Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Tony Kulesa is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a diverse background in the technology and life sciences sectors. As a Partner at Pillar VC, he leverages his extensive industry expertise to identify and support promising startups. Additionally, he co-founded Petri, a platform dedicated to fostering innovation in the biotech and engineering fields.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Partner at Pillar VC

• Responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and managing investment opportunities in the technology and life sciences sectors

• Collaborates with portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and operational support

• Plays a key role in shaping the firm's investment thesis and overall portfolio strategy

Co-Founder at Petri

• Oversees the development and implementation of Petri's programs, which aim to empower the next generation of biotech and engineering entrepreneurs

• Leads the curation of educational content, workshops, and mentorship initiatives to support early-stage founders

Instructor and BioMakerspace Director at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Teaches courses and workshops focused on bioengineering, prototyping, and entrepreneurship

• Manages the operations and programming of MIT's BioMakerspace, a state-of-the-art facility that enables hands-on learning and rapid prototyping

Cofounder and Director at BiomedStartup

• Provides strategic direction and oversight for this community-driven platform that connects biomedical innovators with resources and support

Ambassador at Breakout Labs

• Represents Breakout Labs, a prominent funding and mentorship program for early-stage science and technology startups

Career Progression

Prior to his current roles, Tony held various positions in the technology and life sciences sectors, where he honed his expertise in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation. His diverse background and extensive industry knowledge have made him a respected figure in the Boston startup ecosystem.

Academic Background

Tony holds a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he graduated with honors. His academic achievements and hands-on experience in the fields of engineering and life sciences have been instrumental in shaping his multifaceted career.

Areas of Expertise

• Venture capital and startup investment

• Bioengineering and life sciences innovation

• Entrepreneurship and program management

• Technological prototyping and rapid product development

• Industry-academia collaboration and community building

Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Tony has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Boston startup ecosystem. He has been actively involved in supporting and mentoring early-stage founders, helping them navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. His work at Pillar VC, Petri, and other organizations has resulted in the successful launch and expansion of numerous tech and life sciences startups.

Conclusion

With his diverse background, deep industry expertise, and proven track record of success, Tony Kulesa is a highly valuable asset to the organizations he is associated with. As he continues to leverage his skills and experience to drive innovation and support the next generation of entrepreneurs, he is poised to make an even greater impact on the technology and life sciences sectors.