Francis Pollara

Francis Pollara has a diverse work experience that spans several industries and roles. Francis is currently serving as a Commissioner, Design Commission at the City of La Cañada Flintridge. In addition, they are working as a Strategy & Development Consultant at Starburst Aerospace, where they support innovation by connecting businesses, government organizations, and academic institutions.

From 2019 to 2023, Francis held various positions at Urban Movement Labs, starting as a Board Member and Founder before becoming the Director of Strategy and Development. Francis was also involved in the creation of TheFutureParty, a community-based media platform and newsletter where they served as Co-Founder, overseeing strategy, product, and growth until it was acquired.

Prior to that, Francis worked for the City of Los Angeles as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Mobility Innovation, in the Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti. Francis was responsible for developing transportation tech solutions under real urban conditions, and they played a key role in establishing Urban Movement Labs. Francis also worked as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Innovation Fellow at EY, supporting innovative projects in Los Angeles.

Francis's experience in venture capital includes their roles at Luma Launch, where they served as a Venture Partner, Strategy & Venture Manager, and Founder. Francis led due-diligence research, invested in early-stage technology companies, and played a vital role in shaping the company's strategic direction.

Before their venture capital involvement, Francis co-founded Urban Greenery, a nonprofit organization focused on locally and sustainably grown produce. Francis also had positions at Live Nation Entertainment and The Many, where they worked as a Technical Project Manager and Sr. Creative Manager & Technologist, respectively.

Overall, Francis Pollara brings a wealth of experience in strategic development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. Francis'sexpertise spans across various sectors, including government, aerospace, media, urban planning, and entertainment.

Francis Pollara completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Executive Leadership & Corporate Strategy from USC Marshall School of Business between 2019 and 2021. Prior to that, from 2008 to 2010, they pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with a double major in Product Design and Film/Arts from ArtCenter College of Design.

Francis has also obtained a certification as a Private Aircraft Pilot from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2015. The specific month in which this certification was obtained is not provided.