Over fifteen years of global investment, deal-making, business development, strategy and expansion experience in the technology and financial service sectors.
• Proven track record in sourcing, structuring, negotiating, and closing multi-million dollar investments (both indirect and direct) and deals
• Focus areas include early stage venture, emerging managers and the application of disruptive technologies
• Expertise in operations and expansion for venture firms
Specialties: Investing in and working with venture funds around the world, direct investing in disruptive IT solutions for extending financial services in developing economies, global business development, deal and contract negotiation, strategic alliances, strategic planning, relationship building at the senior level, partner and relationship management, strategy formulation and financial analysis.
Managing Director @ Beezer is responsible for the management of the Sapphire's Fund Investments, investing in early stage venture capital firms globally. From June 2012 to Present (3 years 7 months) Advisory Board Member @ Enabling access to credit for the unbanked. From 2010 to Present (5 years) Board of Trustees @ From August 2011 to July 2014 (3 years) Director, DFJ Global Network at Draper Fisher Jurvetson @ • Owned global expansion and day to day management of the DFJ Global Network of Partner Funds - 18 venture funds covering 4 continents, 150 investment professionals, 600+ invested portfolio companies and representing ~$7B capital under management. Purpose was to generate global investment opportunities, intelligence and returns.
• Proactively sourced and structured ownership stakes in venture funds representing over $1.2B of capital under management and millions of dollars of carry and annual fee income. Funds located throughout the US, China, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Russia, Korea, and Western Europe.
• Member of DFJ Vina Capital (Vietnamese venture fund) investment committee and DFJ JAIC (cross border US-Japan venture fund) and board member of ShareThis.
• Oversaw operations of the DFJ Network. Design and oversee annual DFJ Network and CEO Summits (attended by over 200 general partners and CEOs), inaugural DFJ Network LP Summit (attended by 130 investors). From 2007 to May 2012 (5 years) Trustee @ From January 2006 to October 2011 (5 years 10 months) Investment Manager @ • Sourced, led and managed investments in emerging markets’ financial services and technology sectors. Focused on direct and indirect investment opportunities in emerging markets. From September 2005 to May 2007 (1 year 9 months) Business Manager, Consumer PC Global Business Division @ Responsible for sourcing, negotiating and executing large-scale, strategic alliances and distribution partnerships with marquis internet services companies (in ISP, Search and Security categories) for placement on HP desktop and notebooks globally. Delivered multi-million dollar gross margins annually and hundreds of millions of dollars in topline revenue. Managed business development and account manager team and provided global direction on key partnerships. From June 2001 to August 2005 (4 years 3 months) General Manager, Partner Companies @ Performed due diligence on potential investments. Managed strategic projects for select partner companies including acting VP of business development for one portfolio company (financial institution). From 2000 to 2001 (1 year) Senior Management Consultant @ Counseled clients on business strategy, management and organizational effectiveness. From 1996 to 1998 (2 years) San Francisco Bay AreaFinancial Analyst @ Financial Analyst, Global Infrastructure Group From 1994 to 1996 (2 years)
MBA @ Harvard Business School From 1998 to 2000 Wellesley High SchoolBA, Gov't Major, Int'l Relations Certificate @ Wesleyan University Elizabeth Clarkson is skilled in: Strategic Planning, Global Business Development, Funding, Strategy, Strategic Alliances, Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Management, Due Diligence, Business Strategy, Leadership, Finance, Executive Management, Financial Analysis