Thea Chase has 25+ years of broad expertise in the venture investment and entrepreneurship space including; the design and start of the Western Colorado Venture forum (first Colorado pitch event outside the front range); executive committee for the Energize Colorado GAP Fund distributing 26M statewide (Covid relief); Managing Director, Telluride Venture Accelerator (private sector venture model); and Board appointment to the Colorado State Venture Capital Authority (serving since 2018). Thea has gained extensive experience and networks nationally and internationally as a board member for private companies, venture boards, accelerators, as well as, mentoring startups all over the world, and most recently starting her own firm.
Thea’s passion is working with entrepreneurs and building communities interested in engaging entrepreneurs through developing supportive ecosystems. Currently, Thea is engaged in international projects in Thailand and Saudi Arabia in her capacity as Senior Consultant for CREEDA Projects Ltd, a boutique international consulting firm based in Australia with experience in 50+ countries. Recently completed projects include evaluation of entrepreneurship platforms in KSA in partnership with PwC and capacity building and evaluation of Science Park Incubators in Thailand in partnership with The National Science and Technology Development Agency. Thea’s work in the US focuses on rural ecosystems and entrepreneurs. Thea believes in collaboration and efficient use of resources to build the greatest impact and has worked extensively with diverse groups of stakeholders to drive successful projects.
Thea has managed award-winning mixed-use business incubators, founded university entrepreneurship centers, seed accelerators and regional innovation & entrepreneurial ecosystem programs. Thea consults and mentors select growth companies, advises communities and programs as a volunteer and has served as a Town Trustee for the past seven years where she resides in Palisade, CO. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from American University in Washington D.C. and her MBA from the University of Colorado Denver. Thea was born into a family of entrepreneurs and small business owners and is committed to making her opportunities available to others.