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Tom Simpson

Investor at CEO Ignite

Spokane, Washington

Overview 

Tom Simpson is the CEO of Ignite, with a background as an entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor. He has held leadership roles in organizations like etailz and Northwest Venture Associates, showcasing expertise in start-ups, financial analysis, and business development. With a Wharton MBA and experience as Managing Director at Dain Bosworth, Simpson has excelled in managing mergers & acquisitions and leading successful start-up ventures, making him a sought-after figure in the entrepreneurial and investment community.

Work Experience 

CEO Ignite, President of the Spokane Angel Alliance and Managing Member of the Kick-Start Seed Fund.

  • Entrepreneur, Angel Investor & Mentor

    2008 - Current

    Ignite funds, mentors and accelerates explosively growing companies in the Spokane, Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint area. The Spokane Angel Alliance is a 100+ member angel investor group. Since inception, members of the SAA have invested over $80 million in 79 companies. These businesses have raised over $326 million from other investors. Kick-Start is focused on investing in companies in the Spokane region. Kick-Start has invested in over 50 companies. Representative investments include: 2nd Watch, AppRabbit, Atmosfy, CarbonQuest, Collabra, CRAVE Delivery, Credential Network, Demand Energy, Fly Parrots, Gestalt, Gierd, HyperSciences, Impact Laboratories, Inherent BioSciences, Katalyst Fit, Litehouse Health, Medcurity, Medication Review, NavigatorCRE, Origami Solar, Slate Dental, RiskLens, Secure Save, Sound Commerce, S2 Media, SafeGuard Equipment, Spiceology, Treasury4, Upwardli, Vega and Vaagen Timbers. I am a board member of the Spokane Business Association, Litehouse, Medcurity, Treasury4 and Vaagen, a board observer for Gestalt, Slate, Spicelogy and Vega and on the advisory board of Voyager Capital. Previous board seats include AdRelevance, Berg Manufacturing, Foster School of Business, Greater Spokane Incorporated, etailz, NetPodium, NextIT, Packet Engines, Pacific Edge Software, Pet’s Choice, Safeguard Equipment, Sportscope, Sur La Table, Telect and World Wide Packets. In 2018, I was inducted into Spokane's Citizen Hall of Fame for my contributions to Economic Development and Business in the region. In 2022, I received the Downtown Spokane Partnership's Legacy Award, which recognizes an individual person who has left a mark on Spokane by creating exceptional contributions to the business community and downtown vitality. In 2023, I was selected by the Spokane Journal of Business as one of its 24 People of Influence in the Spokane Region. I am married with 6 children, hold a private pilot's license and have completed 5 IronMan Triathlons.

etailz

  • Co-Founder

    2008 - 2016

    I co-founded etailz with one of my students from Gonzaga University in 2008 and led the company as Executive Chairman to over $100 million in revenues until its acquisition in 2016.

Northwest Venture Associates

  • Managing Partner

    1995 - 2008

    Northwest Venture Associates, a venture capital firm, invested in several of the region's most successful companies formed in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Investments included AdRelevance, Confirma, NetPodium, NetMotion Wireless, Packet Engines, Pet's Choice, PrintPaks, Sur La Table, Tegic and World Wide Packets.

Dain Bosworth

  • Managing Director, Corporate Finance

    1987 - 1995

    Managed public offerings, private placements and mergers and acquisitions for multiple companies in the Northwest.

Deloitte Haskins & Sells

  • CPA, Senior Accountant

    1982 - 1985

Education 

Articles About Tom

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