Seán Sebastian personifies the convergence of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. On the techy side, as founding partner of Pittsburgh/San Francisco-based Birchmere Ventures, Seán has spent over two decades in venture capital and technology commercialization.

His string of successful investments leading to initial public offerings includes Cvent, CymaBay, FreeMarkets, NuPathe and ServiceWare. Before working at GE Information Services and American Management Systems, he earned degrees at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (BSME) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (MBA). He also proudly served in the U.S. Air Force following his undergraduate ROTC experience.

Related board roles include 3 Rivers Venture Fair, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative and Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association.

On the artsy side, Seán is a passionate fan of indie music and film. In addition to chairing WYEP-FM’s board and capital campaign, he’s a board member of the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Whiskey Museum of America, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the Duquesne Club.

Seán’s secret passion is classic Humphrey Bogart films—is there a better movie than African Queen? An avid follower of B-grade/supporting actors, he is happy to discuss how Eric Roberts, Julia’s brother, tops even Kevin Bacon’s six degrees of separation.