entrepreneurial journey. At times you will need to do; at other times, to lead. The market will ebb, then flow. There will be moments when you will need to focus on growth; and then, around consolidation. A great founder needs to be the water to the vessel that is your company, environment, and team.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I love the unique moment in our concept development process when a bottom of funnel dig is reaching greenlight and where the focus on the work shifts from the deep concept work to the dreaming up the ideal CEO profile. It's at this point, for me, that the fun of "great concept" will soon meet the reality of "great business". Talent is everything.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

The root of a good idea is one that actually is NOT consensus. Most great, large opportunities stem from an insight that is counterintuitive to most (or at a minimum, very much non-obvious) and potentially controversial. Perhaps an idea that, when looked back with the advantage of hindsight, looks inevitable, but at the time had great minds truthfully disagreeing. Honing in on the deep truth and reality of that insight is the kernel of that good idea.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

At different points in my childhood: a teacher, a lawyer, an astronaut, a fireman, a computer programmer, a journalist, a tennis pro, a car audio installation specialist, a professional eBay seller, a Command & Conquer gamer, an owner of a basketball card specialty store.

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Partners

Patrick Chun

Thankful everyday for the opportunity to learn from and build with the best.

Patrick is a Founder, and Managing Partner, of Juxtapose. As a Managing Partner, Patrick is active across the firm's key pillars, working closely with the fund's leaders in concept development, user research, and talent identification. Patrick also participates meaningfully with the portfolio and its CEOs, including involvement at the board and advisory level. Prior to co-founding Juxtapose, Patrick spent a significant portion of his career building businesses at the inception stage, including partner level experience at early stage and company creation-oriented firms such as Thrive Capital and Accretive. Prior to his building experience, Patrick was a venture and growth equity investor at Bain Capital Ventures and Francisco Partners. He started his career at McKinsey & Company. Patrick has a BA from Harvard College, an MA from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Learn to embrace (and enjoy!) the tensions inherent in the entrepreneurial journey. At times you will need to do; at other times, to lead. The market will ebb, then flow. There will be moments when you will need to focus on growth; and then, around consolidation. A great founder needs to be the water to the vessel that is your company, environment, and team.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I love the unique moment in our concept development process when a bottom of funnel dig is reaching greenlight and where the focus on the work shifts from the deep concept work to the dreaming up the ideal CEO profile. It's at this point, for me, that the fun of "great concept" will soon meet the reality of "great business". Talent is everything.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

The root of a good idea is one that actually is NOT consensus. Most great, large opportunities stem from an insight that is counterintuitive to most (or at a minimum, very much non-obvious) and potentially controversial. Perhaps an idea that, when looked back with the advantage of hindsight, looks inevitable, but at the time had great minds truthfully disagreeing. Honing in on the deep truth and reality of that insight is the kernel of that good idea.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

At different points in my childhood: a teacher, a lawyer, an astronaut, a fireman, a computer programmer, a journalist, a tennis pro, a car audio installation specialist, a professional eBay seller, a Command & Conquer gamer, an owner of a basketball card specialty store.

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Partners

Penny

Will work for treats.

Penelope is a Goldendoodle at Juxtapose, where she currently holds the firm record for curliest hair and most bullysticks consumed in in one sitting. Prior to Juxtapose, Penny trained at farms in Massachusetts and Indiana. She is a Forbes "Furry Under 30" Honoree.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Personal relationships, finding the puppy lover in all people.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

The well stocked pantry.

What’s your biggest weakness?

I can't pet myself on the top of the head.

If you could switch lives with someone for one day, who would it be?

Cleo.

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Penny

Will work for treats.

Penelope is a Goldendoodle at Juxtapose, where she currently holds the firm record for curliest hair and most bullysticks consumed in in one sitting. Prior to Juxtapose, Penny trained at farms in Massachusetts and Indiana. She is a Forbes "Furry Under 30" Honoree.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Personal relationships, finding the puppy lover in all people.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

The well stocked pantry.

What’s your biggest weakness?

I can't pet myself on the top of the head.

If you could switch lives with someone for one day, who would it be?

Cleo.

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Rachel Schlusselberg

Inspired by people and connectivity. Motivated by the concept that you can learn something from anything.

Rachel is the Office and Recruiting Coordinator at Juxtapose. As Office Manager, Rachel welcomes guests and ensures that the NYC office runs smoothly. As Recruiting Coordinator, Rachel supports the talent team with events, scheduling, and ad hoc projects. Rachel also acts as a temp Executive Assistant to new-hire CEOs of Juxtapose’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Rachel was the Administrative Coordinator at a New York-based mental health organization, where she managed all administrative duties, and fulfilled the responsibilities of Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the CEO. Rachel holds a B.A. in English Rhetoric and a B.S. in Human Development, as well as a minor completion in Education from Binghamton University.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Feeling proud and having little to regret. By accomplishing my "best work," I raise the bar for what my "best work" will be the next time!

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

I really loved my first team-wide monthly gathering! Juxtapose has such a unique culture, in that it's very bonding-oriented while also driven towards exceeding work expectations. Having everyone in-person at the NYC office allowed me to witness that culture in full bloom.

What three people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?

Elton John, Michel Foucault, and Karl Marx. Not all together, but I would love to discuss all of their opinions, journeys, and reflections. And I would probably order-in to spare them my cooking!

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Rachel Schlusselberg

Inspired by people and connectivity. Motivated by the concept that you can learn something from anything.

Rachel is the Office and Recruiting Coordinator at Juxtapose. As Office Manager, Rachel welcomes guests and ensures that the NYC office runs smoothly. As Recruiting Coordinator, Rachel supports the talent team with events, scheduling, and ad hoc projects. Rachel also acts as a temp Executive Assistant to new-hire CEOs of Juxtapose’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Rachel was the Administrative Coordinator at a New York-based mental health organization, where she managed all administrative duties, and fulfilled the responsibilities of Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the CEO. Rachel holds a B.A. in English Rhetoric and a B.S. in Human Development, as well as a minor completion in Education from Binghamton University.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Feeling proud and having little to regret. By accomplishing my "best work," I raise the bar for what my "best work" will be the next time!

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

I really loved my first team-wide monthly gathering! Juxtapose has such a unique culture, in that it's very bonding-oriented while also driven towards exceeding work expectations. Having everyone in-person at the NYC office allowed me to witness that culture in full bloom.

What three people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?

Elton John, Michel Foucault, and Karl Marx. Not all together, but I would love to discuss all of their opinions, journeys, and reflections. And I would probably order-in to spare them my cooking!

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Shawn Fandel

Driven by a passion for innovation, I approach complex challenges with an analytical and creative mindset, seeking practical and elegant solutions.

Shawn is a Vice President of Finance at Juxtapose, where he leads the finance and accounting functions both internally for firm operations as well as externally with our limited partners. He is both a lawyer and a certified public accountant. Prior to Juxtapose, Shawn spent time in financial and tax advisory. Most recently, he was a senior tax consultant at Deloitte, where he counseled multinational organizations on complex financial & tax compliance matters. He has a JD and an MA in Accounting from the University of Miami, and an MSM and a BS from the University of Florida.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

When we first launch a company and the idea becomes reality.

What's one of the worst ideas you've proposed for Juxtapose's process?

Conducting candidate interviews at a petting zoo.

What’s one talent you wish you had?

I wish I could speak multiple languages.

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Hot Sauce.

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Shawn Fandel

Finance

Driven by a passion for innovation, I approach complex challenges with an analytical and creative mindset, seeking practical and elegant solutions.

