The Employee Stock Option Fund was formed by Stephen Roberts, Jimmy Lackie, and Scott Chou in 2012. The ESO Fund founders and team members have extensive experience in venture capital, private equity, and operations at entrepreneurial companies. ESO has developed a flexible due diligence strategy and transaction protocol to rapidly evaluate and close transactions.
Departing employees of venture backed companies are often faced with the dilemma of either exercising their stock options immediately or letting the options expire worthless. This decision can be especially complex given the high failure rate and the long holding periods for startup companies. Who knows what can go wrong down the line? Moreover, some employees will face Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) requirements as the result of exercising stock options which can create additional financial distress.
The ESO Fund takes the risk out of exercising options. The Fund gives holders of options in select venture backed companies the possibility of future upside by providing the cash required to exercise their options and pay the associated taxes. If the stock becomes valueless, the Fund, not the employee, bears the loss. Individuals who have already exercised can obtain similar benefits under the same non-recourse terms.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Jimmy has over three decades of experience in venture capital, private equity and alternative investment management. Serving as a director, board observer, consultant and/or investor in start-up and later stage businesses across multiple sectors including: telecommunications, information technology, energy, insurance, finance, real estate, specialty retail and medical devices.
Jimmy began his career trading commodity futures with Cook Industries, Inc., Dunavant Enterprises, Inc., Refco, Inc., and Lackie Trading Inc.
Stephen has extensive experience in sourcing, structuring, and managing venture investments. He has been involved in all aspects of entrepreneurial businesses, including line management, capital allocation, personnel management, sales, and marketing. Â Prior to co-founding ESO, Stephen was involved as a founder or investor in numerous wireless communications businesses and private equity opportunities. Stephen graduated cum laude from the Harvard Law School and summa cum laude from Mississippi State University and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Scott has been in the venture capital industry since 1997 and was recently recognized by Always On as a Top 100 venture capitalist. He completed the prestigious Kauffman Fellows Program in 1999 with Onset Ventures and later joined Gabriel Venture Partners in early 2000 where he focused on research labs for fundamental innovations. Scott’s first investment at Gabriel was in the seed round of NextG Networks which eventually sold to Crown Castle for $1 billion. Scott’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with honors from Caltech as well as master’s degrees from Harvard University and Stanford University.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Tony Tsao has extensive experience in venture capital, alternative investing and investment banking for high-growth technology and healthcare companies. He is responsible for all aspects of the ESO Fund’s investment process, including sourcing, structuring, executing, and managing transactions with employees of venture-backed companies. Previously, Tony served as a Principal at Western Technology Investment, a leading venture debt fund. Prior to WTI, he was a Vice President at Saints Capital managing direct secondary investments, and an Investment Manager at H&Q Asia Pacific focused on early to late-stage venture capital. He began his career in investment banking with Lehman Brothers in New York and London. He earned a BS in Economics, cum laude, and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
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Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
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Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Position
Decrepit enlightenment society chaos ultimate merciful. Merciful truth snare inexpedient sea insofar.
Jimmy has over three decades of experience in venture capital, private equity and alternative investment management. Serving as a director, board observer, consultant and/or investor in start-up and later stage businesses across multiple sectors. Jimmy actively manages holdings in various hedge funds and in 2009, co-founded River Street Management, LLC, an advisory/management services company. Jimmy began his career trading commodity futures with Cook Industries, Inc., Dunavant Enterprises, Inc., Refco, Inc., and Lackie Trading Inc.
Jimmy has over four decades of experience in venture capital, private equity and alternative investment management serving as a director, consultant and/or investor in various stages of businesses across multiple sectors including: med tech (Active Implants, AccuVein), retail & POS tech (Hollywood Feed, JANAM), cyber security (LifeLock), insurance (GetInsured.com, Stillwater, Evergreen, Tri-States Direct). In 2009, he co-founded River Street Management, LLC, an advisory/management services company. Jimmy serves as Chairman of the Board, Youth Villages, Inc., of Memphis, TN, and is on the University of Memphis Foundation Board of Trustees.  He graduated from the University of Memphis (1973-’76) cum laude in Finance.
