Robert Carlson
InvestorManaging Director at Bioeconomy
Seattle, Washington
Writes $100K – $5M checks · typically $1.5M
Find your path to Robert
243 people in our graph share verified history with Robert — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Paul JennyunlockedRobert: together at Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington (1988–2016)
×9Robert: together at Princeton University
Robert: together at Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington
Robert: together at World Health Organization
About
Rob Carlson is Managing Director at Planetary Technologies, where he advises corporations and governments on technical, business, and security strategy across emerging technology sectors including biotechnology, renewable energy, and autonomous systems. His work spans policy development, strategic planning, technology evaluation, and economic analysis, with particular expertise in synthetic biology, biosecurity, and microfabrication. He is also involved in founding and developing new entrepreneurial organizations.
Experience
- Planetary TechnologiesManaging Directorcurrent2022 — present
- ZymeCOMember Board of Directorscurrent2024 — present
- Bioeconomy CapitalManaging Directorcurrent2014 — present
- Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of WashingtonAffiliate Professorcurrent2018 — present
- RoosterBio Inc.Member Board Of Directorscurrent2013 — present
- Lumen BioscienceMember Board Of Directorscurrent2017 — present
- Parse BiosciencesMember Board of Directors2020 — 2025
- Institute for Defense AnalysesAdjunct Research Staff2021 — 2023
- BiodesicPrincipal2005 — 2023
- DIYbio.orgMember, Board of Directors2012 — 2019
- National Academy of SciencesMember, Forum on Synthetic Biology2013 — 2017
- HiveBio Community LabMember, Board of Directors2013 — 2016
- World Health OrganizationMember, Scientific Working Group on the Implication of Synthetic Biology For Smallpox Control2015
- The Hastings CenterScientific Advisor2011 — 2013
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of WashingtonSenior Lecturer2012
- Blue Marble EnergyAdvisory Board Member2009 — 2012
- Bio Economic Research AssociatesSenior Associate2004 — 2008
- University of WashingtonSenior Scientist2003 — 2007
- The Molecular Sciences InstituteResearch Fellow1997 — 2002Berkeley, California, United States
Skills & more
Strategic Planning10Public Speaking6Strategy12Analysis6Board LevelBoard OperationRenewable Energy14Molecular Biology13Life Sciences11Biotechnology44Business Strategy3Data Analysis16
+12 more
Start-upsBiofuelsCompetitive IntelligenceLifesciencesBiosecurityResearchEntrepreneurshipSynthetic BiologyBiochemistryScienceVenture CapitalInvestment ManagementFrom Robert's professional profile.
Colleagues at Bioeconomy
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Robert Carlson?
- Rob Carlson is Managing Director at Planetary Technologies, where he advises corporations and governments on technical, business, and security strategy across emerging technology sectors including biotechnology, renewable energy, and autonomous systems. His work spans policy development, strategic planning, technology evaluation, and economic analysis, with particular expertise in synthetic biology, biosecurity, and microfabrication. He is also involved in founding and developing new entrepreneurial organizations.
- Where does Robert Carlson work?
- Robert Carlson is Managing Director at Bioeconomy.
- What check size does Robert Carlson write?
- Robert Carlson typically writes checks of $100K – $5M.
- Where did Robert Carlson go to school?
- Robert Carlson studied at Princeton University (PhD, Physics); University of Washington (BS, Physics).
Same school
Also attended Princeton University877
Fabrice GrindaCo-founder & Managing Partner at FJ LabsRyan SheaCo-founder of Blockstack (Stacks)Dario AmodeiCo-founder & CEO of AnthropicFei-Fei LiCo-founder & CEO of World Labs; Sequoia Professor of Computer Science at StanfordCat WuInvestor at Index VenturesAndrewAdvisor at Clear Ventures
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+ 871 more
Also attended University of Washington469
Andrew ChenGeneral Partner at Andreessen HorowitzArvind JainFounder & CEO of GleanJane MooneyCo-founder & VP, Strategy and Finance at Collaborative RoboticsVictoria TreygerGeneral Partner at Felicis VenturesAndrewAdvisor at Clear VenturesJoe HorsmanInvestor at Madrona Venture Group
+ 463 more
Shared employers
Also worked at Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington170
Mike FridgenVenture Partner at Madrona Venture GroupSid ShenaiVenture partner at Madrona and co-founder and CEO of Proof DiagnosticsPaul JennyBoard Chair at CincyTechJason PrestonInvestor at Alsop Louie PartnersElliot HershbergScientist, Writer, and Investor on a mission to accelerate The Century of BiologyLuke RigganAssociate at Amplify Partners
+ 164 more
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