Shawn is a Vice President of Finance at Juxtapose, where he leads the finance and accounting functions both internally for firm operations as well as externally with our limited partners. He is both a lawyer and a certified public accountant. Prior to Juxtapose, Shawn spent time in financial and tax advisory. Most recently, he was a senior tax consultant at Deloitte, where he counseled multinational organizations on complex financial & tax compliance matters. He has a JD and an MA in Accounting from the University of Miami, and an MSM and a BS from the University of Florida.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

When we first launch a company and the idea becomes reality.

What's one of the worst ideas you've proposed for Juxtapose's process?

Conducting candidate interviews at a petting zoo.

What’s one talent you wish you had?

I wish I could speak multiple languages.

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Hot Sauce.

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Sloane Hastings

Searching for what people wish existed — and exceeding expectations with brand and experience.

Sloane is a Vice President of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Sloane works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their design and user research priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Sloane spent nearly a decade helping major consumer brands build relationships with consumers through human-centered products, services, and communications. After beginning her career in brand strategy, she led multi-disciplinary design teams at IDEO, with an emphasis on service design. She also led design strategy at Casper, where she worked across digital product and environments design teams. She has a BA from the University of Virginia, where she graduated with Distinction, and an MS in Communications from the VCU Brandcenter, where she was the AICP Director’s Scholarship recipient.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Hire design and product talent that wants to iterate, quickly but with intention.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare. Consumer expectations are low, and a little compassion and connection goes pretty far.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

Our strong culture of intellectual honesty and a willingness to confront and learn from mistakes.

Best advice you’d give your teenage self?

Get a little more sleep!

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Sloane Hastings

User Research & Design

Searching for what people wish existed — and exceeding expectations with brand and experience.

Sloane is a Vice President of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Sloane works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their design and user research priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Sloane spent nearly a decade helping major consumer brands build relationships with consumers through human-centered products, services, and communications. After beginning her career in brand strategy, she led multi-disciplinary design teams at IDEO, with an emphasis on service design. She also led design strategy at Casper, where she worked across digital product and environments design teams. She has a BA from the University of Virginia, where she graduated with Distinction, and an MS in Communications from the VCU Brandcenter, where she was the AICP Director’s Scholarship recipient.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Hire design and product talent that wants to iterate, quickly but with intention.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare. Consumer expectations are low, and a little compassion and connection goes pretty far.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

Our strong culture of intellectual honesty and a willingness to confront and learn from mistakes.

Best advice you’d give your teenage self?

Get a little more sleep!

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Steve Herrod

Experienced technologist driven to solve the hardest of business problems with software and hardware solutions.

Steve is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, with a focused passion to build innovative B2B companies. Steve also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including hands-on support for the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to Juxtapose, Steve was a managing director at General Catalyst, where he invested and served on the board of numerous B2B companies, including Corelight, Datto, Illumio, Menlo Security, Securiti.ai, and SignalFX. Prior to General Catalyst, Steve was CTO and Sr. VP of R&D at VMware. During his 11-year tenure, he helped build a world-class 3,000-person engineering organization that delivered numerous industry-changing products. Herrod holds a PhD and MS in computer science from Stanford University and a BA with distinction in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin.

What inspires you to do your best work?

My parents - my Mom was a family counselor and my Dad has a PhD in physics. Their unique mix of empathy and technical chops inspired me to lead great technical teams that do the best work of their career in pursuit of solutions to meaningful problems.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

I loved my time at VMware. It was a very technical product, but made it simple for businesses to save massive amounts of time, money, and energy usage.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm part owner of an (outstanding) Italian cafe in Palo Alto.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Drove my clunker Nissan Sentra from Texas to California for graduate school without knowing a single person in the state.

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Partners

Steve Herrod

Concept Development

Experienced technologist driven to solve the hardest of business problems with software and hardware solutions.

Steve is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, with a focused passion to build innovative B2B companies. Steve also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including hands-on support for the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to Juxtapose, Steve was a managing director at General Catalyst, where he invested and served on the board of numerous B2B companies, including Corelight, Datto, Illumio, Menlo Security, Securiti.ai, and SignalFX. Prior to General Catalyst, Steve was CTO and Sr. VP of R&D at VMware. During his 11-year tenure, he helped build a world-class 3,000-person engineering organization that delivered numerous industry-changing products. Herrod holds a PhD and MS in computer science from Stanford University and a BA with distinction in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin.

What inspires you to do your best work?

My parents - my Mom was a family counselor and my Dad has a PhD in physics. Their unique mix of empathy and technical chops inspired me to lead great technical teams that do the best work of their career in pursuit of solutions to meaningful problems.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

I loved my time at VMware. It was a very technical product, but made it simple for businesses to save massive amounts of time, money, and energy usage.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm part owner of an (outstanding) Italian cafe in Palo Alto.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Drove my clunker Nissan Sentra from Texas to California for graduate school without knowing a single person in the state.

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Partners

Temisan Hambraeus

Motivated by the potential of innovation to empower people and challenge the status quo.

Temi is an Associate on the Concept Development team at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Temi works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Temi was a private equity investor at KKR, where he was a member of the firm’s inaugural analyst class. Temi has a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with High Distinction.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I enjoy working with concepts where demographic change serves as a catalyst. Our society is ever evolving and our institutions need to reflect these changes. While it can be challenging, it’s undoubtedly rewarding to tackle.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I really enjoy our middle of the funnel phase because it feels like a treasure hunt for the point of inflection that determines if a concept might work. In this process, we’re able to immerse ourselves in a new space and start to understand its inner workings.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

I’ve played the violin since childhood, and I’d love to master it. Any day now…

Vintage or new?

Vintage.

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Temisan Hambraeus

Concept Development

Motivated by the potential of innovation to empower people and challenge the status quo.

Temi is an Associate on the Concept Development team at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Temi works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Temi was a private equity investor at KKR, where he was a member of the firm’s inaugural analyst class. Temi has a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with High Distinction.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I enjoy working with concepts where demographic change serves as a catalyst. Our society is ever evolving and our institutions need to reflect these changes. While it can be challenging, it’s undoubtedly rewarding to tackle.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I really enjoy our middle of the funnel phase because it feels like a treasure hunt for the point of inflection that determines if a concept might work. In this process, we’re able to immerse ourselves in a new space and start to understand its inner workings.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

I’ve played the violin since childhood, and I’d love to master it. Any day now…

Vintage or new?

Vintage.

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Zain Khan

I’m motivated by the constant quest to try and be a bit better today than I was yesterday.

Zain is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, he will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Zain was an early hire at both Oscar Health and TrialSpark, where he was involved in a number of roles in operations, strategy, and growth. Most recently, he managed operations and technology at Redesign Health. Zain is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied Molecular Biology.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Think bigger. It’s not always about making the status quo slightly better, the lightbulb wasn’t created by people who only saw value in optimizing a candle.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Teenage Engineering. They are a Swedish electronics / music equipment company and their commitment to minimalist and aesthetically appealing hardware is truly remarkable. It’s refreshing to see a company reject the idea of high consumerism and put in the effort of designing products that customers buy once and keep forever.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

For every project or decision, sketch three possible outcomes: the dream upside scenario, the likely ‘regular’ scenario, and the nightmare downside scenario. Plan for each and, most importantly, revisit your reasoning for all three when one occurs.

What’s your favorite city?

Paris! I've yet to see a city built with more attention to detail than Paris. The façades, the lampposts, the doorknobs, the balconies, the flower boxes — everything was designed with intention and beauty. Also, I met my wife there :)

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Zain Khan

I’m motivated by the constant quest to try and be a bit better today than I was yesterday.