Stephen has extensive experience in sourcing, structuring, and managing venture investments. He's been involved in all aspects of entrepreneurial businesses, including line management, capital allocation, personnel management, sales, and marketing. Prior to co-founding ESO, Stephen was a founder and investor in numerous wireless communications businesses and private equity opportunities. Stephen graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School and summa cum laude from Mississippi State University and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Email: smr@esofund.com - Phone: (650) 418-3004
Stephen has extensive experience in sourcing, structuring, and managing venture investments. He has been involved in all aspects of entrepreneurial businesses, including line management, capital allocation, personnel management, sales, and marketing. Early in his career, Mr. Roberts was a transactional lawyer. Prior to co-founding ESO, Stephen was involved as a founder or investor in numerous wireless communications businesses and private equity opportunities. Stephen graduated cum laude from the Harvard Law School and summa cum laude from Mississippi State University and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Stephen’s community activities include being a member of the Board of Directors of the Chickasaw Counsel of the Boy Scouts of America.
Scott has been in the venture capital industry since 1997 and was recently recognized by Always On as a Top 100 venture capitalist. He is known for his focus on disruptive technologies and for authoring Maxims, Morals, and Metaphors – A Primer on Venture Capital. Scott’s educational background includes the Kauffman Fellows Venture Capital Program, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with honors from Caltech as well as master’s degrees from Harvard University and Stanford University.
Scott has been in the venture capital industry since 1997 and was recently recognized by Always On as a Top 100 venture capitalist. He is known for his focus on disruptive technologies and for authoring Maxims, Morals, and Metaphors – A Primer on Venture Capital. Scott’s educational background includes the Kauffman Fellows Venture Capital Program, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with honors from Caltech as well as master’s degrees from Harvard University and Stanford University.
Email: scott@esofund.com - Phone: (650) 719-8863
Scott has been in the venture capital industry since 1997 and was recently recognized by Always On as a Top 100 venture capitalist. He is known for his focus on disruptive technologies and for authoring Maxims, Morals, and Metaphors – A Primer on Venture Capital. Scott’s passion for early stage technology ventures extends back to high school when he joined his first startup as a software engineer. He has since worked for five more technology ventures including Poqet Computer and ICE in addition to world-renowned research and development organizations such as Bellcore and IBM. His broad expertise in technology spans the industry from manufacturing to software development to chip design. Scott actively maintains his technical expertise as the creator of Oh Don’t Forget!, a popular mobile app for Android and iOS devices. He completed the prestigious Kauffman Fellows Program in 1999 with Onset Ventures and later joined Gabriel Venture Partners in early 2000 where he focused on research labs for fundamental innovations. Scott’s first investment at Gabriel was in the seed round of NextG Networks which eventually sold to Crown Castle for $1 billion. Scott’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with honors from Caltech as well as master’s degrees from Harvard University and Stanford University.
Tony Tsao’s experience spans venture capital, alternative investing and investment banking for high-growth technology and healthcare companies. He is responsible for all aspects of ESO’s investment process, including sourcing, structuring, executing, and managing transactions. Previously, Tony worked in venture debt at WTI, private equity secondaries at Saints Capital, multi-stage venture capital at H&Q Asia Pacific, and investment banking at Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns. He holds BS and MBA degrees from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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Email: tony@esofund.com - Phone: (650) 418-3033
Tony Tsao has extensive experience in venture capital, alternative investing and investment banking for high-growth technology and healthcare companies. He is responsible for all aspects of the ESO Fund’s investment process, including sourcing, structuring, executing, and managing transactions with employees of venture-backed companies. Previously, Tony served as a Principal at Western Technology Investment, a leading venture debt fund. Prior to WTI, he was a Vice President at Saints Capital managing direct secondary investments, and an Investment Manager at H&Q Asia Pacific focused on early to late-stage venture capital. He began his career in investment banking with Lehman Brothers in New York and London. He earned a BS in Economics, cum laude, and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
As Chief Financial Officer, Mike oversees the investor reporting and accounting teams at the firm. Prior to ESO, he was a senior financial analyst at Mercer Capital, where he provided valuation services related to corporate planning, M&A, financial reporting, litigation support, estate & gift tax planning, and compliance matters. He started his career as an auditor with KPMG, specializing in hedge funds, private equity, and other alternative investments. Mike graduated with a B.B.A. in Accounting from Southern Methodist University, is a Certified Public Accountant.
