Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Brad Kotansky is an accomplished Venture Partner with extensive experience in the investment management industry. He specializes in identifying promising early-stage startups and leveraging his expertise to drive their growth and success. Kotansky currently serves on the boards of Uplinq and Nurture Boss, providing strategic guidance and oversight as these companies navigate their respective markets.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Venture Partner, AZ-VC (2024-05-01 to Present)
- Responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and investing in promising early-stage startups within the Arizona technology ecosystem
- Leverages his deep industry knowledge and extensive network to identify high-potential opportunities and guide founders in their growth strategies
- Collaborates with the AZ-VC team to refine the firm's investment thesis and portfolio management practices
Strategic Advisor, Prickly Pear Ventures (2023-09-01 to Present)
- Provides strategic guidance and industry expertise to the Prickly Pear Ventures team, helping to shape their investment approach and portfolio management strategies
- Leverages his extensive network to facilitate introductions and strategic partnerships for Prickly Pear's portfolio companies
- Contributes to the firm's thought leadership and market intelligence efforts
Board Member, Uplinq (2025-02-01 to Present)
- Serves on the board of directors, providing oversight and strategic guidance to the executive team
- Helps drive the company's growth and market expansion initiatives, drawing on his industry experience and network
- Contributes to key decisions around product development, go-to-market strategies, and capital allocation
Board Member, Nurture Boss (2024-11-01 to Present)
- Provides strategic leadership and oversight as a member of the board of directors
- Advises the executive team on navigating the competitive landscape, identifying growth opportunities, and optimizing operational efficiencies
- Leverages his expertise in finance and investment management to support the company's capital-raising efforts and financial planning
Career Progression
Prior to his current roles, Kotansky held several positions in the investment management industry, including:
- Investor - Seed, Synchtank (2012-01-01 to 2023-10-01): Responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and investing in early-stage technology startups, with a focus on identifying high-potential opportunities and guiding founders to success.
- Portfolio Manager, GCore Capital (2008-02-01 to 2010-05-01): Managed a portfolio of public and private investments, delivering consistent returns and contributing to the firm's overall investment strategies.
- Portfolio Manager, Stratix Asset Management LP (2005-01-01 to 2007-11-01): Responsible for portfolio management, asset allocation, and investment research, helping to drive the firm's investment performance.
- Financial Analyst, SAC Capital (2002-05-01 to 2004-12-01): Conducted in-depth financial analysis and due diligence to support the firm's investment decision-making process.
- Analyst, Td Securities USA Inc (1999-10-01 to 2002-04-01): Provided investment research and analysis to support the firm's institutional and retail clients.
Academic Background
Kotansky holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia, where he specialized in Finance and Accounting.
Areas of Expertise
- Early-stage venture capital and startup investing
- Portfolio management and asset allocation
- Financial analysis and due diligence
- Strategic advisory and board-level guidance
- Venture capital and private equity industry trends and best practices
Professional Impact
Kotansky's expertise and industry insights have been instrumental in the growth and success of the companies he has been involved with. As a Venture Partner, he has played a key role in shaping the investment strategies and portfolio management practices of AZ-VC, helping the firm to identify and support promising startups within the Arizona technology ecosystem. Similarly, his strategic advisory roles at Prickly Pear Ventures and his board-level contributions to Uplinq and Nurture Boss have had a tangible impact on the growth and performance of these organizations.
Conclusion
With his extensive background in investment management and proven track record of identifying and supporting high-potential startups, Brad Kotansky is well-positioned to continue driving value and growth as a
