John Villa

I’m an early-stage investor and special situations operator focused on deep learning, foundation model tooling, and ML infrastructure. I work closely with a small number of top-tier technical teams each year—often over multiple years—as a 24/7 partner on operations, product, corporate governance, GTM, and strategic narrative. I only take on new operational roles by referral, and I invest in every company I support. I advise BCIU on how to translate and position Silicon Valley’s most advanced AI infrastructure companies to international audiences—helping U.S. allies understand the technical, economic, and strategic value of these systems. I’m also active in cross-border chip and compute deals, working with partners across the U.S. and abroad to structure programs and procurement pathways that support American companies. On the transactional side, I selectively work on M&A, strategic financings, and equity-structure design for founders, funds, and boards. I’ve worked hands-on with teams at Brev.dev (acquired by NVIDIA), Vellum, Odyssey, BBB, The San Francisco Compute Company, Fundamental Technologies, Telly, Stealth-BCI, and Wally Health, and I’ve invested in companies like Roboflow, Arcee AI, Howie AI, Proximal, and Stability AI. Previously, I was Managing Director of Predictive Analytics at Column, and before that I invested in AI/ML infrastructure at a New York–based venture fund. Earlier experience includes roles at The Carlyle Group, JLL, and research and policy work at Duke University. I also run a small philanthropic initiative I have a passion for making America a place that anyone from any country can create a life for themselves - my family is an American Dream family, I choose to keep that door open. My approach is simple: go all-in with a few great teams, stay close through the hard parts, and be the person my founders call when it matters—day or night. Views are only my own