Email: mike@esofund.com - Phone: (650) 437-0175
As Chief Financial Officer, Mike oversees the investor reporting and accounting teams at the firm. Prior to ESO, he was a senior financial analyst at Mercer Capital, where he provided valuation services in engagements related to corporate planning, mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, litigation support, and estate and gift tax planning and compliance matters. He started his career as an auditor with KPMG, specializing in hedge funds, private equity funds, and other alternative investments. Mike graduated with a B.A. in Accounting from Southern Methodist University, is a Certified Public Accountant.
Ken Goldman has 20+ years of experience in finance and operations. Prior to ESO, he managed claims and pricing for PMI, where he helped develop predictive analytics for mortgage default risk. At ESO, Ken leads client services, specializing in risk management and process improvement. Ken began as a financial analyst at Thelen law firm and later operated his own consultancy in web development, financial modeling, project management, and technology training. He began his education at Yale University and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Cal State.
Email: ken@esofund.com - Phone: (650) 418-3096
Kenneth Goldman has over twenty years experience in various finance and operations roles. Prior to joining the ESO Fund, he managed claims and pricing functions at the PMI Group, where he led a decision science team in developing predictive analytics for assessing mortgage default risk. At ESO, Ken manages the inside sales team and specializes in developing methodologies for rapid risk assessment and pre-qualification. Ken began his career as a financial analyst at the Thelen law firm and operated his own consultancy through the dot.com era, serving in diverse roles from web developer and financial tool builder to project manager and corporate technology trainer. He began his education at Yale University and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Cal State.
Perry is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist. As a founder himself, Perry has learned firsthand what is required to create an industry-defining company from the ground up and what it means to have investors who believe in you every step of the way. His work as an operating executive is defined by the creation of 5 successful startups from the onset, including 2 IPOs (Xilinx & Mpath Interactive) and 2 companies he founded and led: BitGravity (acquired by Tata), a pioneer in broadcast video and interactive media over the Internet, and Persist Technologies (acquired by HP), one of the first Cloud storage companies. Perry is also a veteran venture investor who has worked at Accel Partners, Bedrock Capital, Com Ventures, and AI Fund. Perry holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in electrical engineering from Stanford University.
Perry is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist. As a founder himself, Perry has learned firsthand what is required to create an industry-defining company from the ground up and what it means to have investors who believe in you every step of the way. His work as an operating executive is defined by the creation of five successful startups from the onset, including two IPOs (Xilinx and Mpath Interactive) and two companies he founded and led: BitGravity (acquired by Tata), a pioneering leader in broadcast video and interactive media over the Internet, and Persist Technologies (acquired by HP), one of the first Cloud storage companies.  Perry is also a veteran venture investor who has worked at Accel Partners, Bedrock Capital, Com Ventures, and AI Fund.  Perry holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in electrical engineering from Stanford University.
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Utkarsh is a cum laude graduate from San Jose State University where he studied Finance and Computer Science. Before ESO, Utkarsh interned in Software Development at Waterline Data where he worked with REST APIs, Big Data warehouses and relational databases to automate business decision making. Earlier, Utkarsh interned at a small SaaS startup where he learned Android application design and startup development. Utkarsh is an active part of the Bay Area soccer community, playing semi-pro and refereeing.
Email: utkarsh@esofund.com
Phone: (650) 445-4362
Utkarsh is a cum laude graduate from San Jose State University where he studied Finance and Computer Science. Prior to joining ESO, Utkarsh interned in Software Development at Waterline Data where he worked with REST APIs, Big Data warehouses and relational databases to automate business decision making. Before Waterline, Utkarsh interned at a small SaaS startup in Sunnyvale, CA where he developed technical skills in Android application design and startup development. Utkarsh is an active part of the Bay Area soccer community, playing semi pro on the weekends and refereeing youth and adult games.
