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Zack C

- Research Program Mentor

MBA candidate at Columbia College

Expertise

Engineering, Management Consulting

Bio

I am Zackary Coley, and I have a deep passion for biotech and climate technology. I aim to break into venture capital investing in these industries after completing my MBA at Columbia Business School. I studied Biological Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. My academic journey included internships with energy and biotech companies such as Abbott and BP, where I gained valuable experience in environmental impact reporting and biotechnology innovations. Post graduation, I spent 3 years in management consulting at Kearney, where I honed my skills in corporate operations and strategy. Outside of my professional pursuits, I have a deep appreciation for the outdoors, cultivated during my formative years in Raleigh, NC. In addition to being an outdoor enthusiast, I love health and fitness and enjoy participating in sports, particularly basketball, soccer, and boxing.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Evaluating Investment Opportunities in Emerging Biotech, Energy, and Cleantech Sectors

Objective: To analyze and identify promising investment opportunities within the emerging biotech, energy, and cleantech sectors from a venture capital perspective. Project Scope: Market Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive market analysis of the biotech, energy, and cleantech industries. Identify key trends, recent advancements, and market drivers in each sector. Assess the current market size and projected growth for these industries. Technology Assessment: Evaluate the technological advancements and innovations within biotech, energy, and cleantech. Identify leading technologies and companies driving innovation in these sectors. Assess the scalability and commercial viability of these technologies. Environmental and Social Impact: Analyze the environmental and social benefits and challenges associated with advancements in these sectors. Compare the sustainability metrics of different technologies and solutions. Investigate the potential for these sectors to contribute to climate change mitigation and social well-being. Investment Analysis: Identify and profile startups and companies specializing in innovative solutions within biotech, energy, and cleantech. Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for each identified company. Evaluate the financial health, funding history, and growth potential of these companies. Risk Assessment: Identify key risks and challenges facing the biotech, energy, and cleantech industries, including technological, regulatory, and market risks. Develop strategies to mitigate these risks from an investor's perspective. Investment Recommendations: Formulate a set of investment recommendations based on the research findings. Identify the most promising companies or technologies for venture capital investment. Provide a rationale for each investment recommendation, supported by data and analysis. Deliverables: A detailed report summarizing the market analysis, technology assessment, environmental and social impact, investment analysis, risk assessment, and investment recommendations. A presentation highlighting the key findings and recommendations for potential investors. Timeline: Weeks 1-2: Conduct market analysis and technology assessment. Weeks 3-4: Analyze environmental and social impact and perform investment analysis. Weeks 5-6: Conduct risk assessment and formulate investment recommendations. Week 7: Prepare the final report and presentation.

Teaching experience

I have mentored students through a program called The Village Mentoring, where I guided a few incoming freshmen at NC A&T shortly after I graduated. I helped them structure their undergraduate lives to ensure they had fun and fulfilling experiences while setting themselves up for success post-graduation. Additionally, I mentor new incoming analysts at Kearney, assisting them with networking and skill development.

Credentials

Work experience

AT Kearney (2021 - Current)
Consultant

Education

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
BSE Bachelor of Science in Engineering (2021)
Biological Engineering
Columbia College
MBA Master of Business Administration candidate
Business Admin.

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