John Francis brings his experiences as an operator and institutional venture investor. John Francis with Clay Gordon started Stout Street Capital in 2017. As General Partner he focuses on investment opportunities in the IT software serving sectors such as Construction, Government, Energy, Cleantech, Media, Advertising, HR, Healthcare and Cloud services. John works actively on several portfolio company boards, including Schola, Fluent Forever, Botco.ai and Ad Fontes. He previously served on the boards of Popwallet (acquired by Snapchat (Nasdaq: SNAP)) and has made investments in companies such as Left hand robotics(Acquired by TORO(NYSE:TTS)

Clay Gordon brings his experience building and cultivating communities to Stout Street Capital which he co-founded with John Francis in 2017. He primarily focuses on opportunities in HR, cleantech, edtech, insurtech, and fintech sectors. Clay has cultivated new regions for investment including his former home in the Carolinas and championed deals such as Good United with his background in non-profit fundraising.

Cindy Ho is a Junior Partner at Stout Street Capital and Director of Operations for UNMET Conferences. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics and Business Management from University of Denver. Cindy is passionate about working with entrepreneurs and developing early-stage ecosystems in Middle America. Cindy is currently focused on managing The UNMET Conference, which helps early-stage companies located in the middle of the country access Series A and B capital.

Matt Hunckler is the founder and CEO of Powderkeg, a digital community for tech entrepreneurs and professionals building innovative companies in tech hubs between the coasts. He has covered emerging tech companies around the country for publications like Forbes, VentureBeat, and Inc.com and is also the host of award-winning podcast Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, a show that shares the most fascinating stories of professional growth and innovation coming out of communities across America.

Christian Beck is an executive partner at Innovatemap. He spent ten years designing software products and building design teams before shifting to oversee sales and marketing at Innovatemap. Today, Christian works closely with founders of high-growth startups on product, design, and go-to-market strategy.