Company

Robert S. Adams
Managing Director, NextStage Capital

Rob Adams brings 15 years of venture capital, operational, and financial experience to NextStage Capital L.P. An investor in HardMetrics, his work with emerging companies includes business strategy development and implementation, financial analysis and modeling, management development, and business positioning.

Prior to co-founding NextStage Capital, Rob was vice-president and officer of Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE: SFE) a publicly traded venture capital firm. During his six years at Safeguard, Rob led the sourcing, negotiation, management, and exit of more than $100 million in venture capital investments. At Safeguard, Rob was involved in the development of numerous technology companies, from early stage through public entity. He was responsible for designing and executing Safeguard's investment strategies for both business software and communications industry segments, including technology-specific investment platforms in voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) and wireless middleware applications. Rob led Safeguard portfolio companies through the strategic planning, product development, and commercialization processes; recruitment of various CxO management positions; and development of strategic alliances, mergers, and acquisitions. Rob was also a member of Safeguard's investment committee.

Rob began his career in the Entrepreneurial Services unit of Ernst & Young, where he obtained his CPA license and provided consulting and auditing services to management/owners of technology-based venture-backed companies.

Rob has a BS in Economics from Skidmore College and earned his MBA with distinction from the University of Michigan.