Tommy Italia

VP of Incubator
Berkeley, CA, United States

Professional Overview

Tommy Italia is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in venture capital, start-up incubation, and strategic advisory roles. As the VP of Incubator at Blackskies Investments, he leverages his deep industry expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to support the growth and success of emerging tech ventures.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the VP of Incubator at Blackskies Investments, Tommy oversees the firm's start-up incubator program, providing strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a vast network of investors and industry experts. He is responsible for identifying promising early-stage companies, curating a robust pipeline of investment opportunities, and delivering customized acceleration services to help incubator participants achieve their growth objectives.

Under Tommy's leadership, the Blackskies Incubator has become a renowned hub for cultivating innovative tech startups, with several portfolio companies securing significant funding and achieving successful market expansion.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Tommy served as the Berkeley Scout Lead and Venture Analyst at Blackskies Investments, where he played a pivotal role in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities within the region. He also held the position of VP of Development at Entrepreneurs@Berkeley, where he spearheaded initiatives to support local entrepreneurs and foster a vibrant start-up ecosystem.

Earlier in his career, Tommy gained valuable experience as a Summer Intern, Analyst at Composite Ventures and a Summer Intern at Robert Bender and Associates, honing his research, analysis, and advisory skills. Additionally, he served as the Head Coach at Crown City Baseball, demonstrating his leadership abilities and ability to motivate and inspire teams.

Academic Background

Tommy holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley, where he developed a strong foundation in data analysis, strategic thinking, and effective communication. He also earned an Associate's degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Glendale Community College and a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from Loyola Marymount University.

Areas of Expertise

• Venture capital and start-up incubation

• Entrepreneurial ecosystem development

• Strategic advisory and operational support

• Investment opportunity identification and evaluation

• Startup acceleration and growth strategy

• Effective team leadership and talent management

Professional Impact

Under Tommy's guidance, the Blackskies Incubator has seen remarkable success, with several portfolio companies securing over $50 million in cumulative funding and achieving significant market traction. His ability to identify and nurture promising early-stage ventures has made him a respected and influential figure within the regional start-up ecosystem.

Conclusion

With his diverse experience, strong analytical skills, and proven track record of driving growth and innovation, Tommy Italia is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape. As the VP of Incubator at Blackskies Investments, he remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of tech leaders and contributing to the success of the thriving start-up community.