About Brian

About

Brian is currently CEO at SurfEllent, a Houston-based startup developing the next generation of anti-icing and anti-scaling coatings technologies. Brian is also a partner at ATP, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in highly-differentiated, deep technology startups. Details can be found at the ATP website.

Prior to his current work, Brian worked at McKinsey & Company for 5 years, serving dozens of clients out of the Houston office. Example engagements include:

Led a team developing AI/machine-learning algorithms to drive pricing engines for a B2B client. The project spanned design through organizational implementation: managing a team of coders/data scientists utilizing state-of-the-art ML algorithms, driving syndication with senior-level management, and developing and executing implementation programs through a large sales organization.
Advised a number of large private equity firms and corporate clients on acquisitions in smart meters, commercial real estate, petrochemicals, and "green" chemistries.
Developed bottom-up strategy for design and roll-out of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure network, including capital allocation, station design, and network characteristics. The team utilized huge databases of traffic, commercial, and geolocation data to optimize site location.
Drove implementation of lean manufacturing techniques in an aerospace parts manufacturing facility; improved machine shop throughput by >15% in 10 weeks

In his PhD work at Harvard, Brian focused on developing new chemistries for large batteries to be used for grid-scale energy storage. Brian and his colleagues developed the first ever battery capable of operating without a metal redox active chemistry: no lithium, no lead, no zinc, no cobalt, or any other expensive and/or toxic metal. Instead, this new battery relied on organic molecules inspired by naturally-occurring photosynthetic processes that occur in plants. The work culminated with a well-publicized article in Nature (featured in The Economist and The New York Times, among other publications) and multiple patents. Brian maintain an active interest in R&D in this space.

Brian also has a B.S. in chemical engineering and political science from Yale. He enjoys traveling with his girlfriend, Courtney, and spending time with his three nieces. Additionally, Brian is an active angel investor and is particularly interested in startups related to MS (multiple sclerosis).