Our Team Unleashes The Potential of Technology.
Ben Solomon
Founder & CEO
Ben founded FedTech in 2015 and has led the firm through its growth from a small regional venture to an international company that catalyzes interaction between the venture world and the R&D community. He is passionate about democratizing access to deep tech and empowering entrepreneurs. Ben has taught on technology commercialization at his alma mater, the University of Maryland and previously held positions at NBC Sports and Bloomberg News. He holds a BA in History from Princeton University.
Jake Kramer
Chief Product Officer
Jake leads many aspects of running the organization from operations to business development. He also serves as a Venture Partner at NextGen Venture Partners. He started his career as a US Army Officer, earning a Bronze Star Medal. Afterwards, he joined Goldman Sachs, gaining exposure to financial technology and investments. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a BBA in Computer Info. Sys. From Hofstra University.
Robyn Brazzil
Chief Delivery Officer
Prior to FedTech, Robyn founded and led the startAD entrepreneurship program at NYU Abu Dhabi from its inception in 2015. She designed a unique corporate sprint accelerator program with partners including GE, Oracle, Etihad and ADNOC that has served over 100 global startups, which have raised more than $50M. Before moving to the UAE, she was a former trial attorney in New York. Ms. Brazzil holds a BSBA and BA in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill and J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
Lindsey Smith
Director of People Operations
Lindsey oversees the strategic development and implementation of policies and procedures related to People Operations, Human Resources, and Recruiting. Her primary function includes leading initiatives to attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Prior to FedTech, Lindsey was heavily involved in NSF I-Corps and SBIR/STTR Boot Camp activities, supporting 2,000+ teams with customer discovery activities culminating in over a decade of program management experience. She received her M.Ed and BA in Psychology from James Madison University.
Eric Stevens
Director of Finance
Eric Stevens is the Director and Head of Finance at FedTech, where he leverages over three decades of financial expertise in technology and government contracting. Holding an MBA in Finance from the University of Rochester, Eric guides financial operations and strategic growth initiatives. His extensive background includes roles as a Consultant and Interim CFO, where he specialized in investment analysis and GAAP. At FedTech, Eric plays a crucial role in shaping financial strategies that support innovation in the intersecting realms of government and advanced technology.
Ryan Helbach
Director
Ryan oversees the National Security portfolio at FedTech. Previously, he was the Chief Intrapreneur at Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) and Director of Business Development at Tangram Flex. He received his BS in Mechnical Engineering from Ohio University and MS in Aerospace Engineering from University of Dayton.
Thomas B. Shiell, Ph.D.
Principal, Head of Technology Partnerships
As Head of the Technology Partnerships Team, Thomas coordinates FedTech's venture studio technology sourcing process, managing a network of professional contacts spanning across the US-Gov. DoD, DOE, DHS, NASA, and FedTech's University partners, as well as overseeing FedTech's Tech Transfer Operations Consulting and Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) advisory service offerings. Prior to joining FedTech, Thomas received his PhD in Physics - Materials Science from the Australian National University and then worked as a research scientist at the Carnegie Institution for Science’s Geophysical Laboratory.
Gunnar Gillespie
Head of Growth
Gunnar Gillespie, Head of Business Development at FedTech, leads custom innovation solutions across government and corporate sectors. He oversees a diverse portfolio including deep tech commercialization, accelerators, and strategic consulting services. Gunnar excels in crafting bespoke innovation ecosystems for federal agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies. His expertise in bridging cutting-edge technology with practical applications drives transformative outcomes. Gunnar's strategic approach positions him as a key facilitator of cross-sector technological advancement.
John Cramp
Strategic Advisor
John Cramp is a seasoned business executive with over 30 years of experience in leading technology-based companies through critical growth phases. Specializing in strategic planning, sales, marketing, and operations, John excels in aligning corporate strategy with operational goals. His expertise spans electronic payments, IT, and software development. John's passion lies in nurturing key relationships and driving sustained growth, making him a trusted advisor and mentor at FedTech.
Justin Dunnicliff
Advisor
Justin Dunnicliff is currently the National Security Program Lead for Pendulum Intelligence, a Seattle-based startup focused on identifying and tracking the spread of narratives across online video and audio platforms. Justin leads Pendulum’s efforts with the federal government specifically with the defense and intelligence communities. Prior to joining Pendulum, Justin was the Deputy Director of the National Security Innovation Network, a component of the Defense Innovation Unit, focused on creating linkages between the Department of Defense and startup communities around the US.
Mark Bigham
Strategic Advisor
Mark Bigham is a strategic advisor and entrepreneur dedicated to helping innovators shape the future. With a focus on AI-enabled autonomy, robotics, and advanced technology, Mark excels in maximizing operational performance. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at Raytheon IIS, L-3 Com, and E-Systems. Mark's specialties encompass business development, strategic planning, and operational analysis, making him a key mentor and guide at FedTech.
Jeannie Mun
Strategic Advisor
Jeannie Mun is a seasoned financial executive with a passion for leveraging technology and innovation. Currently the founder of JMM Capital, Jeannie has a rich background in finance and strategy, having served as the CFO at numerous venture-backed software companies including OwnBackup, MediaMath, and Operative. Jeannie's focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and nurturing talent makes her an inspiring advisor for FedTech.