Aaron Tainter
Director of Accelerator Programs at Innovation Works
Greater Pittsburgh Region
Overview
Work Experience
Adjunct Instructor
2024 - Current
I teach an undergraduate course at Carnegie Mellon focused on how early-stage startups raise capital and how venture investors evaluate deals. The class covers startup funding strategy, term sheet negotiation, valuation, and exit planning, with a strong emphasis on real-world application through case studies and simulations.
Director of Accelerator Programs
2023
I lead the unified AlphaLab accelerator at Innovation Works, overseeing program strategy, team performance, and founder outcomes across our software, hardware, life sciences, and robotics tracks. My role focuses on driving cross-program alignment, strengthening operational consistency, and scaling the impact of our accelerator portfolio. I manage a high-performing team, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and invest in professional development through a shared community of practice. My goal is to ensure AlphaLab delivers a world-class experience for both founders and funders.
Portfolio Executive, AlphaLab
2023 - 2023
Senior Manager, AlphaLab and Portfolio
2022 - 2023
Senior Program Manager, Software and AlphaLab
2018 - 2022
Program Manager at AlphaLab
2014 - 2018
Innovation Works invests capital, business expertise and resources into companies with the greatest likelihood of regional economic impact.
Raised $19,678,479.00.
Adjunct Professor
2015 - 2018
BUS550 Innovation and Commercialization
Senior Manager - Continuous Improvement & Metrics
2012 - 2014
Led global R&D optimization initiatives that drove over $8M in cost savings and efficiency gains. Partnered with senior leaders to streamline operations across a 2,500-person organization, including redesigning budgeting governance that reduced year-over-year variance by 70%. Acted as an internal consultant on cross-functional initiatives, collaborating with clinical vendors and internal teams to solve high-impact challenges. Promoted to Senior Manager and recognized with multiple STAR Awards for operational excellence and strategic execution.
Bristol-Myers Squibb engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of pharmaceuticals.
Raised $23,580,000,000.00 from RA Capital Management, OUP (Osage University Partners), Aperture Venture Partners, Greg Bailey, Connecticut Innovations, Knoll Capital Management, Vivo Capital, Venrock, Litmore Capital and Carl Icahn.
Research & Development Strategic Operations MBA Summer Intern
2011 - 2011
Bristol-Myers Squibb engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of pharmaceuticals.
Raised $23,580,000,000.00 from RA Capital Management, OUP (Osage University Partners), Aperture Venture Partners, Greg Bailey, Connecticut Innovations, Knoll Capital Management, Vivo Capital, Venrock, Litmore Capital and Carl Icahn.
Associate
2006 - 2010
Sourced and evaluated more than 3,000 early-stage startups across SaaS, logistics, robotics, and hardware. Built and led the firm’s deal pipeline, resulting in investments that led to successful exits. Developed financial models, market analyses, and investment theses to guide partner decisions. Managed pre-investment diligence and worked directly with founders on business model validation and growth strategy.
Analyst
2005 - 2006