Annette Finsterbusch is a dedicated business leader, startup veteran, an investor in innovation. She has extensive experience as an operating executive and as a venture capitalist, focusing on early-stage investments in technology companies. Ms. Finsterbusch is currently the President and CEO of EnPower, Inc., a Phoenix-based lithium-ion battery company focused on the electrification of vehicles.

Before joining EnPower, Ms. Finsterbusch was the Founder and Senior Director of Applied Ventures, the strategic investing arm of Applied Materials, where she led investments in solid-state lighting, energy storage, fuel cells, and lithography. She also served as CEO of MindShadow, Inc., a spin-out from DaimlerChrysler’s Research and Technology Center, focused on automotive infotainment systems, and Ketra, Inc., an early-stage company that developed high quality LED lighting products with IOT capabilities. Having been both investor and fundraiser, Ms. Finsterbusch has a unique perspective on how to build strong, lean, successful startups.

Ms. Finsterbusch has extensive experience on both corporate and non-profit boards. She currently serves as Chair of the SBIR/STTR Subcommittee, Directorate for Engineering Advisory Committee of the National Science Foundation. Ms. Finsterbusch is both a fellow and mentor in the prestigious International Society of Kauffman Fellows, where she was awarded the first Jeffrey Timmons Memorial Award for service.

Ms. Finsterbusch has a bachelor’s degree in Geology and Economics, an MBA, and she is certified as an integral coach.