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Can we find a new word other than “startup”?
Talks about Startups, Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
HA
Hunter Ashmore
VC
Somerville, Massachusetts
Overview
Hunter Ashmore is a seasoned venture capitalist who recently led the US VC team for Hanwha FutureProof Ventures, investing in diverse founders and companies like Maverick BioMetals and Fortem Technologies. With a background in engineering and a focus on deeptech, Ashmore has successfully navigated his career through roles at companies like Boeing, GE Ventures, and Optomec, showcasing expertise in areas such as rocket technology, energy systems, and cleantech.
Currently based in Somerville, Massachusetts, Ashmore's career highlights include founding IndustrialML, Inc. and serving as a Senior Investment Director at FutureProof, A Hanwha Company, demonstrating a strong track record in project management, team leadership, and strategic business development within the venture capital and startup ecosystem.
Work Experience
Founder
2024 - Current
Growth strategy and due diligence consultant. Specialized in helping deeptech startups & VCs to navigate emerging technologies and new markets. exergy: n. A measure of the real potential output of a system
Deeptech Talent Specialist
2024
Sourcing critical talent for critical industries. Specialized in aerospace & defense, advanced manufacturing, AI, automation, robotics, and energy verticals
Advisor
2024
Senior Investment Director
2022 - 2024
Led Hanwha's US-focused VC investments (>$600M AUM) and strategic partnerships across Aerospace & Defense, Maritime, Advanced Manufacturing, ML/AI, Cleantech, and Sustainability Portfolio: Maverick Biometals (synbio / biomining), Fortem Technologies (dual-use / counter-uas), Phoenix Tailings (mining / cleantech), Forge Nano (adv. mfg.), Ampcera (batteries / adv. matl.), Finless Foods (foodtech)
VP of Digital Strategy
2021 - 2022
Led digital transformation and innovation projects in manufacturing to improve production efficiency and capacity.
Re:Build is an industrial manufacturing company that integrates advanced technologies with traditional manufacturing processes.
Raised $232,925,000.00 from General Catalyst.
Founder, CEO
2018 - 2021
IndustrialML is an award-winning startup building a data aggregation and analytics platform for process manufacturers. MassChallenge '20 Boston (Gold winner), Harvard ilab LLX GEO '20-'21, Plug & Play winter '20 IoT cohort
IndustrialML is a startup serving industrial customers by making factories smarter.
Raised $925,000.00 from MassChallenge.
Investment Principal, HorizonX Ventures
2017 - 2018
As a venture capital principal, I was responsible for full deal lifecycle, including developing investment theses, sourcing, screening, deal negotiation, and post-investment strategic relationships. • Notable Investments: Digital Alloys (additive manufacturing), Cuberg (batteries), Gamma Alloys (advanced materials)
Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a company that specializes in the advancement of different technological aspects.
Business Development Consultant
2017 - 2017
Performed market analysis and provided go-to-market strategy for printed electronics offerings
Venture Investor
2016 - 2017
• Venture Capital: responsible for due diligence, sourcing, and market landscaping for venture investments in the digital-industrial space. Deal team member for Desktop Metal, Carbon3D, Optomec, Sarcos Robotics, Upskill, Rethink Robotics, Matterfab, Airware • Strategy: Laid groundwork for a startup incubation program that was to be housed in the new Boston headquarters. Coordinated ecosystem engagement, program design, and innovation center planning.
Co-Founder
2015 - 2016
LiftUp was a hardware company aiming to make strength training more convenient and approachable. 80% of Americans don’t strength train enough. Hurdles include its inconvenience (both in yearly costs and 2-hour gym trips); slow results; and high intimidation factor, whether it’s the behemoths at the gym or high-intensity guided home videos. Our solution was smart exercise equipment paired with an app for easy-to-do home workouts, automatic workout tracking, and progress reports. We combined this with a user experience focused on building healthy habits, not gimmicky 30-day beach bodies. By tackling these issues, we aimed to make strength training more interesting, convenient, and approachable.