John Petote

Founder at Santa Barbara Angel Alliance

Summary

Accomplished Angel Investor and Technology Executive with over 35 years of experience in business development and startup investments. Successfully invested in 125+ startup and early-stage companies across diverse sectors including IT, SaaS, AI, Biotech, and Medical Devices. Recognized industry pioneer with proven expertise in strategic planning, business development, and mentoring early-stage companies. Demonstrated leadership in building and scaling technology solutions for enterprise and SMB organizations.

Professional Experience

Founder Santa Barbara Angel Alliance February 2016 – Present

• Lead an elite angel investment group focused on vetting, investing in, and mentoring high-potential startup companies
• Oversee investment strategy and portfolio management across multiple technology and healthcare sectors
• Foster collaborative relationships between investors and entrepreneurial teams
• Drive strategic initiatives to support regional startup ecosystem development

Chairman & Founder CIO Solutions 1986 – Present

• Founded and built a leading IT solutions provider specializing in cloud-based infrastructure
• Guide strategic direction and corporate governance as Chairman
• Developed comprehensive IT management services for Enterprise and SMB clients
• Established strong market presence in managed services and cloud solutions

Advisory Board Member / Ambassador of Angel Investing Future In Review Technology Conference May 2009 – Present

• Provide strategic guidance on technology trends and investment opportunities
• Foster connections between investors and emerging technology companies
• Contribute to conference planning and content development

Board Memberships

• ParentSquare
• FutureInReview.com
• UCSB Economic Forecast Project
• United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

Investment Portfolio

1. ShipHawk
   • Deal Date: February 25, 2020
   • Deal Type: Later Stage VC
   • Industry: Business/Productivity Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
2. Pattern Computer
   • Deal Date: December 15, 2017
   • Industry: Diagnostic Equipment
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
3. Bone Score
   • Deal Date: November 22, 2017
   • Industry: Diagnostic Equipment
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
4. First Light Diagnostics
   • Deal Date: January 24, 2017
   • Industry: Diagnostic Equipment
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
5. DocFox
   • Deal Date: July 1, 2016
   • Industry: Network Management Software
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
6. Scout Holdings
   • Deal Date: March 8, 2016
   • Industry: Publishing
   • Company Stage: Out of Business
7. Apeel
   • Deal Date: July 1, 2015
   • Industry: Other Containers and Packaging
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue
8. CytomX Therapeutics
   • Deal Date: June 16, 2015
   • Industry: Biotechnology
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue/Not Profitable
9. LungLife AI
   • Deal Date: June 4, 2015
   • Deal Type: Later Stage VC
   • Industry: Diagnostic Equipment
   • Company Stage: Generating Revenue/Not Profitable
10. NeuroVigil
    • Deal Date: May 3, 2015
    • Deal Type: Later Stage VC
    • Industry: Diagnostic Equipment
    • Company Stage: Generating Revenue

Education

ICM School of Business, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Business / Computer Science Graduated with Honors

Awards & Recognition

• Pioneer of the Year, South Coast Business & Technology Awards (2017)

Skills

• Angel Investing
• Startup Assessment
• Strategic Planning
• Business Development
• Mentoring
• Creative Problem Solving
• Technology Strategy
• Enterprise IT Solutions
• Portfolio Management

Contact Information

• Location: New York, New York, United States

– LinkedIn Connections: 500+

– Professional Followers: 885