Robert Carlson
InvestorManaging Director at Bioeconomy
Seattle, Washington
Writes $100K – $5M checks · typically $1.5M
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
Education
- Princeton UniversityPhD, Physics1993 — 1997
- University of WashingtonBS, Physics1988 — 1993
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
- 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.
Same school
Also attended Princeton University556
Fabrice GrindaCo-founder & Managing Partner at FJ LabsAndrewAdvisor at Clear VenturesChristal NgAssociate at Golden Gate VenturesDavid CoatsManaging Director & Co-Founder at Correlation VenturesDan MoreheadFounder & CEO at Pantera CapitalHoward CoxSpecial Limited Partner at Greylock Partners
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Also attended University of Washington262
Andrew ChenGeneral Partner at Andreessen HorowitzVictoria TreygerGeneral Partner at Felicis VenturesAndrewAdvisor at Clear VenturesJoe HorsmanInvestor at Madrona Venture GroupTed KummertVenture partner at Madrona focused on enterprise infrastructure, data, and intelligent applicationsJohn CarpenterInformation Technology Director at Madrona Venture Group
+ 256 more
Shared employers
Also worked at Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington89
Joe HorsmanInvestor at Madrona Venture GroupMike 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 Biology
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