Cliff Lardin

Cliff Lardin has a long history of working in the technology and engineering fields. Cliff began their career in 1992 as the Director of PC Programming for Flowers Foods. In 1998, they co-founded Bright Island, LLC, where they were responsible for creating a SaaS system to deliver interactive nationwide police/fire scanner access for emergency personnel and scanner enthusiasts. Cliff also worked as a Senior Engineer at Varian Semiconductor and as a Senior Software Developer at ChemSW, Inc. In 2003, they co-founded Cyan Data Systems, LLC, where they worked as the CEO to architect a unique and versatile cloud-based outcome measurement system tailored to foundations in the non-profit human services sector. From 2005-2008, they worked as a Venture Partner and Principal for Cayuga Venture Fund, where they evaluated potential investments and joined multiple portfolio companies in various roles. In 2008, they worked as a Venture Capitalist in Residence at Cornell University. From 2006-2012, they worked as a Manager for BR Venture Fund and a Vice President of Engineering for Mezmeriz, where they were responsible for all software and electrical engineering and led a team of engineers in designing and building the world's first off-axis near-field laser based projection engine designed to be easily embedded in mobile devices.

Cliff Lardin attended Amherst College from 1993 to 1995, studying Computer Science, English, and German. Cliff then went on to Cornell University from 2004 to 2006, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English. Finally, they attended Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management from 2005 to 2007, obtaining an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Private Equity.