Pismo Ventures
About Pismo Ventures
Invests in early-stage startups that are beyond ideation, have a committed team, and possess domain expertise. Syndicates with other investment groups and facilitates funding for pre-seed, seed, and Series A companies, alongside an advisory arm offering fractional C-suite and exit-planning services to more established businesses.
JJ Richa
CEO
Serial entrepreneur, executive and investor; founded several companies including a hospitality software company and a financial-sector custom software firm. Longtime Tech Coast Angels member (former VP and executive committee member). BS and MS from Cal State Long Beach.
Robyn Leary
Venture Partner – Life Science
Scientist and investor with life sciences expertise spanning small molecule therapeutics, biologics, and medical devices. Experienced angel investor with Tech Coast Angels. PhD in genetics from the University of Minnesota; postdoctoral training at Scripps Research and UC San Diego's Moores Cancer Center.
Stijn Vanorbeek
CTO
Technologist and entrepreneur with 20+ years of product development and technology leadership experience across software, robotics, IoT, and AR/VR. AWS certified.
Hassan Archer
COO
18 years in software product development, working with Fortune 100 companies and startups. BS in Computer Science from UT Austin, MS in Psychology from Vanguard University.
Dan Hamon
Software Solution Extraordinaire
Executive, operator, and technologist with experience across SaaS, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and AI. BS in Computer Science from Cal State Fullerton; completed Stanford GSB's Executive Program for Growing Companies.
Also runs an advisory arm for established businesses (fractional COO/CSO/CMO, exit planning via CEPA-certified advisors) alongside its early-stage investing. Portfolio spans ~65 companies across life sciences, hardware, and software.
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Free to use in articles, research, and reference works. Stable URL, will not change. Data on this page last updated September 1, 2026.
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