Josh Thompson
InvestorPartner at Aera VC
New York, New York
Writes $100K – $5M checks · typically $1.5M
About
Josh Thompson is an entrepreneur and investor with over 15 years of experience in early-stage venture capital, focused on identifying emerging technologies and backing founders. He founded Civics Unplugged, a democracy-building organization, and Gotham Labs. At Aera VC he leads US-based deals and talent scouting, focusing on frontier technologies, and sits on the Investment Committee for Aera III. He holds a Political Science degree from Piedmont University and a Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School.
Invests in
Deep Tech
Experience
- Civics UnpluggedCo-Founder + CEOcurrent2019 — presentNew York, New York, United States
- Nai Tapas BarCo-Ownercurrent2024 — presentNew York, United States
- https://www.gothamlab.co/Co-Foundercurrent1925 — presentNew York, New York, United States
- Gatsby.EnterprisesMecurrent1924 — presentNew York, New York, United States
- Ellison Institute of Technology OxfordSelectorcurrent2024 — presentOxford, England, United Kingdom
- Gotham LabsCo-Foundercurrent2021 — presentNew York, New York, United States
- Aera VCPartnercurrent2020 — presentThe Planet
- Onward LabsCo-Founder + CEOcurrent2018 — presentGreater New York City Area
- Dream DAOCo-Founder + Founding Championcurrent2021 — present
- End Poverty. Make Trillions.Board of Advisorscurrent2021 — present
- Venture CooperativeVenture Operatorcurrent2021 — presentNew York, New York, United States
- One for DemocracyAdvisor2020 — 2023
- Human Ventures CoVenture Partner2018 — 2021Greater New York City Area
- Cory 2020National Network2019 — 2020Greater New York City Area
- New ClassroomsCarried out Mission2016 — 2018Greater New York City Area
- Ran to serve as the next Mayor of New York CityMayoral Candidate2016 — 2017New York City
- New Leaders OrgExecutive Director2014 — 2016Greater New York City Area
- Executive Office of the MayorDirector Of Education2012 — 2014Bridgeport, CT
- Executive Office of the MayorCarried Out Mission2011 — 2012Washington D.C. Metro Area
- St. Benedict's Prep SchoolAthletic Director + Educator + Development + House Parent!2010 — 2012
- Mayor Cory Booker (PENewark)Carried out Mission2010 — 2011
- Jackie Robinson FoundationCarried out Mission2009 — 2010
- New York Civil Rights CoalitionCarried out Mission2003 — 2004
Skills & more
Start-up LeadershipStart-up VenturesCommunity Organizing12Community Outreach51Editing8Event Planning7Grant Writing11Fundraising25Leadership54Legal Research3Nonprofits25Policy48
+12 more
Policy AnalysisProgram DevelopmentProgram EvaluationPublic RelationsPublic SpeakingResearchTeachingTrainingVolunteer ManagementGrantsNon-profitsPublic PolicyFrom Josh's professional profile.
Colleagues at Aera VC
Alex André de La Porte
Insight Partner at Aera VC
Daniel Tan
Fund Director, Principal at Aera VC
Derek Handley
Futurist, entrepreneur, and student fascinated by what it means to live well in an increasingly chaotic world
Jiore Craig
Insight Partner at Aera VC
Jui Jhala
Fund Director, Finance & Compliance at Aera VC
Keenan Kwok
Partner at Aera VC
Nick Winstone
Founder, Partner at Aera VC
Roz Turner
Operations & Support at Aera VC
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Josh Thompson?
- Josh Thompson is an entrepreneur and investor with over 15 years of experience in early-stage venture capital, focused on identifying emerging technologies and backing founders. He founded Civics Unplugged, a democracy-building organization, and Gotham Labs. At Aera VC he leads US-based deals and talent scouting, focusing on frontier technologies, and sits on the Investment Committee for Aera III. He holds a Political Science degree from Piedmont University and a Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School.
- Where does Josh Thompson work?
- Josh Thompson is Partner at Aera VC.
- What does Josh Thompson invest in?
- Josh Thompson invests in Deep Tech.
- What check size does Josh Thompson write?
- Josh Thompson typically writes checks of $100K – $5M.
- Where did Josh Thompson go to school?
- Josh Thompson studied at Vermont Law and Graduate School (Doctor of Law (J.D.), Law); Tulane University Law School (International Human Rights Law); Piedmont University (Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government).
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