Richard Holcomb, one of the best-known serial entrepreneurs in North Carolina, is joining The Aurora Funds as a special venture partner.
Holcomb, who has been an active angel investor and also served on Aurora’s technology advisory board, is the second partner Aurora has added since closing on its new $85 million fund. Tom McMurray joined Aurora last week.
The latest entrepreneurial venture for Holcomb is StrikeIorn. The recently launched company focuses on web services.
Holcomb will help Aurora evaluate new IT investment opportunities and offer guidance to the firm’s portfolio companies.
“Richard has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to build successful software companies from the ground up,” said Scott Albert, managing general partner of Aurora, in a statement. “As both an investor and entrepreneur, Richard understands first-hand the challenges and issues of launching, building and growing successful software companies. It is invaluable to have a seasoned entrepreneur like Richard serve as a role model or mentor for less experienced or first-time entrepreneurs.”
Holcomb founded Q&E Software in 1986 and sold it to Intersolv in 1994. He also founded HAHT Commerce in 1995 and served as interim CEO of wireless company Gadgetspace until it was acquired by InPhonic in 2001.
Aurora has invested in a number of Holcomb’s companies.
Aurora Funds: www.aurorafunds.com