Nairie Krikorian has 15 years of experience in sales and operations roles. She is a relationship manager at ESO; guiding clients through stock options related decisons. Nairie foudned HES, an organization that assists students in the Middle East to make informative decisions and acts as a gateway to higher education institutions in the US. Nairie holds a Finance degree from San Jose State University. She is actively involved in the community and also a board member of the Armenian Cultural Foundation.
Email: nairie@esofund.com
Phone: (650) 418-3160
Nairie Krikorian has fifteen years of experience in sales and operations roles. She is a relationship manager at ESO; her primary role is to guide clients through the process of making educated decisions regarding their stock options.She’s also a founder of HES, an organization that assists students in the Middle East to make informative decisions and acts as a gateway to higher education institutions in the U.S.Nairie holds a Finance degree from San Jose State University. She is actively involved in the community and also a board member of the Armenian Cultural Foundation.
Andrew Moeckel is a graduate from The Washington University in St. Louis School of Engineering and Applied Science. He was a dual major in Computer Science and Economics, and looks to pursue the relationship between these disciplines. Andrew previously worked with Dr. Andrew Sherman and the Yale HPC Division to facilitate use and optimize the Yale HPC Cluster. Before that, he worked on tech startups through T-Rex, a Saint Louis based incubator.
Email: andrew@esofund.com
Phone: (650) 575-3350
Andrew Moeckel is a graduate from The Washington University in St. Louis School of Engineering and Applied Science. He was a dual major in Computer Science and Economics, and looks to pursue the relationship between these disciplines. Andrew previously worked with Dr. Andrew Sherman and the Yale HPC Division to facilitate use and optimize the Yale HPC Cluster. Before that, he worked on tech startups through T-Rex, a Saint Louis based incubator.
Bill is a versatile individual and avid investor. He loves that he can assist others financially through his engagement at ESO Fund. He graduated in 2014 from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he enjoyed taking, teaching, and creating classes with a focus on computer science and neuroscience. Bill has held the position of software engineer, intern, teacher, researcher, analyst, associate, and shooting guard while working with his university, the National Institutes on Drug Abuse, First Data, and Northrop Grumman corporation.
Email: bill@esofund.com - Phone: (650) 458-0062
Bill is an extremely versatile individual and avid investor who has developed an appetite for it on his personal time, and he loves that he can assist others financially through his engagement at ESO Fund. He graduated in 2014 from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he enjoyed taking, teaching, and creating classes with a focus on computer science and neuroscience. Throughout his career, Bill has held the position of software engineer, intern, teacher, researcher, analyst, associate, and shooting guard while working with his university, the National Institutes on Drug Abuse, First Data, and Northrop Grumman corporation.
Jordan Long is a graduate from Wake Forest University where he majored in Mathematical Economics. He aims to leverage his knowledge in data analytics in the Silicon Valley startup landscape. At ESO, Jordan runs all things marketing.He previously worked at Telemundo and DidjaTV as a Data Analyst. Jordan grew up in the Bay Area where he was an All-County baseball player and is an avid sport fan, music enthusiast, and movie lover.
Email: jordan@esofund.com
Phone: (650) 514-2753
Jordan Long is a graduate from Wake Forest University where he majored in Mathematics and Economics, and aims to leverage his knowledge in data analytics in the Silicon Valley startup landscape. Jordan previously worked at Telemundo and DidjaTV in a research capacity, working with audience profiling and the deviation from traditional linear television use. Jordan grew up in the Bay Area where he was an All-County baseball player and is an avid sport fan, music enthusiast, and movie lover.
Chris Lu is a graduate from Washington University in St. Louis. He studied computer science and finance and enjoys exploring the intersection of the two fields. Previously, Chris completed a technical internship in cyber security as a consultant for PwC. He worked with the CIO of a large Fortune 500 company to analyze and improve internal and external network security. Before PwC, Chris worked multiple summers for a wealth management firm in DC.
Chris Lu is a graduate from Washington University in St. Louis. He studied computer science and finance and enjoys exploring the intersection of the two fields. Previously, Chris completed a technical internship in cyber security as a consultant for PwC. He worked with the CIO of a large Fortune 500 company to analyze and improve internal and external network security. Before PwC, Chris worked multiple summers for a wealth management firm in DC.
