Tim Lauer

Education

BS Electrical Engineering, Florida State University

MBA, Pepperdine University

UCSB Role

Lecturer, Entrepreneurship TMP 122

About Tim

Tim has experienced a dynamic career spanning technology, venture capital, international business, and education. He is currently an Operating Partner at Brown Venture Associates, where he invests in and advises early-stage AI software and semiconductor companies. Tim recently co-founded the 3D gaming software company Procedural Worlds, Inc. and served as the first VP of Sales & Marketing at semiconductor startup Astera Labs, which went public in 2024.

Previously, Tim led global business development at Intel Capital, a corporate VC with an annual $300M deep-tech fund. Early in his career at Intel, Tim seized an opportunity to relocate to Asia, where he spent nearly 20 years in Taiwan and Hong Kong managing Intel’s regional cloud and wireless businesses. During this time, he also founded APAC Ventures, a consulting firm helping early-stage tech companies expand into Asian markets.

To deepen his understanding of managing global sales teams, Tim collaborated with university professors to publish Understanding Cross-Cultural Sales Manager-Salesperson Relationships in the Asia-Pacific Region. This experience inspired him to create an International Business course, which he has taught for Kansas State University since 2017.

Outside of work, Tim is passionate about learning through travel, parenting, and coaching. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain biking, trail running, and kitesurfing.