Stephan Paternot

Overview

Stephan Paternot is an American entrepreneur and angel investor recognized for co-founding the early social networking site theGlobe.com in 1994. The company made history with a record-setting IPO in 1998, achieving a valuation exceeding $1 billion. Over six years, theGlobe.com grew to over 300 employees and became one of the top thirty most visited sites globally, attracting nearly 10% of all internet users monthly. In 1999, Paternot received the 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award from Ernst & Young. In 2001, he authored 'A Very Public Offering,' detailing his experiences with the company. Prior to founding theGlobe.com, Paternot attended Cornell University, earning a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Raised in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, he later moved to the United States for his studies. After theGlobe.com, Paternot co-founded Slated in 2011, an online marketplace for film financing, sales, packaging, and development. As CEO, he has overseen the platform's growth, facilitating over $1.25 billion in investor introductions for more than 1,200 listed films by 2018. Slated has been instrumental in the production of films featured at the Sundance Film Festival and nominated for Oscars. Additionally, Paternot co-founded PalmStar Entertainment in 2004, a film production company specializing in literary adaptations and true stories. He also established Actarus Funds in 2002, an angel investment firm that has supported companies like LendingClub, SecondMarket, Indiegogo, AngelList, and Digital Currency Group. Paternot's investment focus includes seed and early-stage opportunities in sectors such as games, entertainment, media, consumer internet, and climate-related themes. He typically invests between $100,000 and $2 million. His diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative ventures at the intersection of technology and media. His strategic approach combines his entrepreneurial background with a keen interest in emerging technologies and media trends, aiming to foster growth and innovation in these dynamic industries.

Investment Focus

• Innovative business models
• Scalable growth potential
• Experienced founding teams
• Clear market differentiation
• Sustainable competitive advantages

Portfolio Companies