Sean graduated from the College of William & Mary with degrees in Economics and Computer Science. He has experience at both large companies and startups, most recently working at the largest cannabis startup in California, Nabis, where he led the WMS migration that not only allowed for scaling, but saved millions of dollars by increasing both efficiency and inventory fidelity. Additionally, he has founder experience and continues to be interested in the startup space. He is proficient in full stack development capable in building both web and mobile apps. Sean enjoys playing tennis, learning about cryptocurrency, and rooting for the Denver Broncos in his spare time.
Sean graduated from the College of William and Mary with degrees in Economics and Computer Science. He's had experience in both large companies and startups, most recently working at the largest cannabis startup in California, Nabis, where he led the WMS migration that not only allowed for scaling, but saved millions of dollars by increasing both efficiency and inventory fidelity. Additionally he's had some founder experience and continues to be interested in the startup space. He is proficient in full stack development and is capable in building both web apps and mobile apps. Sean enjoys playing tennis, learning about cryptocurrency, and rooting for the Denver Broncos in his spare time.
Sam Stroud is a graduate from Indiana University where he studied Finance. Prior to ESO, he worked at the Silicon Valley tech company NetApp where he held several different roles in Audit and Corporate Finance positions. Sam plans to focus his diverse financial background towards helping startup employees with their stock option needs. Sam enjoys golfing, skiing, and mountain biking in his spare time as well as rooting for the San Francisco 49ers.
Email: sam@esofund.com
Phone: (650) 744-0595
Sam Stroud is a graduate from Indiana University where he studied Finance. Prior to ESO, he worked at the Silicon Valley tech company NetApp where he held several different roles in Audit and Corporate Finance positions. Sam plans to focus his diverse financial background towards helping startup employees with their stock option needs. Sam enjoys golfing, skiing, and mountain biking in his spare time as well as rooting for the San Francisco 49ers.
Connie brings more than 25 years of diverse bookkeeping, financial reporting, and tax compliance experience to her role in accounting at the firm. She has spent her career operating multiple business functions in a variety of companies in the financial services and real estate industries. Her best practices approach helps the firm’s partners and clients successfully execute complex transactions in both the front and back office. Connie earned her degree in Accounting from the State Technical Institute at Memphis.
Email: connie@esofund.com
Phone: (650) 425-3237
Connie brings more than 25 years of diverse bookkeeping, financial reporting, and tax compliance experience to her role in accounting at the firm. She has spent her career operating multiple business functions in a variety of companies in the financial services and real estate industries. Her best practices approach helps the firm’s partners and clients successfully execute complex transactions in both the front and back office. Connie earned her degree in Accounting from the State Technical Institute at Memphis.
Tamar Krikorian is currently serving as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager at ESO. She facilitates the smooth operation of both personal and business matters for the founding partner. Tamar brings a wealth of experience, having accrued over 15 years in the hospitality and real estate industries. Her background in these fields equips her with the keen organizational finesse and unwavering attention to detail required for her multifaceted role at ESO. Tamar also spent years supporting executive teams at both Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. Â
Tamar Krikorian is currently serving as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager at ESO. She facilitates the smooth operation of both personal and business matters for the founding partner. Tamar brings a wealth of experience, having accrued over 15 years in the hospitality and real estate industries. Her background in these fields equips her with the keen organizational finesse and unwavering attention to detail required for her multifaceted role at ESO. Tamar also spent years supporting executive teams at both Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. Â
Mary Jane is a Financial Analyst with ESO and assists with target valuation, transaction reporting, investment strategy formulation, and new business initiatives. Prior to ESO, she was a Senior Financial Analyst at Mercer Capital, where she focused on technology valuation engagements and portfolio valuation. Mary Jane graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of the South: Sewanee where she earned a B.A. in English and played collegiate tennis. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Email: maryjane@esofund.com
Mary Jane is a Financial Analyst at ESO and assists with target valuation, transaction reporting, investment strategy formulation, and new business initiatives. Prior to ESO, she was a Senior Financial Analyst at Mercer Capital, where she provided valuation services in engagements related to corporate planning, mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, litigation support, and estate and gift tax planning and compliance matters. As a member of Mercer’s FinTech Industry team, she published research on valuation issues in the industry. Mary Jane graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of the South: Sewanee where she earned a B.A. in English and played collegiate tennis.Â
Ann Marie graduated magna cum laude in real estate and legal studies from The University of Memphis. She has worked in the legal field for over 20 years as a Certified Paralegal. She has vast knowledge of financing and structured transactions. She worked in the turnaround field on complex transactions for many years before joining ESO Venture Fund as a Fund Administrator.