Zain is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, he will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Zain was an early hire at both Oscar Health and TrialSpark, where he was involved in a number of roles in operations, strategy, and growth. Most recently, he managed operations and technology at Redesign Health. Zain is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied Molecular Biology.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Think bigger. It’s not always about making the status quo slightly better, the lightbulb wasn’t created by people who only saw value in optimizing a candle.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Teenage Engineering. They are a Swedish electronics / music equipment company and their commitment to minimalist and aesthetically appealing hardware is truly remarkable. It’s refreshing to see a company reject the idea of high consumerism and put in the effort of designing products that customers buy once and keep forever.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

For every project or decision, sketch three possible outcomes: the dream upside scenario, the likely ‘regular’ scenario, and the nightmare downside scenario. Plan for each and, most importantly, revisit your reasoning for all three when one occurs.

What’s your favorite city?

Paris! I've yet to see a city built with more attention to detail than Paris. The façades, the lampposts, the doorknobs, the balconies, the flower boxes — everything was designed with intention and beauty. Also, I met my wife there :)

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Arjun Bakre
Director
Concept Development

Energized by working with such talented people to build and grow businesses on the right side of change.

About

Arjun is a Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Arjun works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Arjun previously worked at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice where he executed and supported investments across sectors with a focus in healthcare. He also joined Apree Health to help lead business development, partnership implementation, and broader strategy efforts. Arjun began his career in Evercore’s M&A practice on the Information & Media team. Arjun has an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Perspectives
What is the most valuable career advice you’ve received?

Keep it simple. Move with purpose. Prepare intensely.

What is a framework you’ve found particularly insightful?

I love hypotheticals – whether it’s “what you have to believe” or a simple “this or that”. They can be immensely clarifying in distilling a big problem into the few points that matter, testing conviction, and illuminating what people truly care about. And they’re quite fun.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

A&R for an indie label. The whole process of discovering an unknown artist, feeling like you have a secret that everyone should know about, and helping that person make their dream a reality. Plus, I just love hearing new music.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Sundubu jjigae that’s a little too hot and a little too spicy.

Rachel Schlusselberg
Office & Recruiting Coordinator

Inspired by people and connectivity. Motivated by the concept that you can learn something from anything.

About

Rachel is the Office and Recruiting Coordinator at Juxtapose. As Office Manager, Rachel welcomes guests and ensures that the NYC office runs smoothly. As Recruiting Coordinator, Rachel supports the talent team with events, scheduling, and ad hoc projects. Rachel also acts as a temp Executive Assistant to new-hire CEOs of Juxtapose’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Rachel was the Administrative Coordinator at a New York-based mental health organization, where she managed all administrative duties, and fulfilled the responsibilities of Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the CEO. Rachel holds a B.A. in English Rhetoric and a B.S. in Human Development, as well as a minor completion in Education from Binghamton University.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

Feeling proud and having little to regret. By accomplishing my "best work," I raise the bar for what my "best work" will be the next time!

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

I really loved my first team-wide monthly gathering! Juxtapose has such a unique culture, in that it's very bonding-oriented while also driven towards exceeding work expectations. Having everyone in-person at the NYC office allowed me to witness that culture in full bloom.

What three people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?

Elton John, Michel Foucault, and Karl Marx. Not all together, but I would love to discuss all of their opinions, journeys, and reflections. And I would probably order-in to spare them my cooking!

Nikhil Marathe
Senior Principal
Concept Development

Always trying to do the right thing, even (and especially) when it's hard.

About

Nikhil is a Senior Principal at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, where he is focused on driving the firm’s investments in platform-style, private equity and inorganic growth builds in healthcare. Nikhil also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including meaningful participation with the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Nikhil was a Principal at Silversmith Capital Partners, a growth equity firm based in Boston, where he partnered with high growth, capital efficient businesses in healthcare and enterprise software. Nikhil joined Silversmith at its inception and helped build the firm's franchise in healthcare IT and services over nearly nine years. Prior to that, he was a healthcare investor at TA Associates and a technology investment banker at Evercore. Nikhil has a BS in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in Finance and Management.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Attitude over aptitude -- in many cases the intangibles of grit, resilience and work ethic, traits that require no formal training or talent, are what separate "great" from "pretty good."

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

The Regret Minimization Framework. When making important decisions, project out into the future, look back on the decision and ask "Will I regret not doing this?". It is easy to get bogged down in minutia and overcomplicate big decisions and this framework often brings immediate clarity.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Moving from my home town of San Francisco to Boston to join a brand new firm in a town where I knew nobody. All these years later, not a single regret.

What’s your favorite time of day?

The early morning hours before sunrise. It feels like unfair bonus time with no interruptions that I can use however I want, whether it's slowly savoring my morning coffee, reading, exercising or getting a head start on the work day.

Ashleigh Braun
Director
Talent

Believer in the power that is created by combining transformational leadership with complex problem solving and relentless determination.

About

Ashleigh is a Director of Talent at Juxtapose, where she focuses on recruiting and providing a range of strategic talent needs focused on supporting CEO’s and senior executive teams across our platform and software ventures. Ashleigh partners closely with the concept development, user research, and design teams to enable our company-creation efforts to succeed by helping bring on the right transformational talent. Before joining Juxtapose, Ashleigh was an Associate Director at Daversa partners, where she played a key role in building out C-level executive teams at top-tier Venture backed technology companies. Ashleigh has a BA in Communications and Psychology from the University of Florida, where she graduated with distinction.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

The people I work with and the mission I am working toward. I love partnering with passionate, like-minded individuals that push me and make me better. Especially when we have a shared goal and clear impact that we are creating!

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Great vision without great people is irrelevant.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm a lot shorter in person.

What brings you joy?

Fajitas arriving at my table at a Mexican restaurant

Abram Schottenstein
Director
Investor Relations

Energized by collaborating with talented people towards achieving a common goal.

About

Abram is a Director of Investor Relations at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the firm's capital formation initiatives and supporting the firm's limited partner base. Prior to Juxtapose, Abram was a Vice President in the Client & Capital Formation group at TPG Capital, focused on fundraising for the firm's flagship buyout strategy. Abram began his career at Credit Suisse in the Private Fund Group, where he worked with alternative asset managers to achieve their fundraising and capital formation goals. Abram has a BBA in Finance from the University of Miami, where he graduated with honors.

Perspectives
Professional: What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

The way you do anything is the way you do everything.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

Getting just 1% better every day leads to exceptional outcomes. While progress might seem limited in the day-to-day, staying the course and focusing on small improvements pays immense dividends over time.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

The clarity of vision, shared core principles, and mission-first focus. I believe that over the long-term, the firm-wide tunnel vision driven by a shared code of ethics will lead to lasting success and positive outcomes for our companies, partners, and investors.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Before starting at Juxtapose, I traveled Asia and Australia for two months solo. Highlights included snowboarding in Japan and getting my PADI scuba diving license in Australia!

Juliet Bell
Senior Executive Assistant
Admin & Office

About

Juliet is Senior Executive Assistant to Jed Cairo and Patrick Chun, the Co-Founders of Juxtapose. Additionally, she holds the position of Administrative Manager, leading administrative initiatives and overseeing the administrative team at Juxtapose. Prior to Juxtapose, Juliet was an Administrative Director at Monogram Capital Partners in Los Angeles, where she provided Executive Assistant support to the firm's Co-Founders and was responsible for office management, event planning, and the optimization of administrative procedures for the firm. Juliet graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

Perspectives
How do you know when you have a good idea?

Juxtapose embraces and promotes radical candor, a principle with which I have resonated, both in my personal and professional endeavors. This creates an environment where I feel at ease expressing ideas. Whether they're "good" or suboptimal, I trust the team to let me know. This commitment to candid communication is instrumental in problem-solving and a catalyst for personal and professional development.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Participating in Juxtapose's inaugural 'Ladies of Juxtapose' gathering. Our female guest speaker shared her journey in building brands for both clients and herself, as well as her experience as an advisor, writer and speaker. We participated in exercises aimed at reimagining our presence and self-advocacy across both personal and professional spheres, which made the experience fun and inspiring!

