Geoff Entress

Geoff Entress is a highly respected and influential figure in the Pacific Northwest's venture capital and startup ecosystem, currently serving as a Managing Director and Co-Founder of Pioneer Square Labs (PSL). His career spans decades, marked by a deep involvement in company building, early-stage investing, and strategic guidance. Prior to co-founding PSL, Entress held significant roles as a venture partner with prominent firms such as Voyager Capital and Madrona Venture Group, where he gained extensive experience in identifying and nurturing high-growth technology companies. His unique blend of operational insight and investment acumen has made him a sought-after advisor and investor.

PSL operates as a distinctive startup studio, a model that differentiates it from traditional venture capital firms. Instead of merely investing in external companies, PSL actively conceives, validates, and builds new ventures from the ground up, providing them with initial capital, strategic direction, and operational support. This hands-on approach is central to Entress's current work, where he plays a pivotal role in the ideation and incubation phases. PSL announced a $100 million fund (PSL Fund III) in 2021, underscoring its capacity to provide substantial initial funding to its incubated companies, typically ranging from $500,000 to $1,500,000 as the initial seed capital before subsequent external rounds.

Beyond his institutional roles, Entress is renowned for his prolific angel investing career. He has personally invested in over 100 companies, primarily focusing on early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including B2B SaaS, artificial intelligence, and deep tech. This extensive portfolio highlights his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting founders from the earliest stages. His investment philosophy often emphasizes strong founding teams, disruptive technologies, and scalable business models, with a particular affinity for companies rooted in the Pacific Northwest.

Entress's impact extends beyond capital deployment; he is known for providing valuable mentorship and leveraging his vast network to support portfolio companies. His operational background, including roles at companies like McCaw Cellular Communications, further enriches his ability to guide entrepreneurs through the challenges of scaling a business. His contributions have significantly shaped the regional tech landscape, solidifying his reputation as a founder-friendly investor dedicated to long-term success.