Venrock Expands Energy Practice with the Addition of Bruce Pasternack

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 16, 2010  Venrock, a premiere venture capital firm originally established as the venture arm of the Rockefeller family, today announced that Bruce Pasternack joined as an operating partner. In his role, Pasternack will support companies in the firm’s energy portfolio and provide alignment with energy policy and administration in Washington

“I am excited to be working with Venrock’s world-class energy team to continue building companies that embody innovation and fuel economic growth for a better future,” said Bruce Pasternack, operating partner, Venrock. “Fostering better collaboration between government and the private sector is key to solving the energy crisis. Venrock’s energy companies will play a critical role in this endeavor.”

Prior to joining Venrock, Pasternack was a venture partner with CMEA Capital. During his career, he spent nearly 30 years at Booz Allen Hamilton, most recently as a senior vice president and managing partner of its San Francisco office. During his tenure there, he led the company’s Organization and Strategic Leadership Practice and its Energy, Chemicals, and Pharmaceuticals Practice.

Prior to that, Pasternack served in a spectrum of roles for the US government. He was the senior energy policy official in the Executive Branch while at the Federal Energy Administration, the predecessor to the Department of Energy. He also served on the White House Energy Resources Council. Additionally, he was on the staff of the Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive Office of the President of the United States.

Currently, Pasternack serves on the boards of Codexis, Quantum and Symyx, as well as the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). He has also served as President and CEO of Special Olympics International and has co-authored two business books, The Centerless Corporation and Results. Pasternack holds an M.S.E. in systems engineering and operations research from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.E. in mechanical engineering from The Cooper Union, where he serves on the board of trustees.

“Bruce brings enormous intellectual capital and experience in management consulting to Venrock and its portfolio companies,” said Ray Rothrock, partner, Venrock. “In addition, with both increased federal support and regulations impacting the energy industry, Bruce’s first-hand experience in Washington is a real asset.”