Scott Larson, Founder & Managing Partner

Scott is the founder and managing partner of Vashon Partners. With an accomplished background in building and managing new technology ventures, Scott has a detailed knowledge of the information technology, digital media and entertainment industries. He has over 15 years of experience in developing innovations, as well as domestic and international strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions. Scott has also been instrumental in raising and facilitating over $50 million in financing for several corporations and nonprofit organizations.

Prior to founding Vashon Partners, Scott served as vice president of investor relations at InfoMove in Seattle. He is a frequent lecturer and panelist at information technology and new media conferences worldwide. Scott was also director of business development at The Globe, focusing on domestic and international strategic initiatives in preparation for The Globe’s initial public offering. Scott participates on the boards and advisory boards of several companies and nonprofit organizations, including the Columbia University Alumni Association and the University of Washington TechTransfer.

Scott was awarded the prestigious Javits Fellowship at Columbia University in New York and conducted advanced research in technology and digital media while serving with the Technology and Communications Committee of the U.S. Senate. He received a Master’s Degree with honors from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Scott also graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Tufts University. He has worked on digital media projects at the United Nations, Harvard University and the Columbia Center for New Media.

In addition to his professional achievements, Scott coordinates and participates in several local and national charity events. He is an inventor and published author. Scott was also selected to play baseball professionally in the International Ambassador League in Europe. Scott speaks five languages, and his passions include cinema, photography, baseball, lighthouses and jazz music.

Peter Holland, Partner & Business Advisor

Principal of Suma Technologies LLC, Peter has been active in a wide range of strategic initiatives with Vashon Partners in addition to his direct activities within the emerging mobile technology arena via Holland Technologies LLC. Peter participates as an advisory board member to several early stage companies. He has extensive management and operational experience in the wireless telecommunications industry and extensive banking experience.

Formerly Peter was president & chief executive officer of InfoMove, a wireless telematics company. Peter was previously the founder and president of Teletronics Management Services, a consulting firm specializing in program management and site development for wireless network operators throughout North America. Teletronics was purchased by WesTower Communications (Spectra Site), a public company.

Prior to Teletronics, Peter was managing partner of Nexus Cellular, a cellular operating partnership comprised of senior McCaw Cellular executives in rural Tennessee which was sold to Contel/GTE. Peter began his career in cellular at McCaw Cellular (acquired by AT&T) during the early days of the US cellular market with their acquisitions group. While at McCaw, he was involved in a wide variety of business activities and worked directly with Senior Management of McCaw Cellular.

Peter was a founding member and past president of the Young Entrepreneur's Forum (now called EO) in Seattle. EO is an organization designed to help business owners as a global community that enriches members’ lives through dynamic peer-to-peer learning and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

A graduate of the University of Washington with a BA in Economics, Peter resides in Seattle with his wife Catherine and their three young children.

Nate Cluett, Partner & Technical Advisor

Currently the chief technology officer of WineBid.com, Nate has worked with The Walter Group Inc. (TWG) and its associated entities for over ten years. Nate was the technological visionary for many of the TWG's success stories. He has designed and maintained all internal and external systems for TWG's group of companies, with offices across the nation and world. Nate consulted on projects all over the United States and in Mexico, Iceland, Hong Kong, and Brazil.

Nate has also consulted with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has extensive experience in technology infrastructure management.

Nate received his MBA from the University of Washington's Management Program (TMMBA) as a member of the first TMMBA class. Prior education includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an A.A.A with honors in Video and New Media Technology from the Art Institute of Seattle.

Paul Gerrard-Smith, Partner & Business Advisor

Paul is the founder of p48.com, a consulting firm specializing in technology solutions through data base driven, self-administered B2B and B2C websites. Prior to forming p48.com, he was Vice President for Altamont Group an investment company managing a portfolio of boutique resorts with annual revenues of $130 Million. As part of the senior staff, he managed marketing and ecommerce groups, through start up and ongoing mergers and acquisitions

Previously, Paul was Vice President of Global Leisure, a firm specializing in worldwide leisure travel and a pioneer in consolidation of the travel industry. He helped shape merger and acquisition initiatives and developed new B2C and B2B expansion strategy. He held positions in marketing, creative services, fulfillment and helped shape strategic planning and tactical execution for the company. Paul has held various management positions responsible international business clients, including, Microsoft, Boeing and UAL. He understands strategic planning to ensure revenue growth in global markets and has led a team of network partners to success within a highly fragmented and ultra competitive environment. Paul understands the challenges of startup incubation and growth. His ability to communicate complex issues, define business opportunities makes him a well respected business adviser and collaborator to the client sets he supports.

Paul specializes in strategic planning, business development, and marketing leadership. He was also the principal of etriptix.com, working with philanthropic groups and associations looking to augment their fundraising efforts through affiliate fees generated by online specialty travel programs for their organization

A native of the U.K. and a graduate of Worcester College with a BA in Management, Paul is active in philanthropic efforts in his hometown of Seattle, where lives with his wife and daughter. Paul is a world traveler extraordinaire; whose passions include live music, theatre and most all outdoors activities in the Pacific Northwest.