Johnny Lehane
Managing Partner at Hudson Valley Startup Fund
Rhinebeck, New York
Overview
Work Experience
Small Business Consultant, Advisor & Coach
2024 - Current
I help business owners and leaders overcome obstacles and unlock potential. Drawing on my background as an owner, investor, board member, and educator, I provide strategic guidance and hands-on support to: - Achieve strategic clarity and competitive advantage. - Successfully bring new ventures and products to market. - Streamline operations and build high-performing teams. - Break through growth plateaus and drive sustained momentum.
Self Employed is a contracting company that provides independent contracting services.
Chief Operations Officer
2023
Build a team and systems for startup, focused on complex equipment leasing and labor force recruiting, training, staffing and compliance for independent cultivators, processors and brands in NYS regulated cannabis. As part of the founding team, co-develop business plans including go-to-market, product development, financial and fundraising strategies. Lead project management, systems selection, and partnership development.
Managing Partner
2015
Launched in the fall of 2015, the Hudson Valley Startup Fund is the first managed seed capital fund in the mid-Hudson region of New York State. HV Startup Fund brings together over 60 local investors and entrepreneurs to support local, scalable startups in the critical early stage of development with capital, mentors and a valuable network of resources locally, nationally and internationally. Built a team of 5 managers and 62 accredited investors to raise $2.2M across 2 funds. Lead the formation and operations of the management team and investor group. Develop a pipeline of Hudson Valley-based startups with the potential to scale. Collaborate and lead screening, mentoring, due diligence, deal development and finalization of investments between $25,000 - $250,000.
The Hudson Valley Startup Fund is a geographically focused fund that fosters and funds growth of the region's entrepreneurial ventures.
Member Board Of Directors
2021
Founder & Board Member
2021
NY Crossroads is a nonprofit seeking to attract a NY State funded pre-seed accelerator and venture competition to the Hudson Valley. NY Crossroads will support companies that agree to locate within the Hudson Valley for 12 months and have proprietary technology, market-defining products, and rapid growth potential.
Board Member
2021
Business Advisory, Growth & Development
2019 - 2023
Lead consultant providing direct business advisory services to clients and client cohorts of early stage businesses of all types. co-develop and execute business launch, growth and education programs. Identify and onboard business advisors to develop diverse regional business advisor network. Identify and nurture client opportunities.
Advisor
2020 - 2023
As an advisor to the CEO, I met regularly with Nicole to define business and financial strategy with a focus on funding, business model design, and community building.
Co-Founder & Co-Owner
2017 - 2023
As one of three founders and over a dozen owners, I worked with the team to craft the vision and for-profit cooperative business model of CO. I co managed operations and the board, supporting staff, hosts, members, prospects, event managers, owner-investors, and the community. As a member of the operations team, participated in regular operations, planning and marketing, and support financial and operational management. Due to the challenges of COVID and shifting co-working business landscape, we orchestrated the sale of CO assets to the landlord in February, 2023.
CO is a coworking and event space supporting Hudson Valley entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses.
Guest Entrepreneur in Residence
2022 - 2022