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Fundraising!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Volunteering at an animal orphanage in Zimbabwe, ensuring round-the-clock care for animals, as well as radio tracking of rehabilitated leopards in Matobo National Park, going on rhino walks, and participating in anti-poaching efforts. During some downtime, I traveled to Zambia for gorge swinging off of Victoria Falls and swimming at the edge of the Falls at 'Devil's Pool'. Residing in a hut-like structure helped me confront, but not conquer, my fear of spiders (google "common wall spider").

Lindsay Roig
Operations Analyst

Seasoned operations leader driven by a desire for organization and functionality

About

Lindsay is an Operations Analyst on the legal and finance team, where she focuses on analyzing business operations, developing effective strategies and improving overall organizational efficiency. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Lindsay was an Executive Assistant, providing administrative assistance to the COO of Townsquare Media. She was responsible for office management, expense processing and event planning. Lindsay graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a concentration in Business. She also received a certificate in Project Management.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

The most valuable career advice I've received is to “get uncomfortable”. True growth comes when we step outside of our comfort zone and stimulate our minds. Embracing discomfort can actually be very motivating.

What inspires you to do your best work?

What inspires me the most is my desire to find out how far I can go. Also, I understand that good things don't come easy in life. You have to work hard to escape the average.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

User research. I am curious by nature and fascinated by the way people think, so I enjoy learning what motivates them and what their challenges are.

What’s a cause that’s important to you?

Animal rescue. I volunteer for three rescues and foster dogs whenever possible. I've foster-failed twice and have fostered more than five dogs that were adopted out into loving homes. It is a very rewarding feeling when you take a lost dog and show them that they are loved.

Neda Jamshidi Mattson
Associate Director
Strategic Launch Finance

The best answer is sometimes the simplest. Simple solutions are easier to understand, execute against, and iterate on to expedite progress.

About

Neda is an Associate Director of Strategic Launch Finance at Juxtapose. Neda focuses on existing and newly launched Juxtapose portfolio companies across strategic finance, FP&A and operations. Prior to Juxtapose, Neda was on the Finance team at Ro, a D2C healthcare company, where she partnered with cross functional teams to understand and advance business performance, supported General Managers with strategic planning and financial analysis, and worked with the Leadership team on various strategic projects. Neda began her career as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Try to do your bosses job - it pushes you to answer the "so what" in all you do and allows your to better contextualize your work product for the ultimate stakeholders.

What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Don't be afraid to work fast - faster decision making creates more opportunities to learn what works (or doesn't work).

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare. I love building companies that help people navigate the complex and antiquated healthcare system and live healthier lives.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Ghormeh Sabzi, a Persian stew, made by my Dad.

Augusta Conway
Associate Director
Concept Development

Curiosity didn’t kill the cat

About

Augusta is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Augusta works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as the firm’s portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Augusta was an investor on the growth equity team at Blackstone where she evaluated, executed, and supported investments across multiple sectors with a focus on consumer, consumer technology, and enterprise software. Augusta started her career at Goldman Sachs in the Healthcare and M&A groups and is a graduate of Harvard College.

Perspectives
Whats the most valuable career advice you’ve received?

Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Whats a framework you’ve found particularly insightful?

A simple pros & cons list – some things become incredibly clear once they’re written down.

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?

Is 11 an option?

What brings you joy?

Dogs of all shapes and sizes… and a really strong shot of espresso.

Chloe Colberg
Operator in Residence
Concept Development

I am deeply curious about the why, a big proponent of the growth mindset, and motivated by a desire to build relationships and learn from the people around me.

About

Chloe is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where she is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, she will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Chloe was Chief of Staff and led strategy and corporate development at pymetrics, an enterprise SaaS startup in the HR technology industry. Before that, she was a private equity investor at BC Partners and an investment banker at UBS. Chloe has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA in Economics and Arts Practice from Stanford University.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Focus on trying to be 1% better every day - the results will compound over time.

What's been your favorite learning experience at Juxtapose?

Figuring out how to ask the right questions and unlocking new insights as a result.

Best gift you’ve ever received?

When I studied abroad in Paris, my friend bought me a chocolate macaron from 10+ bakeries across the city so that I could do a taste test and find my favorite one.

What’s your favorite city?

Saigon. Every time I get a chance to visit I'm amazed by the chaos, youthful energy, and incredible food

Carmen Abello
Associate Director
Concept Development

Always be optimizing.

About

Carmen is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Carmen works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Carmen was a private equity investor at Leonard Green & Partners. Carmen began her career at Citi and is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Know your audience.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I geek out thinking about businesses focused on the individual patient or consumer. How can we improve someone’s experience and deliver better value?

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Early stages of research during which falling down intellectual rabbitholes is encouraged and may unlock new worlds of possibilities.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Solo hiked 600+ miles across France and Spain.

Andy Robertson
Associate Director
Concept Development

About

Andy is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Andy works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Andy was a growth investor at Spectrum Equity focused on software and information services businesses. Andy began his career at EY-Parthenon and is a graduate of Williams College.

Perspectives

Lorraine Buhannic
Talent Advisor
Talent

Operator & executive coach, passionate about the transformative impact of exceptional leadership on organizations.

About

Lorraine is a Talent Advisor to Juxtapose, and currently Chief People Officer at Headway. Prior to returning to a high-growth operating role, Lorraine was a Senior Vice President of Talent at Juxtapose, where she helped lead the firm’s efforts to hire exceptional CEOs and support the portfolio across a wide range of strategic talent needs throughout the company build process. Lorraine has extensive high-growth people experience, including working as the Chief People Officer at Orchard, a Juxtapose portfolio company (where she built the People team and scaled the business to ~1,000 employees) and spending over a decade in Talent leadership roles at fast growing tech companies like AppNexus and Squarespace. Lorraine received her BA from Dartmouth College.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

The opportunity to learn and make things better than we found them, one iteration at a time.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

Radical candor - caring enough to push past your own discomfort to share feedback humbly and openly fundamentally changes the tenor of any relationship.

What's the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

Being an operator at Orchard, Juxtapose's third company, was a masterclass in company-building & leadership. I loved every phase of the journey and the culture we were able to create.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The next Celine Dion - sadly, my vocal chops did not measure up to my ambition.

Alyssa Sleadd
Senior Manager, Community

Driven by curiosity and creating a sense of community in everything we do. Jack of all trades, a master of none.

About

Alyssa is a Senior Manager, Community and Culture at Juxtapose, where she focuses on cultivating strong relationships and impactful engagements with the firm’s internal team and external network. She works closely with Juxtapose leadership to bring team-building and flagship events to life and drive the "one firm" culture forward. Before joining Juxtapose, Alyssa built her career at hyper-growth companies like WeWork and Figma, where she managed co-working spaces, led community teams in sales and hospitality efforts, and executed a diverse range of marketing programs from field events to marquee user conferences. Alyssa graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State University with an Integrated Marketing and Communications degree.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

I'm inspired by seeing firsthand how event and culture initiatives impacts people and contributes to their loyalty and trust to a brand or organization. I find purpose in making thoughtful connections within an ecosystem and seeing companies or team members expanding through it. Last but not least, I'm inspired when I work on challenging projects with a supportive team!

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

I'm so intrigued by Juxtapose's incubator to investment model. I found the firm's strategy of developing, green-lighting, and CEO matching in-house to be particularly rare and exciting.

