Keiretsu stands for collaboration, the culture in which our forum thrives. Keiretsu Forum is the largest North American angel network with 16 chapters and over 750 accredited investor members. Since September 2000, Keiretsu Forum members have invested more than $180 million in over 200 companies in technology, healthcare/life sciences, consumer products, real estate and other segments with high growth potential. Our community is strengthened through education on angel investing, as well as charitable and social activities. Details Here

Our members possess and share diverse industry expertise, from software, telecom and life sciences to retail and information technology. Presenting entrepreneurs have the opportunity to enjoy exposure to our accredited private equity investors, VCs and resource partners, access to a wealth of feedback and insight, and a portal into the markets, relationships and executive talent found within the Keiretsu network.

Phil Syrdal
Boise/Idaho Chapter
Acting President

Dave Chase
Boise/Idaho Chapter
Sun Valley Director

Dave spent twelve years at Microsoft in various senior marketing and general management roles, including his role as MSN’s Managing Director for Industry Marketing & Relations where he gained an intimate understanding of the best practices for Interactive Marketing. Dave played leadership roles in launching several new businesses within Microsoft including Microsoft’s entry into the enterprise server business which is now a $8 billion dollar business. Later, he was integral in Microsoft’s entry into consumer Internet sites that achieved both critical and business success. Prior to joining Microsoft, Dave was a senior consultant with Accenture consulting to finance, telecommunications and healthcare companies. Dave has also been a successful investor and advisor to several early-stage companies.

Dave has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington with a finance concentration and minor in Mathematics. He is a graduate of Harvard’s & Northwestern’s Business executive and continuation programs. He has also been a partner with Social Venture Partners, Vice Chair for the leading United Way in the country (United Way of King County) and strategic advisor to Climate Solutions (a non-partisan economic development non-profit).

M. Todd Dean
Northwest Region
President

Growing up in the big sky state of Montana, Todd learned first hand the value of relationships, hard work and community at a young age. After attending the Business School at Eastern Montana College, Todd has 18 years of experience in the business community building his acumen and relationship network. The majority of those years were spent working for Bernard Rapaport, the billionaire CEO of American Income Life Insurance, where Todd started in sales and successfully worked his way up to the top agent in the nation and a role as regional manager. Over the years, Todd has developed a wide and influential association of business relationships throughout the northwest.

Recently Todd has experience working as an investor relations advisor and assisted in the fundraising for several prominent local startup companies including NodeLogic Networks, BioPassword, PayScale and LINQware to name a few.

Todd donates considerable time and energy to several regional charities and non-profits including the City Team Men’s Homeless Shelter, Hope Heart Institute, American Cancer Society, and the Washington State Wine Industry.

Nathan McDonald
Northwest Region
Director

Originally from Bainbridge Island, Nathan brings an entrepreneurial business and organizational development background developed during eight years of hands on, active leadership and operational experience. Since graduating from the University of Washington School of Business in the spring of 1999, Nathan has successfully promoted over 150 privately financed high-growth companies through media and events. Nathan is an experienced creative leader with a natural relationship development and financial mindset.

Since the spring of 2000, he has served as Managing Director of the Investment Forum. Under his direction and leadership, this non-profit organization has produced the highest quality educational programs, social events and investment forums in the region in collaboration with more than thirty-five industry groups and hundreds of different sponsors. Nathan has produced over forty events ranging from 50 to 450 attendees, including successfully hosting events in Safeco Field, Seahawks Stadium and Chateau Ste Michelle winery. In the past five years, Nathan has raised over $350,000 in sponsorship from law firms, accounting firms, venture capital funds, and other related service providers.

Nathan was a lead organizer of the first Early Stage Investment Forum held in March of 2000, which became the region's most successful venture funding conference ever raising more than $30 million for 15 companies. Nathan was also a founder of the Venture All Stars and in the fall of 2002 and 2003 and spring of 2004, Venture All Stars brought together over 400 of the most influential investors and Venture All Star companies CEO’s from throughout the region to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments.

Paul Luce
Northwest Regional
Entrepreneur Director

As Entrepreneur Director Paul is responsible for managing Keiretsu's interactions with the entrepreneurs. This includes reviewing business plans of future presenters, coaching and preparing the current month's presenters, interacting with past presenters in due diligence, and giving existing portfolio companies support. Paul's past experience includes Morgan Stanley and Avanade. He holds a BA in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of Washington.

Outside of work Paul spends his time with his wife Clara and their French Bulldog. He enjoys the outdoors, and staying informed about sports, politics, and the economy. His community involvement includes work with the MIT Enterprise Forum and a coach for Special Olympics basketball.

Gina Sullivan
Northwest Regional Chapter
Member Services Director

Gina brings a diverse background and skill set to Keiretsu Forum. After having been in the marketing/graphic design industry for over 20 years for companies such as Microsoft/Microsoft Press, Landor Associates, Giordano Kearfott Design, Chateau Ste. Michelle/Stimson Lane, and Sasquatch Books she decided to try something new. Her love of organizing and her interpersonal skills-coupled with her design and marketing background made the Member Services Director position a perfect fit.

Gina's responsibilities range from the planning and oversight of the four chapter Forum Meetings and all other events, to the day-to-day operations of the Northwest Regional office in Seattle. She is also involved with the members on a daily basis-making sure that needs and expectations are met and providing support for members and non-members alike.

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree-Fine Arts from Seattle Pacific University as well a teaching certificate for grades K-8.