Shomik Dutta

Overview

Shomik Dutta is an angel investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, climate initiatives, and political technology. He co-founded Higher Ground Labs in 2017, a venture fund and accelerator dedicated to advancing political progress through technology. Under his leadership, Higher Ground Labs invested over $50 million across three funds, supporting more than 70 startups focused on enhancing democratic processes. In 2022, Shomik transitioned from his full-time role at Higher Ground Labs to focus on climate investing and his family, continuing his involvement as a board member and in investment decisions through Fund III. He is currently the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Overture Climate VC, leveraging his diverse background to invest in and support companies at the intersection of technology and social impact. Shomik began his career as a longtime aide to President Obama, serving as Mid-Atlantic Finance Director and later as a Special Assistant in the White House. He also served as an Advisor to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. His experience spans across venture capital, climate initiatives, and political technology, making him a seasoned investor in these sectors. Shomik's investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies that are innovating in technology and social impact sectors. He has a particular interest in startups that are developing solutions to address climate change and enhance democratic processes. His portfolio includes companies like Avalanche, which guided over $1 billion in battleground messaging in 2020, and BallotReady, which educated over 36 million voters through major social media partnerships in the same year. Shomik's approach combines his expertise in technology with a commitment to social impact, aiming to support ventures that can drive meaningful change. Throughout his career, Shomik has demonstrated a strong commitment to progressive causes and has been recognized for his contributions to political technology. His work at Higher Ground Labs and Overture Climate VC reflects his dedication to leveraging technology for social good. Shomik holds an MBA from Wharton Business School and a BA from Williams College. He has also served as a Technology Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics. His diverse background and experience make him a prominent figure in the angel investment community, particularly in the technology and social impact sectors.

Investment Focus

• Innovative technology solutions
• Social impact focus
• Early-stage companies

Portfolio Companies