What's the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

I made a massive career jump from co-working space operations to an HQ role as an event manager at the very start of COVID (March 2020). The role was a dream opportunity - I'd be running event programs for our Enterprise sales team globally. As soon as I started, the world shut down and in-person events became impossible. Our team had a choice to stay stagnant or pivot and offer unique ideas for virtual experiences while we navigated the unknown. We chose the latter. I look back on that time as an incredibly challenging but pivotal chapter in my career.

What’s a cause that’s important to you?

Animal rescue and rehabilitation! I'm on my 2nd foster dog and passionate about giving rescues a chance at a new life and loving home.

Elizabeth Larsen
Operator in Residence

Energized by exceptional people, complex problems, and a relentless desire to change healthcare for the better.

About

Elizabeth is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where she is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, she will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Elizabeth worked on the Massachusetts COVID-19 Response team and spent several years immersed in Medicaid policy and operations as the Director of Strategy at MassHealth. She started her career in the healthcare practice at McKinsey & Company. Elizabeth has an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where she graduated as an Arjay Miller Scholar, and a BA in Economics from Northwestern University.

Perspectives
Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare - it's the perfect blend of science and humanity, data and intuition, innovation and impact.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

It's all about the people - find and follow exceptional people.

What's the most impactful learning experience you’ve had?

Working on the COVID-19 Response in Massachusetts - I learned to move fast, make decisions with limited data, and quickly pivot along the way.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Most recently, it was Googling "hardest hike in Vietnam" and convincing a dozen friends to spend 3 days trekking up a steep, rocky, more-than-a-little-bit perilous mountain near the border of China.

Cashew
Feline in Training

Thankful for the opportunity to become the firm's first CFO (Chief Feline Officer)

About

Cashew is a Grey Tabby at Juxtapose, where she is currently helping build out the firm's Feline practice. Prior to Juxtapose, she was a Kitten in Residence at Animal Care Centers of NYC (Brooklyn shelter office). Cashew started her career as part of a litter of fellow cats also named after various plant-based milks.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Don't put off until tomorrow the naps you can take today.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Getting to know the Juxtapose team via regular appearances on team Zoom calls.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

Either hunter-gatherer, or middle-market private equity.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Adopted.

Matt McDonough
Operator in Residence

Proficient in adapting and finding resourceful solutions in intricate situations.

About

Matt is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, he will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Matt led M&A at the fintech startup Universe, and before that was VP of Product at Olive, focused on building the automation platform for large healthcare organizations. Matt began his career in investing at Drive Capital. He has a BBA from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.

Perspectives
What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

You need to be able to describe the large market for your company in under 30 seconds. Then you'll be able to easily convey the same to recruits and customers.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Vertical software. It's a category where the best of the consumer internet and enterprise technology are in constant tension

Favorite movie?

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

My 4.94 Uber rating

Zain Khan
Operator in Residence

I’m motivated by the constant quest to try and be a bit better today than I was yesterday.

About

Zain is an Operator in Residence at Juxtapose, where he is focused on the development and growth of a new venture from inception through its full lifecycle. Once the venture launches, he will become a founding member of the team. Prior to Juxtapose, Zain was an early hire at both Oscar Health and TrialSpark, where he was involved in a number of roles in operations, strategy, and growth. Most recently, he managed operations and technology at Redesign Health. Zain is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied Molecular Biology.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Think bigger. It’s not always about making the status quo slightly better, the lightbulb wasn’t created by people who only saw value in optimizing a candle.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Teenage Engineering. They are a Swedish electronics / music equipment company and their commitment to minimalist and aesthetically appealing hardware is truly remarkable. It’s refreshing to see a company reject the idea of high consumerism and put in the effort of designing products that customers buy once and keep forever.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

For every project or decision, sketch three possible outcomes: the dream upside scenario, the likely ‘regular’ scenario, and the nightmare downside scenario. Plan for each and, most importantly, revisit your reasoning for all three when one occurs.

What’s your favorite city?

Paris! I've yet to see a city built with more attention to detail than Paris. The façades, the lampposts, the doorknobs, the balconies, the flower boxes — everything was designed with intention and beauty. Also, I met my wife there :)

Alex Hollander
Vice President
Strategic Communications

Believer in the power of storytelling to empower, inspire, and make change.

About

Alex is a Vice President of Strategic Communications at Juxtapose, where she leads efforts to build the firm's brand and outreach strategy, as well as supports portfolio companies' communications initiatives. Prior to Juxtapose, Alex led innovation communications at Instagram, where she oversaw the company's engineering and design communications functions and helped launch products to over one billion people. Most recently, Alex founded and operated a strategic communications and marketing consulting practice focused on early and growth-stage startups. She began her career at Facebook, where she led projects across corporate, engineering, and product communications. A journalist by training, Alex has a BS in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

The energy of amazing colleagues working toward a shared goal.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

I think the focus on brand early in the process of company creation sets Juxtapose companies up to be uniquely enduring, beloved businesses.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Shopping at the farmer's market and preparing a meal for friends.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I moonlight as a Reiki healer.

Steve Herrod
Partner
Concept Development

Experienced technologist driven to solve the hardest of business problems with software and hardware solutions.

About

Steve is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, with a focused passion to build innovative B2B companies. Steve also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including hands-on support for the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to Juxtapose, Steve was a managing director at General Catalyst, where he invested and served on the board of numerous B2B companies, including Corelight, Datto, Illumio, Menlo Security, Securiti.ai, and SignalFX. Prior to General Catalyst, Steve was CTO and Sr. VP of R&D at VMware. During his 11-year tenure, he helped build a world-class 3,000-person engineering organization that delivered numerous industry-changing products. Herrod holds a PhD and MS in computer science from Stanford University and a BA with distinction in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

My parents - my Mom was a family counselor and my Dad has a PhD in physics. Their unique mix of empathy and technical chops inspired me to lead great technical teams that do the best work of their career in pursuit of solutions to meaningful problems.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

I loved my time at VMware. It was a very technical product, but made it simple for businesses to save massive amounts of time, money, and energy usage.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm part owner of an (outstanding) Italian cafe in Palo Alto.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

Drove my clunker Nissan Sentra from Texas to California for graduate school without knowing a single person in the state.

Jack Elder
Associate Director
Concept Development

Excited about every day.

About

Jack is an Associate Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Jack works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts.Prior to Juxtapose, Jack was a Senior Associate in the Financial Services team at General Atlantic. Jack began his career at Morgan Stanley in the Financial Institutions Group and has a BA from Dartmouth College where he graduated Cum Laude.

Perspectives
Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I have always loved working in the financial services ecosystem, an industry ripe for disruption that gets to touch both consumers and businesses in meaningful ways.

What's the most valuable career advice you have ever received?

Don't assume you are the average customer.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Ramíre’s Mexican Food.

What’s your biggest weakness?

My addiction to backcountry skiing.

Temisan Hambraeus
Associate
Concept Development

Motivated by the potential of innovation to empower people and challenge the status quo.

About

Temi is an Associate on the Concept Development team at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Temi works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Temi was a private equity investor at KKR, where he was a member of the firm’s inaugural analyst class. Temi has a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with High Distinction.

Perspectives
Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I enjoy working with concepts where demographic change serves as a catalyst. Our society is ever evolving and our institutions need to reflect these changes. While it can be challenging, it’s undoubtedly rewarding to tackle.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I really enjoy our middle of the funnel phase because it feels like a treasure hunt for the point of inflection that determines if a concept might work. In this process, we’re able to immerse ourselves in a new space and start to understand its inner workings.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

I’ve played the violin since childhood, and I’d love to master it. Any day now…

Vintage or new?

Vintage.

