Shawn Kung

Overview

With over 20 years of experience in enterprise product management, Shawn Kung has been instrumental in the growth of several technology companies. He served as Head of Products at Aster Data Systems, contributing to its $300 million acquisition in 2011, and at Tenable Security, leading to its $3 billion IPO in 2018. His expertise spans SaaS applications, data infrastructure, and cybersecurity. As a Venture Partner at AV8 Ventures, Shawn focuses on enterprise software startups, particularly in the B2B sector. He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, teaching 'Software Startup Formation' to aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, he is a Founding Partner at LucidCloud Advisors, where he specializes in formation-to-seed investments in deeply technical B2B software companies, often backing PhD or highly technical CEOs and providing hands-on strategic advice. Shawn's investment approach is hands-on, leveraging his extensive operational experience to guide early-stage founders. He is also the co-founder of GIT1K, a syndicate for senior IT leaders, and leads the 5,000+ member Founders Club community, offering advice, support, and networking opportunities for founders. His educational background includes a BA from Princeton University, an MS in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University, and an HBX Certificate (Honors) from Harvard Business School.

Investment Focus

• Deeply technical B2B software companies led by PhD or highly technical CEOs

Portfolio Companies