Our Team
Dr Paul Sheng
Managing PartnerPaul is Senior Partner emeritus at McKinsey and Company, where he previously led its Global Energy and Materials and Oil & Gas Practices. Over a 25 year career, Paul has served energy and resource clients across North America, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa on strategy, operations, organization and technology topics. Prior to McKinsey, Paul was an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. He is a Founders’ Advisor for The Engine, serves on advisory boards for UC Berkeley, is a member of Goose Capital, and advises several start-ups. Paul received his SB, SM and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT.
Eric Bielke
Managing PartnerEric Bielke has been a professional investor in emerging technologies for 11 years, most recently as Director of Temasek’s Emerging Technologies Fund where he led investments across semiconductors, aerospace, and climate. He has served on the boards of more than a dozen emerging technology providers including Eavor Technologies, Orbital Sidekick, Workrise, CarbonFree Chemicals and Sungevity. Before Temasek, Eric was previously with GE Ventures and Next47, focused on enterprise software and enterprise marketplace ideas. Prior to investing, Eric co-founded SoCore Energy, a commercial solar financing and installation provider that was acquired by Engie and spent his early career as a data scientist with Charles River Associates. He has previously served on the advisory boards of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA from Dartmouth College.
Irma Baez
Office ManagerIrma is a skilled professional with over 19 years of administrative experience. Her diverse skill sets span across various industries including Oil and Natural Gas, International Health & Security Risk Management, Banking, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and non-profit organizations. Irma has achieved a prosperous career in the administrative sector and champions the significance and value of Office Management Operations in the workplace. Currently serving as the Community Volunteer Business Lead and Mentor at Office Experts LLC, she contributes to a community entirely staffed by dedicated volunteer Administrative Professionals. Irma holds an Associate of Applied Science in Business Technology from Houston Community College. She also obtained Leadership & Practical Problem-Solving Certification and is a Texas Notary.
Dr David Bender
AssociateDavid brings over a decade of technology and startup experience. In his most recent role at Boston Consulting Group, he focused on growth strategy and operations for energy and aerospace clients. Notable work includes executing the F-18 SLM program for the US Navy and standing up a public/private partnership for a hydrogen industrial hub. Prior to BCG, he pursued a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Southern California where he specialized in carbon fiber composites and cofounded an advanced materials startup. David received his SB in chemical engineering from MIT.