Sloane Hastings
Vice President
User Research & Design

Searching for what people wish existed — and exceeding expectations with brand and experience.

About

Sloane is a Vice President of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Sloane works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their design and user research priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Sloane spent nearly a decade helping major consumer brands build relationships with consumers through human-centered products, services, and communications. After beginning her career in brand strategy, she led multi-disciplinary design teams at IDEO, with an emphasis on service design. She also led design strategy at Casper, where she worked across digital product and environments design teams. She has a BA from the University of Virginia, where she graduated with Distinction, and an MS in Communications from the VCU Brandcenter, where she was the AICP Director’s Scholarship recipient.

Perspectives
What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Hire design and product talent that wants to iterate, quickly but with intention.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare. Consumer expectations are low, and a little compassion and connection goes pretty far.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

Our strong culture of intellectual honesty and a willingness to confront and learn from mistakes.

Best advice you’d give your teenage self?

Get a little more sleep!

Shawn Fandel
Vice President
Finance

Driven by a passion for innovation, I approach complex challenges with an analytical and creative mindset, seeking practical and elegant solutions.

About

Shawn is a Vice President of Finance at Juxtapose, where he leads the finance and accounting functions both internally for firm operations as well as externally with our limited partners. He is both a lawyer and a certified public accountant. Prior to Juxtapose, Shawn spent time in financial and tax advisory. Most recently, he was a senior tax consultant at Deloitte, where he counseled multinational organizations on complex financial & tax compliance matters. He has a JD and an MA in Accounting from the University of Miami, and an MSM and a BS from the University of Florida.

Perspectives
What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

When we first launch a company and the idea becomes reality.

What's one of the worst ideas you've proposed for Juxtapose's process?

Conducting candidate interviews at a petting zoo.

What’s one talent you wish you had?

I wish I could speak multiple languages.

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Hot Sauce.

Michael Cline
Chairman Emeritus

Lover of painting, sculpting and playing the piano.

About

Michael is Chairman Emeritus of Juxtapose. As Chairman of the fund, Michael worked closely with the Managing Partners to guide the firm's founding as well as its strategy, and was involved as an advisor in concept development and portfolio management. Outside of Juxtapose, Michael was the Founding and Managing Partner of Accretive, where he has founded and invested in a number of companies including Fandango, R1 RCM, Accolade, Insureon, Everspring and Accumen, among others. Before founding Accretive, Michael was a General Partner at General Atlantic. He received his BS from Cornell University and his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar. Michael was actively involved in non-profit and philanthropic endeavors, including acting as Chairman of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and serving on the Board of the Harvard Business School Rock Center for Entrepreneurship.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Focus on customer value, customer value, customer value.

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

Healthcare - the mission is fantastic, it means a lot to me.

What’s your favorite book?

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

What's the first question you ask a founder?

Tell me about your life story from age 5 on.

Penny
Canine in Training

Will work for treats.

About

Penelope is a Goldendoodle at Juxtapose, where she currently holds the firm record for curliest hair and most bullysticks consumed in in one sitting. Prior to Juxtapose, Penny trained at farms in Massachusetts and Indiana. She is a Forbes "Furry Under 30" Honoree.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

Personal relationships, finding the puppy lover in all people.

What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

The well stocked pantry.

What’s your biggest weakness?

I can't pet myself on the top of the head.

If you could switch lives with someone for one day, who would it be?

Cleo.

Nate Foulds
Vice President
User Research & Design

Opportunity comes from asking, "Why are things the way they are?" and doing something different.

About

Nate is a Vice President of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Nate works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Nate led research efforts for consumer products at both Instagram and The New York Times, and started his career consulting for a wide variety of industries at the product development agency Beyond. Throughout his career, he’s specialized in creative research methods at scale as well as data-driven decision making. Nate has a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Perspectives
What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

A couple members of our team traveled to Mexico City where we saw firsthand the way small independent store owners manage and supply their shops, including taking a visit to the largest wholesale market in the world.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I love our research process at the early stages of the funnel where we dive deep into understanding the status quo, building our expertise before being in the position to suggest potential opportunities or improvements.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Sundays are reserved for some favorite hobbies with my family, like going on morning hikes, golfing, sitting on the beach in the summer, visiting with friends, and making elaborate dinners.

What’s your favorite time of day?

Golden hour, which is usually when I take a break from work to spend time with my family, prepare dinner, go out for happy hour or enjoy the sunlight outside.

Maggie Elliott
Director
Talent

Motivated by the desire to help unlock the true potential in individuals and inspired by the brilliant minds I have the opportunity to work closely with day to day.

About

Maggie is a Director of Talent at Juxtapose, where she focuses on recruiting and providing talent counsel and support to CEOs and senior executive teams across our ventures. Maggie works closely with the concept development and user research & design teams to enable our company-creation efforts to succeed. Prior to Juxtapose, Maggie was a Senior Associate at Daversa Partners, where she played a key role in leading executive searches for digital health and consumer wellness companies within the venture backed startup ecosystem, as well as helped to build the firm’s internal workforce. Maggie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fairfield University with a degree in Psychology and Management.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

To never plan out your career more than 2 years in advance: you never know what opportunity might pass you by if you're too focused on achieving what you're expecting to achieve instead of what you're meant to.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

The CEO offer phase- the biggest relief and also the most exciting part of the journey: all that's left is ahead :)

When do you feel most creative?

When I'm not trying to be.

What would you like to be remembered for?

My laugh and the way I made people feel.

Laurel Komos
Associate Director
User Research & Design

A people person by nature, I’m fascinated by human behavior and motivation and use that as the foundation for innovative design.

About

Laurel is an Associate Director of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Laurel works closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Laurel held roles in both consulting and tech, helping brands innovate by leveraging a strategic human-centered design approach. She began her career as a visual designer at a branding agency, and most recently led user research for both internal- and client-facing initiatives at Chime and Salesforce. She holds an MDes (Master of Design) from the IIT Institute of Design and a BBA in Marketing, International Business, and Visual Communication Design from the University of Notre Dame, where she graduated magna cum laude.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

When faced with a decision between opportunities, choose the one where you will learn the most.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

We hire smart and talented people who love the work we do, and our passion fuels our ability to continue developing disruptive businesses. While our ideas are bountiful, our process is rigorous and ensures only the best make it to greenlight.

When are you most inspired?

After wrapping up a riveting user interview; while soaking up the local culture in a foreign city; taking my DSLR out for a spin in a new pocket of NYC.

What’s your favorite city?

Chicago, without a doubt. I moved to the Windy City without a job after my college graduation. Chicago is where I “grew up”—here I had my first full-time job, went to grad school, met my future husband, got my puppy, made many of my lifelong friends. I know this city like the back of my hand, and going back to Chicago feels like going back home.

Kateryna Romanova
Associate Director
User Research & Design

I deeply care about design. Everything around us is thought through — from interfaces in our favorite apps to the size of sidewalks in our neighborhoods. I feel the same way about creating a business. It needs to be designed in a thoughtful and holistic way — from a seamless experience centered around user needs to a beautiful and differentiated brand identity that speaks to all stakeholders.

About

Kateryna is an Associate Director of User Research & Design at Juxtapose, where she focuses on company-creation efforts from the early concept phase through the full venture lifecycle. Kateryna specializes in design and branding, working closely with the concept development and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on their UR&D priorities. Prior to Juxtapose, Kateryna led product design and brand for a new educational venture at IDEO. Previously, she consulted Fortune 500 healthcare, media, and technology companies on human-centered innovation and organizational change. Kateryna practiced architecture in Seattle, Kyiv, and Moscow. Kateryna is a Fulbright Scholar and holds an MA in Theory of Architecture and a BA in Urban Planning from Kyiv University of Construction and Architecture.