Email: ann@esofund.com
Ann Marie graduated magna cum laude in real estate and legal studies from The University of Memphis. She has worked in the legal field for over 20 years as a Certified Paralegal. She has vast knowledge of financing and structured transactions. She worked in the turnaround field on complex transactions for many years before joining ESO Venture Fund as a Fund Administrator.
Jimmy has over three decades of experience in venture capital, private equity and alternative investment management. Serving as a director, board observer, consultant and/or investor in start-up and later stage businesses across multiple sectors including: telecommunications, information technology, energy, insurance, finance, real estate, specialty retail and medical devices. Jimmy actively manages holdings in various hedge funds and in 2009, co-founded River Street Management, LLC, an advisory/management services company.Jimmy began his career trading commodity futures with Cook Industries, Inc., Dunavant Enterprises, Inc., Refco, Inc., and Lackie Trading Inc.Jimmy has served on the Board of Directors of Youth Villages Inc. of Memphis, TN, since 2005 and is currently Chairman of the Board.  He also serves on the University of Memphis Foundation Board of Trustees.  Jimmy is an Eagle Scout and served as President of the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America (2013-15).Jimmy attended the University of Memphis on a football scholarship (1973-’76) graduating cum laude in Finance in 1976.
Stephen has extensive experience in sourcing, structuring, and managing venture investments. He has been involved in all aspects of entrepreneurial businesses, including line management, capital allocation, personnel management, sales, and marketing. Early in his career, Mr. Roberts was a transactional lawyer. Prior to co-founding ESO, Stephen was involved as a founder or investor in numerous wireless communications businesses and private equity opportunities. Stephen graduated cum laude from the Harvard Law School and summa cum laude from Mississippi State University and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Stephen’s community activities include being a member of the Board of Directors of the Chickasaw Counsel of the Boy Scouts of America
Scott has been in the venture capital industry since 1997 and was recently recognized by Always On as a Top 100 venture capitalist. He is known for his focus on disruptive technologies and for authoring Maxims, Morals, and Metaphors – A Primer on Venture Capital. Scott’s passion for early stage technology ventures extends back to high school when he joined his first startup as a software engineer. He has since worked for five more technology ventures including Poqet Computer and ICE in addition to world-renowned research and development organizations such as Bellcore and IBM. His broad expertise in technology spans the industry from manufacturing to software development to chip design. Scott actively maintains his technical expertise as the creator of Oh Don’t Forget!, a popular mobile app for Android and iOS devices. He completed the prestigious Kauffman Fellows Program in 1999 with Onset Ventures and later joined Gabriel Venture Partners in early 2000 where he focused on research labs for fundamental innovations. Scott’s first investment at Gabriel was in the seed round of NextG Networks which eventually sold to Crown Castle for $1 billion. Scott’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with honors from Caltech as well as master’s degrees from Harvard University and Stanford University.
Tony Tsao has extensive experience in venture capital, alternative investing and investment banking for high-growth technology and healthcare companies. He is responsible for all aspects of the ESO Fund’s investment process, including sourcing, structuring, executing, and managing transactions with employees of venture-backed companies. Previously, Tony served as a Principal at Western Technology Investment, a leading venture debt fund. Prior to WTI, he was a Vice President at Saints Capital managing direct secondary investments, and an Investment Manager at H&Q Asia Pacific focused on early to late-stage venture capital. He began his career in investment banking with Lehman Brothers in New York and London. He earned a BS in Economics, cum laude, and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
This innovative service promotes and enables a healthier relationship between companies and employees. I my opinion it's valuable to employees and great for the overall tech environment and economy. It is good for nobody when employees feel trapped because they can't afford to leave. In less extreme cases exercising can be expensive and somewhat risky and this is simply a good smart hedge and a good square deal. Brilliant!
