JOHN OTTERSON

What this episode covers

John Otterson is a widely experienced man when it comes to investment, and this stems from his childhood up to his long-haul involvement with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) Capital. Otterson has more than 19 years of venture capital experience making him a valuable asset to the company where he is responsible for private equity fund investments and Limited Partner relations. John Otterson grew up in a business-inclined household where he was able to absorb the entrepreneurial cycle of birth, growth and sometimes failure of a company. Otterson became involved in a couple of start-up companies himself but started his corporate career when he came across SVB as a business school student. He has been working for the organization for 17 years and currently is with SVB Capital, the private equity arm of the bank. During his many years with the company, he has seen great and difficult times and cycles where different sectors come in favor, like the internet boom of the late 90s. Otterson’s experience leads him to be “cautiously optimistic” about the business environment in the State and around the nation especially for technology companies. Greater Good Radio brings John Otterson, managing director of SVB Capital, and his extensive knowledge and familiarity of the investment industry and venture capital sector. In this interview, John talks about how his family act as a significant entity that has put him to where he sits in his career, family and community involvement. John speaks of passion as his driving force to success. “Do something that you’re passionate about,” he said. “Think about what drives you so you can tap your passion, that’s a tremendous source of energy.” For budding entrepreneurs, don’t miss out on the after show where John Otterson points out what it really takes for a sound investment to venture capitalists. Learn more about John’s relentless pursuit of balance between his career, family and philanthropy only here on Greater Good Radio. Listen now. BIO: John Otterson Managing Director SVB Capital John Otterson joined SVB in 1990 and has more than 19 years of venture industry experience. In his role at SVB Capital, Otterson is responsible for private equity fund investments and Limited Partner relations. Otterson previously served as a member of SVB’s Corporate Finance Division, facilitating origination efforts for emerging technology companies across the U.S. Previously, Otterson spent nine years with Silicon Valley Bank’s Technology Practice, where he founded and led SVB’s San Diego commercial banking office. Otterson currently sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego, and the Investment Sub-Committee for the University of San Diego. In August 1994, Otterson co-founded the UCSD Cancer Center Luau and Longboard Invitational, an annual event that brings together the surfing community and more than 1000 participants in a celebration of life. The event attracts such surf legends as Mike Doyle, Robert August and Rabbit Kekai. To date, it has raised over $2 million for the Rebecca and John Moore’s USCD Cancer, which ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting basic and clinical cancer research, providing advanced patient care and serving the community through outreach and education programs. Otterson is also an active volunteer in Project Concern, a non-governmental organization focused on saving the lives of children and families around the world by preventing disease, providing access to clean water and nutritious food and promoting sustainable development. Otterson received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley and a graduate degree with honors in finance from the University of Southern California. About SVB Financial Group’s Community Involvement