Perspectives
What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

It is crucial to understand your product from the user’s perspective. Prototype, test, iterate, and prioritize what really matters to them. Think about accessibility & all possible constituencies that will directly & indirectly interact with your product. Does it help or harm? Does it solve a real need? What impact will your product have in 1-5-10 years from today?

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

I like the “5 whys”. It’s a technique that's used to identify the root cause of a problem by asking “why” questions five times. The idea is that each answer leads to the next question, helping to uncover progressively deeper insights.

What brings you joy?

I really enjoy teaching. I’m a mentor to Fulbright scholars and other programs. Occasionally, I guest lecture on design thinking, product, and brand. I’m always looking for opportunities to support genuine individuals in their career paths, particularly women and immigrants.

What’s your favorite city?

I’m an architect by training. For vacations, I often choose the city over nature. You may see me wear a T-shirt saying “I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to.” I love observing how history has shaped a city. I’m avoiding the question so I don’t have to pick a favorite child. Kyiv.

Daniel Lee
Director
Concept Development

Determined to work on the hard problems, with the most ambitious teams, in order to bring a vision for the future to-life.

About

Daniel is a Director of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Daniel works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Daniel helped lead new product expansion, corporate development, and strategic partnerships as part of the special projects team at Coalition, Inc. Daniel began his career as a private equity investor at Blackstone. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and as Salutatorian.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

A mantra at my prior company, Coalition, was “sweep the floors”: no task was too small for any given individual and we all felt collective ownership to help out others on the team when their hands were full. One of the most memorable examples of this was the entire organization (from intern to CEO) jumping in to close out all customer service tickets the evening before the winter holidays. The impact this had on the organization was profound, and I’m excited to work with people who embrace the same sense of teamwork.

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

My dad has run a small business most of my life. I think small businesses help us most tangibly understand some of the core pillars of building a great business (at any scale), as there’s nowhere to hide and customer feedback loops are super tight. It’s about doing right by the end customer, aligning behind a team culture and mission, and ultimately showing up everyday and giving it 100%. It’s something I feel lucky to have been so close to.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I was born in Texas. My allegiance to sports teams sits squarely with Seattle teams, though.

Favorite app?

YouTube. The more niche the content, the better.

Geoff Miller
Partner
Concept Development

Driven by the opportunity to build a better world for my children and their children.

About

Geoff is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team. He leads the platform build strategy at Juxtapose, driving the firm’s investments in platform-style, private equity and inorganic growth builds. Geoff also works closely with the firm’s leaders across the business, including meaningful participation with the portfolio and its CEOs. Prior to joining Juxtapose, Geoff was an investor at Genstar Capital, where for over a decade he partnered with talented operators to identify and execute thematic, growth-oriented investment opportunities in technology-enabled markets. He started his career in investment banking at Baird. Geoff has a BA in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences and Economics from Northwestern University, where he graduated with honors, and has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

What you do matters less than how you do it.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

Defining the intervention - our 10x better user experience.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

We bring together ambition, intention, and talent in balance.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut!

Dev Aujla
Advisor

About

Dev is a Special Advisor to Juxtapose, where he advises the Managing Partners and team on a variety of high priority internal and external initiatives. Dev has extensive experience at the juncture of the talent identification and consumer goods space, and outside of Juxtapose is currently the CEO of Bode, a boutique fashion brand. Prior to his time at Juxtapose, Dev founded and led Catalog LLC, a specialized executive search firm. He remains an active author, most recently of two books including 50 Ways to Get a Job (which was a national bestseller). His writing and work have been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Times, CNN, Time Magazine and Fast Company. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal for Community Service for his work helping young people in Canada. Dev is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.

Perspectives
What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

For me, the best moments are those in-between ones, that happen during real in-person interaction. When you bring together a diverse group of talented, multi-hyphenate individuals, and let the natural gravity and tension of working together naturally allow for small moments of discovery, spontaneity, and insight.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

There's an organic flexibility and creativity to how the firm operates that is different from other investment firms or creative organizations I've encountered. The juxtaposition of process and spontaneity, materiality with fluidity; these enable Juxtapose to bring the best of investment rigor with entrepreneurial creativity.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I have always loved books, and even more so the libraries that house the knowledge stores in those books! I am the creator of Sorted Library, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving private libraries, and am currently building a 50,000-book collection, which will be housed at a permanent site that was recently acquired in Norfolk, Connecticut.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Somebody who you could come to with anything, for anything.

Colin Fraser
Principal
Concept Development

Just trying to be a bit better than yesterday.

About

Colin is a Principal of Concept Development at Juxtapose, where he focuses on company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Colin works closely with the user research + design, and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Colin was a growth investor at General Atlantic focused on software and consumer internet businesses. Colin began his career at J.P. Morgan. He graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University and has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Do what you say you're doing to do - ideally, when you say you're going to do it.

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

The urgent vs. important 2x2 matrix. It's far too common to spend your work life stuck in the urgent and unimportant quadrant.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

For me, it's the moment when things click into place in a new category, and I start to really understand how a new space works.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I'm red / green colorblind, so coloring books have never been a forte.

Cleo
Canine in Charge

If you need something furry to pet, see my sister. If you need words of wisdom, see me.

About

Cleopatra is a dog at Juxtapose. She was an early Juxtapose collaborator, helping to establish the firm's pet practice in 2017. Prior to Juxtapose, Cleo was an aspiring child actor and model.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

A healthy respect for the ephemeral nature of all things. A year for me is 52.143 days. Every quarter matters.

What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

Speak softly and carry a big stick (in your mouth).

If you could switch lives with someone for one day, who would it be?

Cashew.

Cassidee Bruntz
Executive Assistant
Admin & Office

Inspired by thinking ahead, fixing goals, and achieving them. Allows me to look back and say, "I did that."

About

Cassidee is an Executive Assistant on the Admin & Office team at Juxtapose. As the primary lead of the office, Cassidee ensures that the New York City office runs smoothly, while facilitating in-person events for employees, founding teams and investors. Prior to Juxtapose, Cassidee worked as a Fashion Assistant for a New York-based clothing label, and more recently spent time in administration at an investment firm. Cassidee has a BS in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Perspectives
What inspires you to do your best work?

Helping others! Knowing the fact that my hard work and perseverance will help the team achieve greater professional success is what keeps me going.

What's been your favorite moment working at Juxtapose?

Field Study Day in Harlem. Melba's <3

What song can you listen to on repeat?

Night Moves - Bob Seger, Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap, Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears For Fears (You Pick On This lol).

What’s one ingredient you put in everything?

Mirepoix!!!

Ajay Shroff
Vice President
Strategic Operations

Loves tackling the new, ambiguous, and unknown to help build a world-class operation and a high-functioning team.

About

Ajay is a Vice President of Strategic Operations at Juxtapose. Ajay leads the firm's efforts to establish the strategic systems and processes that are enabling it to scale. Prior to Juxtapose, Ajay was an operator in the consumer products space at Harry’s Inc., first working to grow and scale the business in international markets, then helping launch and lead the newest brand under the Harry’s umbrella. Ajay began his career at Boston Consulting Group and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Wharton School and College of Arts & Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania.

Perspectives
What do you find most compelling about Juxtapose's model?

Focusing on only a few things drives us to maintain a really high bar for rigor and intellectual honesty between ourselves, ultimately helping us get to the best ideas and answers.

What inspires you to do your best work?

Having interesting, hard problems to solve alongside fantastic teams.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

An Amazing Race-style road trip starting in Poland, up through the Baltics, over to Finland, and ending in St. Petersburg.

What 3 people living or dead would you like to make dinner for?

