Gene Austin Joins Austin Ventures as Entrepreneur-in-Residence

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - Jan 14, 2013) - Austin Ventures ("AV"), a venture capital firm investing in early-stage startup companies in Texas, announces the addition of Gene Austin as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence ("EIR"). As an EIR, Mr. Austin will apply his expertise in the B2B software market, with a particular emphasis on SaaS and Cloud computing applications.

"Gene is known for his ability to consistently build strong leadership teams that deliver growth and results. His knowledge of the SaaS/OnDemand software space will allow him to make an immediate impact by either starting a company or joining an existing company in our portfolio. We have a history of partnering with exceptional executives and entrepreneurs, and we are excited about continuing a long-term partnership with Gene," said Thomas Ball, AV General Partner.

Gene has over 30 years of experience in leading high-growth technology companies as Chairman of the Board, CEO, VP and General Manager, among other key operating positions. Austin has extensive experience in leading both private venture-backed and public technology companies. Gene is joining AV after serving as CEO of Convio, an AV portfolio company and the leading SaaS provider of CRM solutions for nonprofits. During his 10-year tenure at Convio, he grew the business to a successful IPO in 2010, followed by a successful sale in 2012.

Prior to Convio, Gene served as VP and General Manager of the Enterprise Data Management business for BMC Software. He has also worked as VP of Internet Servers for Dell, VP of Sales and Marketing for CareerBuilder.com, and VP of Marketing for Servers at Compaq. While at CareerBuilder.com, he was part of the team that took the company public. He currently serves on the boards of the JDRF in Austin, and KIPP School of Austin. Gene received his B.S. degree in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from the Olin School of Washington in St. Louis.

"I have had the good fortune to partner with AV for nearly a decade while leading Convio," said Austin. "I'm excited to start a new chapter in our relationship as an EIR focusing on the rapidly evolving application market delivered via the cloud."

About Austin Ventures
Austin Ventures ("AV") has worked with talented entrepreneurs to build valuable companies for over 30 years. With $3.9 billion of capital raised, AV is the most active venture capital firm in Texas and one of the most established in the nation. AV invests in early stage and middle market companies, and its strategy is to partner with talented executives and entrepreneurs to build industry-leading companies predominantly in Texas. Visit Austin Ventures for more information.