About
John Otterson is a Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Jackson Square Ventures, where he oversees firm operations, capital formation, and Limited Partner relations. He is a senior alternative investment and venture capital fundraising executive with a long track record of building platforms, scaling capital, and cultivating durable LP partnerships.Previously, John was a key architect of SVB Capital’s growth, helping scale the platform from under $200 million to more than $2.3 billion in AUM across venture direct and fund-of-funds strategies, while expanding LP access to top-tier managers and differentiated returns. Earlier in his career, he was Silicon Valley Bank’s first hire for its Southern California technology practice and later founded and led the firm’s San Diego office.Across his career, John has led global fundraising efforts, advised select venture and growth equity firms, and served on investment committees, endowment oversight bodies, and boards of emerging companies. Hi…
Experience
Partner, Limited Partner Relations
SVB Capital · Menlo Park
Led institutional fundraising and LP strategy for SVB Capital, directly sourcing $1.3 billion of $2.3 billion in third-party AUM and helping launch Silicon Valley Bank’s first institutionally backed venture capital fund-of-funds platform. Built and scaled SVB’s funds management business across U.S. foundations and endowments, global institutional investors, and family offices, while establishing deep relationships with leading investment consultants, including Cambridge Associates, Mercer, NEPC, Russell, and Albourne. Positioned SVB Capital as a venture thought leader through the creation of flagship LP programs and global events, including the SVB Capital LP Forum, CONNECT Hawaii, and the Australian Innovation Dinner Series, strengthening long-term LP engagement and platform visibility. Investment Committee member for SVB Strategic Investors Funds I–III and direct venture funds, with responsibility for investment sourcing, diligence, and portfolio oversight.
Managing Director
Sourced and executed corporate finance and strategic transactions for emerging technology companies, including subordinated debt, private equity, and M&A. Advised founders and management teams on capital formation strategy, supporting venture capital and angel financings and partnering with deal teams on technology-focused private equity and M&A assignments. Leveraged Silicon Valley Bank’s commercial banking platform and relationship teams to originate opportunities and deliver integrated financing solutions for corporate finance clients.
Co-Founder, Board Member
One of four professional service providers who founded San Diego Telecom Council (now CommNexus) to serve the regions start-up, emerging growth and established companies in technology sectors relating to communications, defense, and networking.
Chairman and Board Member
San Diego Venture Group
Part of Board team that initiated recomposition of Board and refocus of organization. Recruited San Diego business leaders to board and collaborated with board to define strategic direction.
Senior Vice President
• Responsible for initiating and building Bank’s San Diego Technology Practice. Established SVB as the preferred lender to technology based emerging growth companies in the San Diego region. Efforts culminated in $1.0 billion deposit base with $100 million in loan outstandings. • Responsible for multi-million net profit contribution. Managed high performing team of three lending professionals plus cash management and support staff. • Responsible for debt structuring as well as implementation of cash management and investment programs for start-up and emerging growth technology companies. • Structured transactions covering a broad range of requirements, including domestic and foreign working capital, equipment lease, vendor lease, acquisition, and mezzanine financing.
Marketing
LexoCorp
Education
USC Marshall School of Business
MBA, Finance
University of California, Berkeley
BS, History
University of Oxford
Francis W. Parker
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor's degree, Diplomatic History
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