Donald Glover, Kurt Cobain, and James Blake.

Ben West
Partner
Concept Development

I feel incredibly lucky to work with our Founder/CEOs. They are immensely talented, yet willing to teach. Running 100mph, yet manage daily inventions.

About

Ben is a Partner at Juxtapose on the Concept Development team, where he leads company-creation efforts at the research phase and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Ben works closely with the research, design and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Ben had a decade of experience in venture capital and company creation, including the creation efforts to launch Strive Health at Oxeon Ventures and Hims at Atomic Labs, as well as a foundational systematic company creation building experience at Accretive. Ben started his career at Boston Consulting Group. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he graduated with Distinction, and a BA from the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Perspectives
What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Paypal --> it became a mafia. I'm inspired by the talent-density > the business itself.

What's an idea that didn't make it through the process for which you feel there's still potential?

A marketplace for personal injury lawsuit cases that manages to (1) filter out dud cases (improving the way the legal ecosystem functions) and (2) commoditize personal injury lawyers (improving the way the world works).

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?

Biographer for controversial heads-of-state around the world.

If your life was a musical, what would the marquee say?

A petit bourgeois take on "The Odyssey."

Jed Cairo
Managing Partner

Lover of People. Searching for the simple amongst the complex.

About

Jed is a Founder, and Managing Partner, of Juxtapose. As a Managing Partner, Jed is active across the firm's key pillars, working closely with the fund's leaders in concept development, user research, and talent identification. Jed also participates meaningfully with the portfolio and its CEOs, including involvement at the board and advisory level. Prior to co-founding Juxtapose, Jed worked as a private equity investor at KKR, and helped to lead BeaconLight Capital, a public market hedge fund. Jed also worked closely with early stage businesses as an angel investor and serial entrepreneur. Jed has a BA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a Joseph Wharton Scholar, and has an MBA from The Wharton School, where he was a submatriculant and Palmer Scholar.

Perspectives
What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

The moment when we are on the precipice of "cracking the code", finding that little known, but immediately intuitive insight that can form the basis of a twenty year vision.

What's one of the worst ideas you've proposed for Juxtapose's process?

Year one of Juxtapose I was obsessed with the idea of a home swapping marketplace...flies in the face of everything that makes a high functioning marketplace business.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

When the universe of data, experts, customers, and intuition collude to tell me so.

What brings you joy?

The look on my sons' faces when their minds are blown by something so ordinary I would have barely noticed it.

Andy Stein
Partner
Concept Development

Energized by thinking about business model innovations and where/how value gets created in dynamic ecosystems.

About

Andy is Partner on the Concept Development team at Juxtapose, where he helps to lead company-creation efforts at the research phase, and supports our ventures from inception through their full lifecycle. Andy works closely with the user research & design, and talent teams, as well as with the firm's portfolio companies on capital markets efforts. Prior to Juxtapose, Andy founded a direct primary care business and was previously a private equity and hedge fund investor, first at Hellman & Friedman and later helping to start Thorntree Capital, a consumer- and internet-focused hedge fund where he led consumer and retail and international investing. Andy began his career at Bain & Company and is a graduate of Harvard College.

Perspectives
What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Don't become seduced by your own narrative, focus on reducing the number of bets you are taking that you don't control (e.g., consumer behavior change), and bet on an economic model that has a lot of margin of safety early on (high LTV customers, low prevailing CAC, fragmented and unsophisticated competition).

Which industry or category do you enjoy working in most (and why)?

I most enjoy working in healthcare, primarily because of the triple bottom lines. The best business models are pure net positives for the world - they create profit, but they also reduce costs, improve outcomes, increase access, and create better patient experiences. There are few industries where you can "disrupt" and leave just about everyone better off, including those you have "disrupted"!

What's a framework you've found particularly insightful?

I find prioritizing "system-level value creation" above all else to be an incredibly helpful north star - it is easy to get caught up in the business model to be built and the competitive dynamics too early on, but focusing first on "how much value can I create?" and "for whom?" clarifies the questions to ask and the work to be done, and ultimately allow you to confidently proceed to the rest of the work. If you can create a lot of new value for an important constituency, there is usually a compelling business to be built.

What’s your favorite way to spend a Sunday?

I like to go for a really long walk with my family in the country in the morning, eat lunch at a diner, come home and read a book on the couch, and cook a dinner that takes a long time to finish, where you can smell it all through the house.

Patrick Chun
Managing Partner

Thankful everyday for the opportunity to learn from and build with the best.

About

Patrick is a Founder, and Managing Partner, of Juxtapose. As a Managing Partner, Patrick is active across the firm's key pillars, working closely with the fund's leaders in concept development, user research, and talent identification. Patrick also participates meaningfully with the portfolio and its CEOs, including involvement at the board and advisory level. Prior to co-founding Juxtapose, Patrick spent a significant portion of his career building businesses at the inception stage, including partner level experience at early stage and company creation-oriented firms such as Thrive Capital and Accretive. Prior to his building experience, Patrick was a venture and growth equity investor at Bain Capital Ventures and Francisco Partners. He started his career at McKinsey & Company. Patrick has a BA from Harvard College, an MA from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Perspectives
What advice would you give to budding startup founders?

Learn to embrace (and enjoy!) the tensions inherent in the entrepreneurial journey. At times you will need to do; at other times, to lead. The market will ebb, then flow. There will be moments when you will need to focus on growth; and then, around consolidation. A great founder needs to be the water to the vessel that is your company, environment, and team.

What phase of Juxtapose's process excites you the most?

I love the unique moment in our concept development process when a bottom of funnel dig is reaching greenlight and where the focus on the work shifts from the deep concept work to the dreaming up the ideal CEO profile. It's at this point, for me, that the fun of "great concept" will soon meet the reality of "great business". Talent is everything.

How do you know when you have a good idea?

The root of a good idea is one that actually is NOT consensus. Most great, large opportunities stem from an insight that is counterintuitive to most (or at a minimum, very much non-obvious) and potentially controversial. Perhaps an idea that, when looked back with the advantage of hindsight, looks inevitable, but at the time had great minds truthfully disagreeing. Honing in on the deep truth and reality of that insight is the kernel of that good idea.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

At different points in my childhood: a teacher, a lawyer, an astronaut, a fireman, a computer programmer, a journalist, a tennis pro, a car audio installation specialist, a professional eBay seller, a Command & Conquer gamer, an owner of a basketball card specialty store.

Anne-Marie Shelley
General Counsel
Legal

I am inspired by the team’s creativity, discipline and approach to problem-solving.

About

Anne-Marie is General Counsel at Juxtapose, where she oversees matters involving legal and compliance. Anne-Marie leads Juxtapose's efforts around company formation and portfolio investments, transactional matters, fund formation, employment matters, regulatory matters, and corporate governance. Prior to Juxtapose, Anne-Marie served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Accretive. Before joining Accretive, Anne-Marie was a corporate attorney in the corporate finance group at Chadbourne & Parke LLP, and, prior to that, was associated with Fried, Frank, Harris Shriver & Jacobson where she practiced in the bankruptcy and restructuring group. Anne-Marie received her BA in Economics from Yale University and her JD from Villanova University School of Law where she was a member of the Law Review.

Perspectives
What's the most valuable career advice you've received?

"Take hold of your career. No one else will drive it, and no one else knows as well as you where you want to go or what is important to you. "

What's an example of a company that inspires you (and why)?

Herself Health is a company that inspires me because it addresses a unique need in the market and aspires to improve the healthcare experience for its patients.

Why do you believe in Juxtapose's success in the long-term?

Simply put, the team.

Best advice you’d give your teenage self?

Step out of your comfort zone -- believe you can do it!